Tipped

The bar is where its at

October 19, 2008

Tried The Engineer around 1.30pm on lovely autumn Sunday afternoon. Dining rooms were booked until after 3.30pm but we managed to grab a few stools by the window in the bar area. This turned out to be great fun as we watched the bartender churning out Espresso martinis for the diners onto their last course, and also people watching the Primrose Hill young couples with pushchairs wondering along Gloucester Avenue.

Food was fab. Our trio went for herb crusted salmon steak, porcini 'rubbed' chicken breast with fettucini and a smoked mackarel hashcake with poached egg and a mustard sauce (my choice). Portions were large and deliciously filling and warming on a chilly day. My runny poached egg was lovely and creamy over the salty smoked mackerel and heat of the mustard sauce. I could have licked that dish but I am sure the Primrose Hill set would not have disapproved. We followed with two chocolate fondants piping hot from the oven with a scoop of flouro green mint icecream on top - the boys struggled to finish them. I went for a chocolate tiramisu which was less intense but had a nice boozy kick follow through. The Bloody Mary got a thumbs up from hubby, which he managed to down despite the fact it contained slices of red chilli!

Feeling quite stuffed we walked off dessert with a stroll up Primrose Hill. A wonderful autumnal afternoon.

Keywords: gastropub

When You Were Young

October 13, 2007

I almost hesitate to write this and further expose the Engineer to a new audience of patrons, as this place is not expansive as far as real estate goes. Actually, the Engineer does have a decent dining room both around the back of the bar as well as upstairs (where they can service a decent room for 15+). But the real gem, no matter the season, is the bar and the 4-5 tables up front. This is the kind of place that makes you want to reread Salinger, take up cocktail Marxism, and acquire a foreign boyfriend. Despite the demand for this fantasy (and people line up on the weekends), you never feel rushed and are allowed to languish over the food (one of the best gastro pub you’ll encounter) and ample drinks.

When I liven in Camden, with limited choices, this was my local. Having moved I realize how good I had it.