The Raven Inn, Warrington

Rob Hunter left this review about The Raven Inn

The Raven Inn spent many years as a pub, before being closed and turned into a fancy restaurant. Following this was an extended period of closure, with the threat of developers getting their hands on the building and surrounding land. The community stepped in, and a campaign was launched to save the Raven, eventually resulting in the pub being bought and saved by the community. Unfortunately during its period of emptiness, it was subjected to vandalism and visits from the copper thieves, meaning the community group had its work cut out to get the place open, and it was far more than a simple handing over of keys and ordering stock! Much more history can be found on the Raven's web site, but that is the abridged version!

I managed to visit the Raven on a Friday towards the end of August. The Raven operates a separate lunch and evening food service, leaving a period in the afternoon where it is open for drinks only. I arrived just at the end of lunch service and as such the pub was fairly quiet.

Three cask ales available at the time of my visit - George Shaw Common, Bank Top Flat Cap, and Bank Top Bad To The Bone. Common is a mild, with the two Bank Top offerings being bitters. The Common was very nice and in good condition. A pint of that, with a pint of Pepsi, set me back £8.55. Service from the young barmaid was friendly. I didn't pay attention to the keg offerings but I did observe wine menus on the tables, and the wines listed did not seem to be outrageously expensive.

The interior plays into the age of the pub, with a stone tiled floor, some brick sections, and a brick built bar. There are wooden beams to the ceiling, some exposed brick walls and some plastered in a rustic fashion. Seating is made up of low tables and chairs of various shapes and sizes, obviously geared towards dining in practical comfort and adds to the traditional feel. There is a corner banquette to one section.

Externally there is a car park, and picnic tables on the grassed area to the side of the pub. There is also an area for locking up bicycles.

I was glad to have visited the Raven Inn, and I feel this is a great example of the community pulling together and winning against the odds. The fact they serve real ale, from fairly local breweries, and don't just offer a token big national ale, is also great to see. I would be very happy to return here and try the food.

On 21^st September 2026 - rating: 8
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