LOOKBOOK MAGAZINE #1 // APRIL ‘13
WHAT THE HELL ...? HIPSTER BRIDGE : Hip, horrendous or history in the making ?
OUR WORLD ACCORDING TO AL
Lasse Rimmer / Christian Fuhlendorff / Pharfar / Wafande / Fresh-I / Tormod / Zigge / Christel Stjernebjerg / Sonic Iscenesættelse: Heinrich Christensen / Scenografi og kostumer: Maja Ravn
DET Store reggae finanskriseshow!
23. Februar - 21. April 2013 KultuNaut
kulturkongen
MetroXpress
Besøg os på Facebook Se mere på NBT.dk Billetter: 35 200 900 / Billetbillet.dk
Teater1
Frederiksborg Amts Avis
Finally, a cute little fashion shoot in a secret pearl of an area. Won’t make you a wiser person but the pictures will make you smile. See you next time?
CREDITS
Obviously
Editor: Thomas Ørum. Co-editor: Alex Hughes. Art Direction: Grethe Dam. Photography: Philip Ørneborg, assistant Frederik Heide. Styling: Kristina Andersen. A special thanks to everybody who supported this first issue. N*Bronx is published by Brand Aid Aps, Nørrebrogade 52C, 3. sal, 2200 København N, Denmark. All editorial content is published under copyright and cannot be copied or reprinted without written approval from Brand Aid Aps. Points and opinions made in N*Bronx are those of Brand Aid’s and are not subject to insault nor meant to be provocative in any way. All feed-back will be answered if written to: to@nbronx.net Let us know what you think, please!
BUSINESS PAGES
Ok, enough about Nørrebro and how we’re all really cool and great - what does this first issue have to offer me? What will stimulate my mind if I decide to read on ...?
Then we’ve taken a stand to support the local business owners on Nørrebrogade and the nearby streets and reilluminate the fire about the closed parts of Nørrebrogade where you cannot drive by car nor park. An initiative taken to reduce CO2 polution in the borough and presumeably make Nørrebrogade a safer place to commute. But has the plan worked? And what are the side effects?
ART & THEATRE
So why in English? Isn’t that a little prententious? To try and sound all that ... ? Isn’t it more appropriate and suitable to keep it down to Earth - isn’t that what the people of Nørrebro are like? Yes. Damn right. We’re all pretty chilled out here - but, again, we are also multicultural, multiethnic and we wouldn’t mind getting a few tourists out here either. So that’s why.
This first issue will get straight to the point. No fucking about - let’s get our hands dirty and raise some questions from the get-go. So the favorite local topic to throw on the table over lunch is this fairly new Nørrebro hang-out, Dronning Louises Bro - also known by its new nickname, Hipster Bridge. The bridge that connects us to Copenhagen’s city centre has, for some three years now, been home to the young, the beautiful, the hopeful new artists and talents. And their friends mind you. Lots of them. Not unique for any capitol to change hot hang-outs every 5-10 years but this Hipster Bridge phenomenon does have a lot of uniqueness to it. First of all it isn’t exactly an area like Vesterbro or Østerbro - or a part of Copenhagen K that is hot at a given period of time. It doesn’t have any bars or cafees which makes it a trendy self-catering area (which is a paradox itself ). It’s super small stretching just a tat over 200 meters - and it’s only hot on one side, namely on the side where the sun sets after work (it’s a super bummer to come late and have to sit with your back to the sun - not cool!). And then it’s just plain odd that a public bridge with over 100,000 bicycles and so many cars and buses passing every day can become a desireable hang-out in the first place. Doesn’t make much sense, does it. We’ve talked to a few hipsters in the know, a few local business owners and a couple of citizens next to the bridge about the trend, the pros and cons. Read on on page 22.
NIGHTLIFE
See, we are actually a few who do think that this is exactly what the World needs right now. Our little World here at Nørrebro that is. This N*Bronx is the first of - hopefully - many editions of this little paper. A free “instant” publication to reflect upon trends, tendencies and topics in our lovely neighbourhood. Published in less than 10 days from deadline to delivery by a local Nørrebro design team N*Bronx is an initiative taken to promote the borough that we love so much. And although we call it home the plan is to promote Nørrebro to people from other parts of the World, too. Nørrebro is a multicultural and probably the most ethnic and creative part of Copenhagen and we just didn’t feel there was a printed publication that spoke our language and tied the borough together. That’s our grand mission with N*Bronx - to tie people together. To work together to promote our great neighbourhood. So that we all chip in a little to show the World what a great place Nørrebro is. Where you come to eat, drink, shop, look, watch, feel and be inspired.
