Reviewed Local Food & Drink in or around Castle Caereinion

Popped in today for lunch having seen that the Raven has reopened. The people running it now are so far from the couldn't-care-less attitude of the previous management, and the building looks so vastly different, that I couldn't believe it was the same pub. Staff are exceptionally friendly and genuinely welcoming, the food is excellent and the prices reasonable. We were advised that food may take 45 minutes to arrive as they were very busy, which was fine and it is always nice know about this in advance. In fact, it took 25 minutes, which is more than acceptable. Much better to warn customers in advance of the possibility, though, so I can see why they did. Portions are massive and the food is very good quality. All ingredients are sourced locally and the homemade nature of the food really shines through. I have a feeling the Raven will do very well under the current staff. I hope it does, because it fully deserves to.

Staff seemed a bit clueless as they checked back with us during our meals 4 times, but food was nice and drink was not bad (beer was a little watery, mind it was Coors light). Chain pub but nice newly refurbished surroundings definitely pleasant to sit for a while. Slightly perturbed to see it only has a 1 star hygiene rating. Didn't get ill after eating there, saw no evidence of poor standards.