After a stretch of silence, The Engineer has quietly reopened its doors, and I was curious to see what kind of return this neighborhood spot is making.

There’s a quiet sense of history to The Engineer that gives it weight without feeling stuffy. The building dates back to the 1800s, named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who once lived just up the road.

So it’s not just another glossy reboot, but a place with real roots. The layout remains familiar, with the bar still acting as the heart of the space with a related flow between dining rooms, the upstairs space and the leafy garden out back, which was a discovery on my exploration mission of the premises.

The Engineer feels refreshed but not overdone. That sense of continuity carries through to the menu. It doesn’t shout for attention just humble gastro pub dishes with a few thoughtful twists to keep things interesting.

Like the scallops with crispy chorizo, those who know me, know that’s my starter yet chorizo or most pork based charcuterie in general are a no-go for me when paired with scallops.

I feel they overpower the delicate notes of these amazing molluscs. Hesitant, I nearly asked for chorizo on the side but persevered, after all I should be trying the dishes as the Head Chef Nino Sadallah designed.

Perhaps it’s the milder more delicate variety of the chorizo or just the cooking method but, no regrets it’s well paired here, gently chorizo infused sauce, plump and juicy scallops paired with crackling chorizo disks.

We’re told the scallops come from a farm in Japan, here. All seafood is sustainable and locally sourced except for the scallops, which are flown from Japan, a reputable farm to ensure freshness and continuous quality.

We also sure to try a few bar snacks and my guest is instantly a fan of both. Beef croquettes are mostly pure pulled beef shin, they incredibly tender and rich in umami beef flavour.

And the twist on the classics I was on about earlier is monkfish scampi, the familiar crisp coating of scampi wrapped around bite sized satisfyingly chunky monkfish.

For the second starter it’s the classic beef tartar with a cured yolk, a generous portion of fresh well seasoned beef paired with sourdough toast. Balanced and satisfying and only £14. 

Before the mains arrive, drinks are in order – a crisp floral Gavi for me and a smooth Old Fashioned for my guest. The Engineer’s drinks list balances classic cocktails with an impressive selection of wines by the glass.

With drinks at hand the mains arrive. Roasted skin on cod with asparagus, pommes anna, caper sauce caught my attention on the menu.

Caper & parsley sauce is a forever classic with white fish dishes for a reason, the saltiness of capers brings that marine feel to the delicate dish.

While the bed of broad beans, asparagus and leak is a subtle count towards my 5 a day. It’s a light and balanced main with a standout of a beautifully arranged pommes anna, shaped like a flower with crisp edges and perfectly creamy centre.

The menu offers plenty of choice – from the comforting classics to a dedicated grill section plus fish and duck. My guest goes the latter, served with a rich jus and wonderfully crisp skin with a satisfying fatty layer under.

The duck comes with earthy beets, tender asparagus and a golden potatoe rosti, all tied together by a rich red wine jus. A bold, colouful yet balanced plate that hits all the right notes.

With the savoury plates cleared, desserts arrive to round out the meal – Belgian chocolate mousse is generously portioned and appears well-suited for two to share but it’s all for me.

Dotted amarena wild cherries on silky smooth mousse add a welcome touch of tartness, but it still seems to lack complexity and depth of flavour I’m typically after in desserts.

The puddings card here leans towards conventional English puddings.

For my guest it’s a bright and crisp lemon tart, with a zesty filling and a buttery, flaky pastry base, well balanced and reserved. He is content with his.

Camden’s eclectic atmosphere might not be for everyone but the moment you step into Primrose Hill, the mood shift to a calm and protected oasis.

For those looking to escape the Camden buzz – or for North Londoners seeking a quality meal without heading into the city – The Engineer is well worth a visit.

It’s a charming gastro pub with historic character, that perfectly captures the area’s relaxed and refined spirit.

The Engineer, 65 Gloucester Avenue, Greater, London NW1 8JH