The Raven Inn, Walkley, Sheffield

Will Larter left this review about The Raven Inn

Loxley Brewery now own this pub and have named it after the raven which appears on their pump clips and bottle labels; the bird itself died aged 14 and, by virtue of the taxidermist's best endeavours, now appears on the wall above the fireplace. The rest of the decor is relatively normal, with only the slightly annoying antler lamp holders to quibble about. It was pretty quiet here mid-afternoon, in fact if I and another man (a complete stranger to me) had not turned up within seconds of each other the friendly lass behind the bar would have had only herself for company.

The new bar counter has six hand pumps, and there are nine keg fonts mounted on a back board - these include Carling and Aspalls cider, plus a couple of quality lagers and five changing craft beers. On the hand pumps are three from Loxley plus three guests (see photos). I went for the Great Heck Navigator, a beer and brewery that I know well, and the Loxley Wisewood Seven, which turned out to be a very good pale beer with five hops and a robust bitter finish. So good that I had another.

The pub has not been open long but is apparently doing well, with the cask beers selling out long before there's any danger of them going off. The walls are mostly painted dark, though there is enough light even in December to stop the place feeling gloomy, but there is a need for a few pictures on the walls, something to lead the eye away from the stuffed raven. Fortunately, a former landlord has been in and donated a framed list of all previous licensees dating back to 1856, which will be appearing shortly. I'll be back to check on progress.

On 6^th December 2019 - rating: 8
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