RESIDENTS were able to see first hand how a former 100-year-old department store now looks after it was transformed into a bar and restaurant.

The brand new Ravens bar and restaurant in Clifftown Road, Southend, officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday.

The new Ravens, which replaced the department store that closed in October 2017, comprises a basement bar, ground floor bar, first floor restaurant and roof terrace.

Paul West, spokesman for the restaurant, said: “The opening ceremony on Friday afternoon was absolutely fantastic.

“The mayor, Fay Evans was there for the opening.

“She had a long night due to the election the night before but she was very happy to be there.

“Various dignitaries including councillors and people from throughout the community were there to celebrate with us.”

The bar and restaurant held a VIP and invite only event for its first night on Friday, May 4.

Mr West said it couldn’t have gone better.

He said: “It was packed and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

“People at the event who knew Ravens when it was a store said they were very impressed with the changes and decor inside.”

The Ravens department store announced its plans to close in June last year after it had served Southend for 120 years.

The business was run by four different generations of the Raven family, until Neil Raven, the previous managing director, took the decision to close the store and to retire from the business.

He said that competition from online retailers had been a factor in his decision to retire.

Since then, the building has undertaken a major revamp and a lot has had to change very quickly.

Mr West said: “The work that has gone into getting the restaurant open has been unbelievable and we have had to overcome a number of hurdle.

“When you are converting building you have things happen that you do not expect to happen.

“There is still a lot of work to do but we are ready and excited for the opening.”

Mr West said he was confident that the restaurant’s first weekend will be a success and that the new Ravens will offer Southend something it doesn’t currently have.

He said: “In my opinion, this is certainly for Southend high street a great impetus of a restaurant that will be aiming for very high profile wining and dining.

“I do not think that anywhere in Southend will be able to compete with it.

“It is also great that we have been able to retain the Ravens brand.

“From a marketing point of view, this is an opportunity to raise the goal posts for Southend High Street.”

The restaurant is now fully open and is accepting bookings.

For more information and to book, visit www.ravenssouthend.com