A local topic, a hot potato and a shoot.
TAKE OUT
Ok, granted, this new freebie does have a lot of competition out there. And we were probably lucky to stand out just enough in the pile you found us in. Or maybe you were handed this first edition of N*Bronx by someone who likes us. We’re hoping you will like us, too.
EAT IN
Are you kidding me? Another magazine, paper, publication or whatever you wanna call this! Just what the World needs - well done guys. Waste of time I tell ya...
SHOPS
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS NOW?
cover: Libertine-Libertine sweatshirt – Adélie 699 Libertine-Libertine skirt – Adélie 899 Cathrine Saks necklace – Urban Room 350 Ring – Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen 2800 Knit – Le-fix 900 Levi’s jeans – Le-fix 1100
SHOPS
Hooha
Elmegade 14 2200 København N Tel. 35 37 60 37 Open: Monday-Friday 11-18. Saturday: 10-16 Size doesn’t always matter. Hooha may be one of the smaller shops in Nørrebros legendary fashion street Elmegade. But what Hooha lacks in square meters they certainly make up for in terms of their selection of fine brands. Hooha has been a part of Elmegade since 2000 and is therefore one of the original streetfashion shops in this part of town. From carefully selected sneakers to fine leather goods to really cool sweatshirts and t-shirts - and do remember to check out their private label in this section - Hooha is
a shop where you’ll always find something to satisfy your inner streety shopaholic. The owner, Henrik, is very picky when it comes to buying brands for the shop - which is why he’ll always have that special story behind the brand ready for you. The service is great, the selection and mix is more than adequate and the price range is manageable so when - not if - you make it to Elmegade make sure to drop by Hooha. If you bring this copy of N*Bronx you receive a 10% discount in all of April !!
*
Hooha is the go-to shop in Elmegade if you’re after sneakers
LLLP
Fælledvej 18 2200 Copenhagen N Tel. 35 36 60 04 lllp.dk Open: Tuesday-Thursday 11-17.30 Ever tried being in the market for a coffee table but just couldn’t find the right one? Or that special dining table that would just make your year - even your decade? Ever found yourself going back to one of those global hyperstores we don’t even want to mention by name just to become even more disappointed than the last time you went? Well, look no further LLLP is the place to go to next time. Nicholas is the owner of this shop. A visionary entrepreneur refusing to compromise on quality and aesthetics. His furniture is handmade from the finest materials, the details, treatments and finishing will blow you away and leave you wondering if it’s possible to make a living when putting this much effort and high quality ingredients together. Luckily we don’t have to worry about that, we can simply enjoy his creations
and hope to own one some day. They’re not expensive - quality like this cost a bit. And you will be so much happier paying a bit extra here and getting that table, that custommade bed, that bench or one of the other fantastic pieces that not many else own. Sometimes he even has a sale or a promotion that puts you closer to the dream. They aren’t cheap- quality like this will cost a bit, and you will be so much happier payig a bit extra here and getting that table, that custommade bed, that bench or one of the other fantastic pieces that no-one else owns. Sometimes he even has a sale or promotion that gets you closer to the dream.
* 5
SHOPS
Molecule
Elmegade 26 2200 København N Tel. 35 36 06 16 Open: Monday-Thursday: 11-18. Friday: 11-19. Saturday: 10-16 Molecule is a unique shop in many ways. Firstly it is run by the only Irish guy in Copenhagen who isn’t pulling pints at one of the citys Irish pubs. Ok, that may not be entirely true but what is unique about Molecule is the stock this small clothing shop offers: It’s simple but not boring, it’s streety but not printed all over, it’s plain but detailed. Hard to explain really but in this shop you’ll find that perfect jumper you’ve be searching for for the past 10 years. The one you thought you found when visiting Barcelona 5 years ago but ended up never wearing. In Molecule you’ll find a great selection of affordable jersey tees and sweats,
cool raincoats and army prints. And the best bit is that the brands here aren’t the same as in the shop you were in just before (unfortunately it tends to be like that here in Denmark - you’ll often bump into the same brands over and over when shopping clothes here). Phelim (the owner) is good like that - to find new brands from abroad that other Danish shops don’t carry. Me? I got great tourist advice on Ireland when visiting the shop to interview for this review. What a bonus. Molecule offers a 10% discount to all N*Bronx readers - just make sure to bring a copy of the mag.
