The Engine Rooms in East Finchley closes
The ‘design-led’ restaurant launched last year at the vintage car showroom, which has one of the largest collections of classic cars in Europe. It served a regularly changing Mediterranean-focused menu using seasonal British ingredients overseen by head chef James Harrison.
Desserts were overseen by head of pastry Darren Cafferty, formerly of London restaurants including Brown’s Hotel, Trinity in Clapham and Roux at Parliament square.
Key dishes included grey mullet ceviche with confit tomato dressing; robata-grilled monkfish tail glazed in miso and soy; and a burrata pizza.
The restaurant was known for its stylish dining room that featured a striking black and white floor, metallic chairs and fixtures and a vast array of modern art from owner Paul Michael’s late wife on its walls.
It comprised a large dining area, a mezzanine dining level and a heated courtyard area with an electric canopy roof for all year dining.
The restaurant’s operations director was Zak Jones, who opened The Clerkenwell Dining Room in 2001 and The Chancery in 2004.
It was located alongside Bottles ‘N’ Jars, a wine shop and deli looked after by drinks writer and former The Clove Club sommelier Bert Blaize, which remains open, as does The Engine Rooms Events Space and the classic car showroom itself.
