A PUB has reopened after a £370,000 transformation. 
The investment has enabled the pub to undergo an extensive renovation, featuring state of the art facilities and providing a welcoming atmosphere to customers.
Owned by leading UK community pub group, Admiral Taverns, The Raven in Farndon will be run by experienced licensees Ed Duley and Tom Burge, who are keen to create a space that caters to everyone. 
The licensees want to ensure that The Raven is an inclusive hub for community life, as well as a destination for those coming from further afield. 
The pub, situated by the River Dee, has a loyal customer base, which Ed and Tom are seeking to grow.

The pub, situated by the River Dee, has a loyal customer base, which Ed and Tom are seeking to grow.

Ed and Tom bring a wealth of knowledge to the establishment. The duo met in 2007 working at a small country house hotel, where Tom was the Sous Chef and Ed was the General Manager. Over the last 14 years, Ed and Tom have worked in many prestigious hospitality venues as Head Chef and General Manager.

Ed said: “Taking The Raven on was the easiest decision Tom and I have ever made. Being able to take charge of our destiny and do something that we’re both passionate about is amazing. Tom and I want to create a place that maintains the pub’s traditional roots and that consistently pleases both the local and the wider community.”

The Raven’s renovation has seen a complete re-model of the interior and exterior of the pub. The pub hosts two outdoor areas, at the front and rear of the building, and features four, ensuite bedrooms. Accommodation is family and dog-friendly and will be available to book on a bed and breakfast basis.

Tom added: “Our experience has shown us that there are so many venues where drinking and dining don’t exist cohesively, but we know that with the right management and correct approach they can. The space that The Raven provides will allow us to foster an environment where those wanting to drink and those wanting to eat can do so harmoniously.”

Inside, the pub is set out across two floors. The ground-floor will be for drinking and casual eating, whilst the first-floor will be a designated dining space. The ground-floor, featuring open fires, will provide a more traditional ‘pub experience’.

Additionally, a new food menu will be introduced when the licensees feel the time is right. There will be a host of vegan and vegetarian options as well as a children’s menu. Neopolitan style pizzas will also be available using the brand-new pizza oven.

Ed and Tom will also be looking into creating an impressive Sunday roast offering.

There will also be a large selection of drinks available. The pub will offer a wide selection of premium larger and cider on draught, cask ale, wines and spirits. The licensees are also in the process of developing a cocktail menu and will look into stocking artisan spirits if there’s an appetite for it.

Tom Jones, Business Development Manager for Admiral Taverns said: “Admiral Taverns has been wanting to invest in The Raven for a long time now, but it was a matter of waiting for the right licensees, who shared our vision, to come along. I firmly believe we've found that in Ed and Tom. Upon meeting them, I was struck by their experience and enthusiasm for the industry. They bring passion and dedication to the table and will offer the local community a fantastic pub.

Throughout the pandemic, Admiral has taken a highly proactive and supportive approach towards its licensees, offering significant rent aid as well as specific reopening support, beer credits, online training and support to access local authority grants.