Raven, Albert Dock, Liverpool _320
BETWEEN diamond necklaces and diamond waters sits a very different kind of gem. Raven, an Irish American Grill and Beer Hall, is an emerald establishment on the Britannia Pavilion of the Albert Dock.
The two-floor bar and restaurant is unpretentious and welcoming, where you will never feel under-dressed or too old. It goes against the conventions of Albert Dock bars, replacing cocktails and chandeliers with pulled pints of Guinness, wooden floors and light Irish folk music. And why not? In daytime, its rustic charm caters to family dining, while at night it plays well to its Irish spirit, providing a place that anyone can go and have a good time with a good drink.
Rows of wooden tables and benches fill the place nicely, while cosy atmosphere is created by candle-lit tables, next to shelves of carefully chosen items – leather-bound books, pottery, picture frames, which almost make the place feel like home. The bar boasts rows of wide-screen, plasma televisions that usually show live sport, further adding to the classical appeal of the establishment.
Meals here are very traditional Irish pub food. Entrepreneur Rob Gutman, who owns the bar, described it best as being about “Guinness, Champagne, steaks, soda bread and oysters.” However, it is not clichéd and, contrary to its decor, doesn’t feel wooden.
RAVEN, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AD. Tel: 0151 709 7097