Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Cuisine Special
Thomas Gaarde (right) founded Maven Restaurant and Wine Bar five years ago. With two charming and versatile private function rooms, Maven can provide the setting for private celebrations, meetings and other events.
The belly of Copenhagen Maven Restaurant and Wine Bar offers guests a winning combination of history, warmth and delicious food. The restaurant, which is uniquely located inside the atmospheric Nikolaj Church, serves a Nordic brasserie menu with a focus on quality, fair prices and friendly service. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Maven Restaurant
Founded by restaurateur and actor Thomas Gaarde five years ago, Maven has, thanks to its unique atmosphere and delicious menu, become one of Copenhagen’s most-loved restaurants. “What’s unique here is the charm of dining inside a church with soft lights, plank tables and leaded windows, but most important is what’s on the plate and in the glass,” says Gaarde. Maven in Danish means ‘the belly’ and refers to the restaurant’s location in what used to be Copenhagen’s meat market; known among locals as ‘the belly of Copenhagen’. Gaarde chose the name because of the informal and straightforward approach to food it implies and the focus on local produce. But having lived in Italy, Gaarde is also inspired by other traditions. “I am obviously inspired by both the French and 26 | Issue 91 | August 2016
the Italian kitchens, which are fantastic in each their specific way, but I think it would be wrong to solely use French ingredients when we have so much fantastic produce in Denmark,” he stresses. Originally built in 1200, Nikolaj Church is one of Copenhagen’s oldest churches. But in 1795, a fire destroyed most of the building apart from its bell tower. After its reconstruction in 1912, the church has served several functions but none ecclesiastic. With classic furniture, candlelight and informal table settings, Gaarde has strived to preserve and subtly enhance the unique ambiance of the church room. This goes for the charming ground floor restaurant and wine bar, as well as Maven’s two private function rooms. The upstairs space, which seats up to 50 people in one room and is equipped with audio visual equipment, is also popular
for conventions, business meetings and presentations. Maven is not the only culinary venture of Gaarde. He recently reopened the iconic Krogs Fiskerestaurant (see next page), which is also based on creating special food experiences but with a more classic setting and atmosphere.
Located in the atmospheric Nikolaj Church in the heart of Copenhagen, Maven offers guests a distinctive food experience.
For more information, please visit: www.restaurantmaven.dk