The Engineer in St Albans

Tried something new, well worth it.

The Engineer is my goto pub when I am in Harpenden. They are a very nice car park, and although the area is perfectly safe, it is nice to leave your car safe. I entered the bar to a friendly welcome and was shown to a nice table in minutes. A drink was ordered and delivered quickly, and I was given the list of the day’s specials, all of which sounded good but I had my heart set on more standard fare. I ordered the burger and chips and very shortly after a nicely decorated plate appeared. The burger was well cooked but succulent, the chips crispy and hot; add tomato sauce and it was heaven on a plate. At some point a member of staff appeared to check everything was ok and got a thumbs up. A few minutes after I had finished, the plate was removed and I was asked if I could be tempted with the dessert menu, everyone one knows there is always room for pudding. I ordered the brownie. When ordering the burger I had mentioned that I was intolerant to wheat, and staff automatically switched me to the gluten free brownie. To my delight it tasted wonderful (many don’t). Again the staff left me alone to enjoy my pudding. Shortly after I had scraped the plate clean, a member of staff asked if I wanted any else, I was happily full, so just the bill. The staff have mastered being there when you want them, otherwise leaving you alone to enjoy the meal. I am looking forward to my next visit to Harpenden so I have an excuse for lunch in the Engineer.

One of my favourite Harpenden pubs. Great fun pub quiz here too

I recently visited the Engineer Pub for a light bite, but unfortunately, the experience fell short. I ordered a bruschetta, which turned out to be a disappointment. It was overloaded with onions, the tomatoes were not ripe—some were even green—and there was no seasoning. Instead of the traditional olive oil, they used butter, which threw off the flavor completely. When the friendly waitress asked if everything was okay, I told her the dish was unsatisfactory and asked her to take it away. She kindly asked me if I want something else, but I declined. What struck me most, though, was that none of the supervisors came over to check on the situation or ask for feedback, which gave the impression that they didn’t really care. When the bill came the cost of the bruschetta was removed. Overall, while the service was very polite, the lack of attention from management and the poorly executed dish left me with a negative impression of the pub.

I want to say although they were extremely busy, they remained custom focused, and their customer service was excemparly. I splilt a drink all over the floor, and they made no fuss and replaced the drink at no cost, even though I was to blame. We had an extremely good meal, served by excellent waitresses and landlady was calm and organized. We will be visiting again. thank you for your excellent customer care and good food.

All excellent, highly recommended

My friends and I had lunch at The Engineer yesterday, 8 September. There were 9 of us. We were contacted earlier in the week to ask if we could take a later booking as they already had another large party in. We obliged. When we arrived the restaurant not at all full and no sign of another large party. It took ages before we were offered any refreshment and a long time before it was served. We waited again to place our order, and again, waited ages before it was served. Some of us ordered deserts, and once more we waited. Eventually we cancelled the deserts and asked for the bill and left. The food was really good in lovely surroundings. If there was a reason for the long delay in serving, an explanation would have been good, and we could have understood. They had three people waiting table so no lack of staff. Such a shame.

Great atmosphere in a busy pub, food was amazing, especially the chilli hot dog special. Service was with a smile.. Will certainly return

Pre booked for a party of 11, with all meals, only to arrive and find out the person who takes care of emails wasn't in! Service was slow and poor from the start, 2hrs for main to come out, food wasn't the best, desserts, well they were out of much what we wanted, By the end of it, we were fed up. Don't understand how just 1 person looks after pre bookings!! Wouldn't recommend this place.

Disappointing, wouldn’t go again. Very very slow service and one main wasn’t available due to a late delivery? The pies looked pre-made and the chips serving size was tiny. The manager was having loud conversations with waiting staff about the food preparation in front of the customers. When asked if there was any issues, the manager responded dismissively and aggressively. Overall a very poor experience, would certainly avoid.

The Sunday roast was good and decently sized. The restaurant area and outside areas are nice to eat in. Service was good. Some confusion over our order but the team were able to rectify things quickly.

Lucas saved my day, I’ve lived in London for 30 years and this was my happiest moment

Great pub, friendly staff, all round great atmosphere in this place!

