Admiral Taverns invest its largest capital investment into Chester pub

The Raven in Farndon, Chester (formerly the Farndon), situated by the River Dee, has reopened with licensees Ed Duley and Tom Burge, who have 14 years’ experience in hospitality as head chef and general manager.

Licensee Ed Duley 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 we’re both passionate about is amazing.

Maintaining roots

"Tom and I want to create a place that maintains the pub’s traditional roots and consistently pleases both the local and the wider community.”

The Raven’s renovation saw a complete re-model of the interior and exterior of the pub with two outdoor areas, at the front and rear of the building, and four en-suite bedrooms, with family and dog-friendly accommodation bookable on a bed and breakfast basis.

Licensee Tom Burge said: “Our experience has shown us there are so many venues where drinking and dining don’t exist cohesively, but we know with the right management and correct approach they can.

"The space the Raven provides will allow us to foster an environment where those wanting to drink and those wanting to eat can do so harmoniously.”

Shared vision 

Inside, the pub has been set out across two floors with the ground-floor a traditional pub experience of drinking and casual eating with open fires, and the first floor a designated dining space.

The new licensees have also planned to provide a new food menu when the time is right with a host of vegan and vegetarian options as well as a children’s menu, including Neapolitan style pizzas, cooked in a brand-new pizza oven, a Sunday roast, and a cocktail menu in the works.

Admiral Taverns Business development manager Tom Jones 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.”