Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. See if we've included your local.
By longstanding tradition, the Tower of London maintains an unkindness (that's the collective noun) of six ravens. Now, an outlying seventh perches within sight, in the form of this decent pub.
The first time we visited, the ales flowed freely from 13 taps from a central cylinder that looked like a Tardis console. Alas, it seems to have changed hands now. The console is gone, and the range is more restricted... although still not to be sniffed at... unless you like sniffing beers... which is a bit odd.
The beers might have diminished, and the vintage Pac-Man table banished, but much of the character is intact. Like its namesake bird, the interior is dark and moody. It's a small space, but with plenty of cosy corners to slink into. Don't get too cosy, though. A giant raven peers down from the video screens, keeping a beedy eye on punters. The bar staff seem more relaxed, and have a good taste in music.
Whether all this is enough to set the Raven apart from the many other pubs in the area, which already boasts such treasures as the Dean Swift and a branch of Brewdog (practically next door), remains to be seen. Will it be "Quoth the Raven, nevermore."?