We popped here on a Sunday and arrived, by chance, at 12noon just as they were opening. We sat in the garden to receive some of the British sun, but also have a good view of the outdoor TV for the big sports events that day; F1 and England at the Euros. We had a delightful Sunday Roast that was served promptly; still hot and the request for extra gravy was duly met. Lots of different spaces to sit, relax and watch the sport, or avoid; as you see fit.

No food rating as we didn't eat. Visited on bank Holiday Monday for live music - Sat in one of the garden pods, with own heater and blankets. This was our first visit to The Engineer, and we really appreciated the friendly, welcoming staff.

Had a cracking meal. Lovely pub

Good food, great service and lovely garden 😉👍

What great neighbourhood pub. Lovely outdoor seating area (the pods have lighting, heating, comfy pillows and a heater) - plus fabulous and friendly service and you can still get a Sunday roast under £18 - with prices recently I'm calling this a bargain.

Ordered the chicken and bacon salad. It was loaded with pieces of bread, fried possibly, iceberg lettuce with mayo, about half a rasher of bacon and a deep fried heavily breadcrumbed piece of chicken. No tomatoes, no cucumber, no other salad leaves, no bell pepper, no cress, no radish just the iceberg letuce, that was the salad. The meat of the chicken (burger?) was pink in places and I've not been well since. The pub is under new management and they are falling down on the job.

3 Pie was like a packet of crisps - half filled and the rest air. It was quite disappointing and some how the chicken was dry despite being in a pie… Beer is good - my wife loved her gluten free halloumi but the pie sucked. Unfortunately didn’t live up to the hype. Spent just under £60 for two dinners, pudding and a couple of alcoholic drinks Hoping next time will be better. Maybe due to a Sunday? Who knows.

Great atmosphere and people are always nice and chatty

While on a work trip today. We needed food, so call in. Nice atmosphere but serving staff totally ignored me for a while then served me food was very good.

We had a warm welcome and really great service from Isaac. Thank you.

Hired the restaurant for my son’s 18th birthday meal. The serving staff were incredible, and were stewarded by Jo the consummate professional. Everyone had a lovey time. Thank you to The Engineer team for making our special event perfect!

Unfortunately I went there after a funeral but what a brilliant pub. Food was lovely and the beer really brilliant 👏

Really great service. A very typical pub and the food was good. Recommended.

Update: food is now officially terrible. Deep fried. Over cooked. Don't bother. Beer is fine. Update: reduced previous 4* review to 2* after today's visit. Friendly staff explained it was new kitchen staff but they have a way to go to reach their previous, high standards.

A warm welcome, friendly, attentive staff & a nice 'local' vibe 👌. We had Sunday roasts there last week and I couldn't fault the food either. Apparently the beer is good too (according to my husband) we will definitely visit again in the future as we are soon to have family living close by 👍

The food here is just amazing and also the service provided by the bartender Bill was on the top level. I will definitely record this place to spend the evening

Excellent service, delicious food. The vegan burger was very tasty.

Excellent service every visit. Great lunch menu and ideal indoor location for those with 4 legged friends

Loved this place! I didn’t know it existed. Food was great, no complaints but the atmosphere is fantastic. They have little huts in the garden with heating and decorated with fairy lights, an outdoor tent thing with a TV, ping pong table etc underneath and it’s also dog friendly. A nice place to chill and highly recommended. I will visit again. It does have a car park at the rear BUT be warned that it’s not suitable for sports cars or lowered cars. You will end up scrapping/damaging your bumpers entering and leaving due to the very steep slope. I would advise you to park on the street if you don’t want to damage your car. Apologies for the poor quality pics.

Food could have been hotter. Service was intermittent and slow.

Lovely pub. Delightfully staff. Welcoming and friendly. Super efficient service. Knowledgeable waitress. Delicious food that was very nicely cooked. We had a roast beef Sunday lunch. Vegetables were delicious and the roast beef soft, pink and very tasty. We had a really lovely lunch, thankyou to all the staff and a bug thumbs up for the new chef. It was spot on. We'll be back-with friends.

Went with my sister and partner we had a lovely time. We just went for drinks. Would come back as meal looked good.

A really well cooked Sunday roast

A warm welcome from the staff, and the food was great. but boy the dining area was cold! We had to dine with our coats on which was a shame. Perhaps they forgot to turn the heating on in time? Anyway would recommend, and will come again!

