This family owned freehouse bucks the trend by serving real ale, good food and hosting some odd social events. And for this independent spirit they've won awards.

The Venue
The Raven is spread over two floors, each with its own bar. The first floor has more space but it is the floor below that sees all the action. The place does not follow the typical pub style 100 per cent. It is more quirky, with wooden placards engraved with mottos hanging everywhere - making these is a hobby of either the owner or the bar manager.

The place looks cosy and welcoming, but it has a bizarre, interesting edge to it. Despite its leftfield approach Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) awarded it pub of the year in 2006 (Bath and borders) and it has a loyal following of real-ale fans.

The People
It seems The Raven wants to be the hub of Bath's social scene as it hosts regular storytelling nights, science club meetings, poetry readings, shove a penny tournaments and anything else they can come up with. Walking in for the first time, you may think these activities exist only on paper, given the quiet crowd of older folks sipping slowly on their pint of ale. But let the night progress and you will see a bustle of life coming to The Raven.

The Food
Not only do they serve interesting pies - their speciality - but they also offer a small selection of tasty traditional dishes. Within the pies, choose a Thai Chook (free-range British chicken, Thai green curry, sweet potato and lime), Mr Porky Pie (free range pork, shallots, apples, leeks, Somerset cider, sage), the Heidi Pie (goat cheese, sweet potato, spinach, red onion, roasted garlic) or the Chicken of Aragon (free-range British chicken, smoky bacon, garlic, vermouth, tarragon).

Otherwise, opt for the house leek, beef and Raven ale pie (£8.20), the locally made sausages with pork, leek, beef and Raven ale (£7.25) or the Ploughman’s lunch with Somerset cheddar, red Leicester and brie with wholemeal bread (£7.25). Farmhouse pate, smoked trout terrine, cold pork pie and puddings complete the list.

The Drink
Ever heard of Severn Bells? Raven’s Gold, Raven, Dark And Mild, Strong Dark And Mild? These are all hard-to-find ales which are regularly available at The Raven (the first two are their own brews). They are all well-kept and not even that expensive at £2.70 a pint. All the lagers are there too, but the ales are the real attraction here so ditch the Fosters for once.

If beer is not your thing you can get some wine from a well-compiled list. A few bottles are available by the glass at £3.20 for 175ml, £4.30 for 250ml and £12.50 a bottle but the most interesting reds and white are sold by the bottle only, and are priced at £15 to £20. In this group you can get a couple of unusual ones, like the rare English white Limney Davenport Gross Manseng Grapes or the red Viumanant Carmenere from Chile.

The Last Word
The Raven is worth trying if you like ale, but even if you don't, when the atmosphere is at its best, it is easy to want to spend hours in here.

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