A BRAND new bar and restaurant will open in Southend on the site of a former 120-year-old department store.

Ravens will officially open on May 5 after it emerged those in charge appear to have decided to keep the name of the much loved store.

The owners of the new venue are still unknown, but a Facebook page and website were launched at the start of this week.

The new bar and restaurant will feature a basement and ground floor bar, as well as a first floor restaurant and roof terrace.

Councillors across Southend previously spoke out in support of the plans, although they were disappointed to be losing the department store.

A post to the Ravens Bar and Restaurant Facebook page, said: “We are pleased to announce the opening of our brand new bar and restaurant on Saturday, May 5.

“Featuring a basement bar, ground floor bar, first-floor restaurant and roof terrace.

“Our team of chefs, headed by Daniel Watkins, are putting the finishing touches to the menus while our bar team are preparing a fantastic line up of exciting drink options.

“Food and drink lovers - you are in for a treat and we look forward to welcoming you to this exciting addition to Southend On Sea’s restaurant and bar scene.”

Ravens Department Store announced plans to close in June last year before officially shutting its doors for the final time in October.

The store was run by four separate generations of the Raven family and served several generations or residents.

Neil Raven, who was the final managing director, took the decision to close the store and retire.

The closure was deemed a huge blow for the town, with the department store being the longest standing retailer in Southend. Based across three floors, the department store was renowned for its friendly custom and personal touch.

Mr Raven previously cited competition from online traders as being a large element in his decision.

And the new site opening, in Clifftown Road, Southend, marks an exciting period for food and leisure in the town centre, in contrast to the growing number of retailers closing.

At 118 High Street, at the former Mango Bean next to Game, a new grilled chicken restaurant, Pepe’s Piri-Piri,will open soon.

And Essex’s first crazy golf restaurant and bar, Caddies, is opening next month on London Road.

Turtle Bay group have been granted planning permission, to transform the old Post Office site on High Street into a Caribbean restaurant and bar.

The new restaurant will officially open on Saturday, May 5 but there will be a grand opening the previous day. Southend Mayor, Fay Evans, will be on hand for the opening.