Recent refurb but the feel and atmosphere are unchanged, just as good as ever, staff working hard to keep all the customers happy, great value food and plenty of choice for cold beer.

Best Sunday I’ve had for a while will be back

Had our staff Christmas meal here and what an amazing experience from start to finish. Great service and amazing food. Nothing was too much trouble and communication before was outstanding. Will definitely be back!!

A lovely pub for a Sunday roast. The staff were friendly and there were plenty of screens to watch sport.

Have been to The Engineer many times and found it to be fine. However, they have just cancelled my reservation for tomorrow with less than a day’s notice. No explanation, and no likelihood of finding any where else at such short notice, ten days before Christmas. Really poor service - won’t be going back.

Very nice, separated from the sports area

We went to this delightful pub for lunch on our Anniversary. The food was excellent, the service was first class - all in all a superb experience.

Might be been a bad night, but thought the tall barman/woman was rude and drinks very expensive, food bland and quiz far too easy, like it was made for kids. Also saw a rat in the garden coming out what what I think was the kitchen area! Clearly a pub that thinks it is better than what it is! Also they didn’t give us our chocolates after we finished our food (pictured) even though they were meant for customers!

Good beer, good food and friendly staff.

A lovely fish cake and a more than decent pint of side pocket.... What's not to like!

Really friendly staff made for an enjoyable Sunday Lunch visit. The menu was decent as were the portions and the food was tasty. Intriguing set up with inside or outside dining (pods). Kids were well looked after too.

We had a glorious evening with friends, consisting of drinks, sharing platter (yum!) and laughter. The atmosphere in the Engineer is always great, whether for a quiet drink in an outside pod, a bustling quiz night on Tuesdays or a drink/meal with friends or family. The outstanding part of this evening was our server, Bronwyn. She was super attentive, friendly and just lovely. Thank you for a marvellous evening out. Just what I needed after a crazy week. 💛

Nice little local pub, friendly service, good value food.

Great service if April, Katie and Sharon are there....still good if not but just takes a tad longer to be served....ive been spoilt by the ladies. Chicken wings are fab and good value so is the roasts on Sunday.....tad pricey mind!! Separate seating for grown ups and those with younger ones....separate sports bar (kids not allowed) but in all a very nice place to drop into after a walk on the common

Have visited twice in the last few weeks and the food has been outstanding with a really good menu and very friendly staff. Love the outside pods which can be heated if you wish

Didn't eat here tonight but what a great place friendly helpful staff and wonderful wine menu x

On one of the busiest Sundays ( private party and the World Cup Final ) , the busy staff still found time for a smile and provided a good service . An excellent Sunday Lunch of roast pork ( slow cooked collar ) , crisp Yorkshire , tasty gravy, roasties, carrots, cauliflower cheese, red cabbage , green beans broccoli and kale - this was a plateful and thoroughly enjoyed. The Engineer is a well organised Pub ( Doom Bar, Spitfire , Adnams ) with friendly efficient staff , they deserve all the compliments.

We booked a BBQ here and the venue did not disappoint! Fran the manager was amazing, she was so accommodating and met every demand we had. The food was exceptional. We had burgers from the BBQ menu. The burgers were similar to a specialised burger joint. We had our own area which had a tepee cover and our own bar. The staff were so friendly and we had no waiting around. My staff said this was one of their favourite events. Hats off to the pub and the staff for making it such a special night. This was a private function for 40 people and the area was perfect. We arranged for a magician and the pub welcomed this. I would highly recommend this place for a works do

Simply lovely, will definitely return.

Spent a nice midweek evening with my girlfriends here. Varied seating areas, we chose the main lounge bar on the comfy sofas! We ordered a selection of starters and sides to share, which were all lovely, as were the staff looking after us. I loved the loaded brisket fries and the huge portion of nachos. There was a deal on selected wines that evening too, 25%off a bottle. We noticed other deal nights throughout the week, Gin 2 4 1 etc, so we shall be back again.

