The Engineer, Primrose Hill, NW1

This pub dates from the the middle of the 19th Century, although some embelishments were probably added to the frontage later in the century. Judging by the pub sign, the engineer in question is Isambard Kingdom Brunel, shown with his trademark cigar in his mouth taken from the photograph of him at the launching of the SS Great Britain. Maybe he has a connection to the area, after all he built bridges and tunnels all over the place, but I don't know what it is. The pub itself has been largely opened up, although there is a separate fairly narrow room in a single storey adjunct to the main building, reached via a doorway to the left of the main room. The bar counter is old, and possibly original, although like the fielded panelling on the walls and surrounding the windows it has been stripped of paint and varnish. A piece of the bar back on the corner angle is also old, although unfortunately any glazing has been lost to blackboards. The room on the left seems to be used mainly as a dining area now, and leads back to a further small room on the right behind the servery, and to a garden at the back. The furnishings seemed to be fairly traditional. Also, they seem to have got rid of the revolving stools encountered by the previous reviewer, which is undoubtedly a big plus. There were three ales on - The Sharp's pair of Doom Bar and Atlantic, plus St Austell Tribute. As you would expect of a pub in this area the beer wasn't cheap, with four halves of Proper Job weighing in at £10.45. They obviously do food, but I didn't see a menu. It's an OK pub, and although its ambience and prices reflect this affluent area, it remains sufficiently publike to be somewhere to enjoy a drink without eating.

Attractive corner pub with an imposing façade. Small 'L'-shaped bar, furnished with pews and rustic tables. Upmarket dining rooms to side, rear and upstairs. Busy, with a young crowd in early on a Friday evening, and only limited standing room at bar. Three of four handpumps in operation, with Doom Bar, Oakham Citra and Liberation Ale (£4.15) available. Footnote: oddest sight of the month, a man trying to impress a small dog with the range of credit cards in his wallet...