14 | LUXlife Magazine - Restaurant & Bar Awards 2023 riginally a Baptist church built in 1902, The Church is the oldest building in Sandviken which today serves as an up-scale establishment for dining and drinking. It has been beautifully restored and decorated, with a modern bar and stunning chandelier piece. The building has a wealth of unique charm and character, with certain distinctive features serving as a reminder of the church it was, including the eye-catching organ left intact on the balcony. The restaurant’s menu consists of an enticing selection of fine starters, hearty main courses, and delectable desserts. Foodies will be delighted by the ever-changing options, with new dishes available each season to choose from. From inventive burgers to succulent steaks to vegetarian feasts, guests are guaranteed to find something they will love. Those partial to a cocktail will be inspired by the selection of classic and inventive concoctions available to try, crafted by seasoned bartenders. The Church is an obvious choice for visitors of Sandviken, offering an experience they will not find elsewhere. Guests leave the establishment satisfied, having indulged in a delicious meal and all the beverages they could ever wish for. In the evenings, the restaurant’s atmosphere becomes lively, with music bringing a sense of fun and excitement to guests as they enjoy their drinks and socialise with friends and loved ones. The Church hosts various events, including shows by Swedish musicians. For example, it looks forward to hosting performances by rock-pop bands Drängarna and Rivstart in the coming month. This demonstrates the versatility of the restaurant, providing a relaxed fine dining experienced during the day as well as a fun, social bar atmosphere in the evenings. The restaurant has received a plethora of glowing reviews on online platforms, frequently praising its unique décor and majestic ambience. Guests often leave reviews describing their satisfaction with the dining experience at The Church, acknowledging the great selection of food and beverages as well as the attentive, friendly, and informative service from staff. Many customers comment that they would definitely return to the restaurant in the future, recommending it to anyone visiting or passing through Sandviken. These positive reviews are a testament to the outstanding experience guests can expect when they visit The Church, contributing towards the restaurant’s great reputation. In 2016, The Church made its debut as Sandviken’s unique gastropub, serving as an important meeting point for people to gather and socialise. However, before this, the building was an unused church that Shawn Afshari was inspired to renovate and transform into the restaurant and bar it is today. After 6 months of development with an architect and an additional 3.5 years of construction, The Church was finally ready to open its doors. The business was a huge success in its early years, achieving consistent growth and breaking records with its turnover and the number of guests it welcomed and served. Restaurant of the Year 2023 - Sandviken Based in a converted church in Sandviken, The Church is a unique gastropub dedicated to providing the perfect balance between the pub environment and the gastronomic experience. Guests are invited to enjoy the relaxed culture of a pub and experience the luxuries of fantastic fine dining. Whether customers want to indulge in a delicious meal or simply have a drink with friends, The Church is an ideal place to gather and socialise. O
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