We love this place and have visited many times but today was not their day. I ordered roast beef and was really looking forward to it but when it arrived it looked very very fatty. I asked for some horse radish but there was none available . On further inspection of the beef I decided it was inedible. Too much fat, grizzle and tubber to make it in any way appealing so I just ate the yummy veggies, yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes. When a member of staff came to clear the plates he asked how everything was so I told him that it was inedible and unusually disappointing . A few moments later her returned with an apology and said that we would not be charged and offered a drink on the house. A female member of staff then approached and told us that the chef agreed with my complaint and that he was unimpressed with the cut of meat supplied by his butcher and that it would be removed from that days menu. So, I’m not put off by this and will return but I think the story here is one of great customer service fixing something which was out of everyone’s control. Trust me. Every time we have been to The Engineer it has been fabulous so please try it. As for the horse radish sauce? That’s not acceptable but they know that. Well done to all concerned. Now it’s time to have a word with your suppliers.

This pub is great for Michael Jackson music. You'll hear not just one song, but an album. This wasn't for us for various reasons. We asked the barman to change it and got told off. Didn't have dinner.

The Engineer is brilliant. One of, if not the, best pubs in Harpenden. And April is utterly wonderful!

Lovely food and great service, very cosy atmosphere and great outdoor area, haven’t been for quite a while and they have improved the seating area outside, really great job all round.

The pub itself is nice pub but the manager has a terrible attitude and should probably think about changing career. I don’t know why someone would choose a career in hospitality if you clearly don’t like people.

I discovered this fantastic bar/restaurant, purely by accident, while staying in near by Harpenden, looking after a friends Chug Peggy. What a find it was. Whether you fancy, a flat bread sandwich & fries, a tasty salad, loaded fries, satay chicken or a Sunday roast, they can deliver. The food is delicious & superbly presented, the service swift & attentive, and always with a smile, dog friendly, with water bowls & doggy biscuits, for your furry best friend. In fact my friend Jenny joined me on two of my visits, after seeing me post online how good the food & service was. As have a few friends & neighbours, after me posting on social media about their menu. One person, lived near by in Harpenden & had only found out about them, via my social media post & was glad to find a great local venue. I thoroughly recommend The Engineer, great food & great staff. A large garden area, two interior bars & a large indoor restaurant area. It would be a great venue to book for an event. During my 2 week stay in Harpenden, I tried their Beef Sunday Roast (delicious) Brie & Bacon Flatbread with fries (very tasty) Chicken Satay (superb) Halloumi & Avocado salad, with chopped pineapple dressing (a feast for the eyes, as well as the mouth) and Beef Brisket & Cheese, loaded fries, with jalapeños (tasty and filling, when you don’t want a big meal) on the two occasions my friend joined me, she had the Chicken Satay & the Warm Salmon Salad (which she assured me, was as tasty as it looked) Chug Peggy enjoyed her water bowl & doggy biscuits & pulled to go in, every time we passed the venue, en route to a walk on Harpenden Common. Pay them a visit. You won’t regret it.

We just popped in for drinks but loved that they had Heineken 0% on draft

Amazing, kind staff, dreamy food, nothing to not love

The food was amazing and the service was impeccable. Such an amazing pub that provides such a brilliant meal.

Amazing staff and food. Visited for a family lunch yesterday, The staff went above and beyond for us. Children were well looked after, colouring provided and staff very accommodating. Food was top notch and adapted if possible, homemade pie was gorgeous! Beautiful garden space (Shame about the weather or we would have sat out there) We will be back again for sure. Over 18 sports bar also for next time we don't have the children!

We booked for a group from work to go for lunch pre booking our food which had things run very smoothly - we had a nice room to ourselves and were very well looked after by the staff. The food was all very tasty. We will be coming back again for our work gatherings

Gorgeous pub and garden - food excellent best in Harpenden. Service friendly and professional. Will recommend to friends any day!

Bad customer service! I turned up with friends for a nice drink as had been recommended the pub by many! I was with all legal adults, after approaching the bar, hearing the staff members speaking negatively about me and my friends, they immediately demanded my...

Went for Father's Day lunch. The pork roast was amazing, the kids loved the burgers. The desert's are homemade and just Wow!

Lovely friendly pub. It has nice family type areas to sit down for a nice meal one side or if you fancy a pint and watching sports they have a sports bar side. The staff are very friendly and the pub has a nice atmosphere.

