I have to defend The Engineer after reading this page. Basically, I have worked in the service industry for years and also have friends who work in this pub.I think the trouble is when people who dine out, especially in groups, they expect the staff to cater to every whim and need they may have and when these are not met, for a justifiable reason, staff are then unhelpful, rude and ungracious.I just wish customers would remember that we work in the service industry for a reason, and that is not to p*ss people off. Most of us do this job because we like to make people happy and ensure they have a good time but because we serve food then we should cater to peoples' egos too.Remember, the customer is not always right. And also how lucky you are to be able to sit in a garden in Primrose Hill and have lunch...many people in this world would love such luxury, so if you can't always get what you want, Get Over It!!!

Today was a glorious Autumn Sunday in London - possibly our last for 2008 - and everyone was out and about making the most of the city, with smiles as bright as the sunshine. That's everyone except the staff at The Engineer, who were grumpy and rude from the moment we arrived.

We had a booking for a large group of 12, which we all understand can be more difficult to look after in terms of serving meals etc so we split our group into a table of 6 and table of 4 - this pub doesn't do bookings fore more than 10. The waitress 'looking after us' in fact told us that their kitchen can't handle tables larger than 6.

Our plan for the afternoon was to sit in the beer garden on this beautiful day, eat a yummy lunch (which it was), and share quite a few drinks with some friends but the staff at this pub seemed intent on making sure that didn't happen - we were sick of the treatment so left as soon as we'd finished lunch to go to another pub near by for a few more drinks.

The staff at The Engineer don't seem to understand the concept of the hospitality business. They were anything but hospitable. I won't be coming back or recommending it.

I can only echo what others have written in terms of service - it is absolutely dire, and even though the garden is lovely and the food is good value, it is ruined but the rudeness of the staff.



When unexpected guests showed up to eat lunch we were told that we couldn't have another couple of chairs. We were constantly told off for taking too much space. The waitress was impatient and impolite when taking our orders. I asked to have 2 bills and I got into an argument with the waiter.



In the end I was told that 'we don't provide customer service'. His words not mine.

I may have had a good waiter, but I've been here twice and thought it was just lovely. One of the most pleasant dining experiences I've had in London.



The decor is tasteful without trying too hard, the menu is small and seasonal and the food is inventive and full of flavour.



Often with these popular, trendy pubs they get complacent but this place seems to still take pride in food and service.

The food at the Engineer was not bad, but it's a great shame about the service. My vegetarian friend dislikes mushroom, and there was only mushroom risotto on the menu for veggies, so we asked if she could have the pasta without bacon in it. We were told no, as the sauce came ready mixed. The pasta dish was £12.00 and I could have bought an all mixed in pasta dish from Waitrose for much less!


There was no attempt to offer any alternative or ask the Engineer chef if any thing else could be done. An optional service charge was added to our bill and I'm ashamed to say I paid it.

Back in the early 90s, I used to work at the Engineer and it used to be great with friendly managers. We had a blast, so it's a shame to hear the latest reviews about the Engineer arent so great.

A friend had her 30th birthday at Engineer. My friend's sister had bought a really nice cake but the manager refused to serve it - saying it was not policy.


We had already ordered two courses, plenty of drinks and offered to all buy ice cream and coffees but she point blank refused, changing her mind and saying that as we had the table all night, she wouldn't allow us to have the cake! Clearly customer satisfaction is of no concern at Engineer.

For one reason or another I have been to the Engineer pub three times in the past four weeks and each time I've either been 'told off' or given severe attitude from the staff. What is it with people here that think they are so special? Is it so hard to raise a smile or to helpful to a group of 8 who want to enjoy the warm spring weather with a drink and food in the garden bar?



Don't be so foolish to want to move a stool for example. That is simply not allowed. Don't smoke in the bar area and definitely don't ask to use vacant outside tables. Don’t expect any service and at all costs avoid asking waiters or bar staff for anything. Also, keep in mind that even though there are free tables, they are all already booked. We sat in the Engineer for 2 hours yesterday and were denied a table even though loads remained vacant!?



The best was yet to come though, we were all then yelled out by the bar manageress to move our stools so as to keep the garden bar exit clear. An exit that was secured with 2 rather large and ominous looking padlocks I might add. I have never experienced such a 'rot' of bad customer service in a London pub. I wish Primrose Hill would open up and swallow the Engineer, along with the staff. Stay away and don't go!