Starting with the positives: friendly staff, great burgers and beer… However, badly let down by people who smoke right in your face while you are having a meal without any acknowledgement … I wonder if management should be made aware of the scenario, and if...

Lovely food and evening. Food amazing and a white Malbec.

I've been here a few times for a pint or coffee etc as it has very warm interior vibes and plenty of outside space, and is dog friendly, so I love stopping in here after a walk! We actually held a wake here recently and it was a perfect venue for the size, holding about 50+ of imus, accommodating our own music and slideshow. The food was okay from the spread, but of course this was finger food so I cannot comment on their regular menu! Very welcoming staff and plenty of beers and ciders on tap!

Food was absolutely delicious and our waitress Bronwyn was really great. She was new and had only done a few shifts but was really helpful, very friendly and welcoming. We particularly loved the deserts….. the blondie was delicious as was the creme brûlée in the...

Friendly staff, good food and beers. Plenty of space, outside and in.

Popped in for dinner on the off chance, they had staff issues but the assistant manager April went above and beyond to get us fed. She was brilliant, professional and very friendly. The food was very good, can’t thank her enough

Great pub with great outdoor spaces. Well worth a visit.

Sam served us, Food was incredible and his service was impeccable and such a Great host!

Lovely family lunch! Overall nice experience although we had issues with two dishes, one had to be replaced and the other one was taken off the bill. Aside from that we all enjoyed the afternoon at this lovely pub. My partner loved the fact they serve his favorite beer on draft (Heineken Silver).

Hired the teepee area with outside bar for a birthday event on a Saturday. Would definitely recommend the space, especially in the warmer months. Massive thanks to everyone at the Engineer!

Lovely pub food. Roast lunch excellent. Staff great.

Had a very good roast here on Mother’s Day. We all enjoyed the food and service was very good. Beer garden very good also for sunny drinks.

Mothers Day lunch was excellent. Food and service, esp Felix, we’re first class

Best pub in Southdown with something for everyone; a sports bar, restaurant, and lovely outdoor space. Really friendly, welcoming staff and good selection of cask and keg beers. Food menu looked good and, judging from the positive reviews, it definitely looks worth a return visit to eat.

Superb the quality is still excellent

The Engineer is a great locals pub offering excellent food and drinks. Great combination of bar and restaurant with lovely outside area and pods. April in the restaurant is one of the best waitresses we have been lucky enough to have and is what makes...

Great pub with very comfortable eating areas. Staff were very pleasant and welcoming

Sou brasileira passeando em Londres. Amei o pub! Ambiente super agradável com um clima bem londrino! Atendimento acolhedor e excepcional com pratos perfeitos!

This wonderful pub manages to be cosy and spacious at the same time. Lots of seating areas including great heated outdoor pods. Excellent aubergine curry, good choice on wine list including some 20% off deals. Friendly and helpful service. Highly recommended.

We had intended to go the week before, but was advised there was a sports event on and the place would be crowded and very noisy, great advice and much appreciated. On arrival, there was parking in the car, always good, although there is ample...

I had a Christmas meal out here on the 15th December and wanted to say how fantastic it was. The staff on duty were fabulous.....Lucy, Felix and am so sorry didn't get the another girls names! A great night, service fabulous, food really good and would definitely recommend.

Good food, good atmosphere, friendly staff

An excellent pub/restaurant. Really good food with very generous portions. Ate in the restaurant, which was splendidly decorated for Christmas. Excellent and friendly service from Felix and the team. Come hungry - you won't be disappointed. (The cheesy chips with bacon were so good that I forgot to take a photo before tucking in!).

Lovely pub and the heated pods outside in the garden look amazing

Was singing Christmas Carols with a choir there. Great atmosphere

A popular destination in an easy to find location to the south of Harpenden, near to the common and St. John's church. Relaxed, friendly service in a comfortable environment. A wide selection of drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, with freshly prepared food served during meal times, a new chef has started so be prepared for new food ideas. Recently voted the best pub in Harpenden and St. Albans, it continues to be a solid provider of quality hospitality services.

Good food and service. Nice roomy and clean. Good car park at rear. The fish and chips were really nice.

Excellent. Lovely food and super friendly service.