*
Phenomenon
Nørrebrogade 7 2200 København N Tel. 35 34 33 27 phenomenon.dk Open: Monday-Thursday: 11-18. Friday: 11-19. Saturday: 10-16 When visiting Phenomenon (which lies in the beginning of Nørrebrogade close to Dronning Louises Bro) you don’t only walk into a really cool looking shop with - most likely - the most beautiful wooden floors of all shops in Nørrebro, you also walk into a shop with a great selection of footwear for both men & women. The owner takes the name of the shop seriously. Because at this day in age it is more and more becoming a phenomenon to walk into a nice shop of a decent size that isn’t owned by a giant corporation. Phenomenon is independently owned which is worth supporting so next time you’re looking for your next pair of New Balance, Adidas, Reebok, Asics or Diesel sneakers make sure you don’t forget to check the inventory of this shop. The service is great, the prices won’t scare you away and if you’re coming from the city center it’s just on your left hand side after crossing the bridge.
*
6
Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen Guldbergsgade 7B 2200 København N Tel. 35 37 77 99 malene-helweg-larsen.dk Open: Tuesday-Friday: 11-17.30. Saturday: 11-14 This is a shop you weren’t supposed to find in Nørrebro. You weren’t supposed to find it in any part of Copenhagen - hell, Denmark even. Why? Because it really shouldn’t be possible to walk into a high-end jewelry store in Denmark with beautifully crafted pieces of art for sale and be met with smiles, passion, enthusiasm and friendly service. It just doesn’t happen. For some reason we Danes put up with that. Normally. But in the shop the craftsmanship is of Danish quality and aesthetics (and we like that). And the prices are very reasonable though everything here is handmade (we like that, too). And then there’s that twist, the fifth element - the undefinable. It’s called service. Worldclass international service. The service that any customer is entitled too whether they are spending 500 or 50.000 kroner. You get that here. Maybe it’s because founder Malene Helweg-Larsen lived in New York for many years. Because in New York you don’t get far if you aren’t serviceminded.
I remember my first trip to New York many years ago. Fifth Avenue was one of my first tourist destinations. When walking into all the famous and extremely expensive flagship stores I was met with great American smiles - even bows in some places. I was 21 back then and looked like any 21-year old: shorts, sneakers, a tank-top and my first tattoo showing. Not quite like the other customers (not very fashionable either). But the threatment was right - I could have been that secret nephew of Al Pacino who had just parked my Ferrari around the corner. You never know. Malene knows that. That’s why she is kind, friendly and smiling when anyone walks into her shop. She’s been here since ‘98 so she’s been around the block a few times. Her jewelry is simple, beautiful and of the highest quality. Her signature square bracelets and rings are a trademark but you will find so much more here.
* 7
SHOPS
Adélie
Guldbergsgade 20 2200 København N adelie.dk Open: Tuesday-Friday: 11-18. Saturday: 11-16 When walking down Guldbergsgade one will quickly notice that this street has seriously picked up and accepted the duelling challenge from Elmegade. If you come from Sankt Hans Torv you’ll firstly pass legendary club Rust opposite a row of small boutiques. When moving on you’ll pass the coloured facades of new school Nørrebro shops such as Circus Circus, Le Fix and Le Fix Tattoo. And then - right after passing these cool streetwise shops - you’ll suddenly find this new really cute little shop with an alluring French name on the door: Adélie. Say that again: Adélie. Just saying that name - whether inside my head or out loud - sends me straight to Paris. Music from the harmonicas, fumes from the Gauloises - the works. And sure enough when visiting adelie.dk you’ll be able to find a few words
about how this store is a delightful mix of Paris and Copenhagen. However, the smile and service that meets you when entering the shop is as warm and friendly as anyone can only hope to find in any given Parisian boutique. So what will make your forehead wrinkle? Well, the list of brands that this shop carries (Peter Jensen, Stina Goya, Line & Jo, Libertine-Libertine, Trine Tuxen and Rika to name a few) could make ones palms slightly sweaty but a quick glance at the prices makes you realise that these prices actually do go hand-in-hand with the local target audience. Make sure to mention N*Bronx to receive a 5% discount all throughout April.
*
Urban Room
Guldbergsgade 11 2200 København N Tel. 35 12 11 11 urbanroom.dk Open: Monday-Friday: 11-18. Saturday: 10-16 Urban Room is a shop so right for its time. So contemporary. And eventhough that word, contemporary, sounds dull for some reason this shop is anything but dull. The first thing that meets the eye is the refreshing aqua/minty green facade - and believe me that is refreshing in a country with six months of winter. Then when entering the shop you see walls decorated with the coolest poster art (and they are all affordable by the way). When I was there for the first time the shop assistant was peeping through what looked like a young art student’s portfolio. How cool is that? That they take their time to check out the work of young up and upcoming artists. Love that. When making your way deeper into the store you quickly see racks of clothes, accessories and quirky little gimmicks here and there. So how do you describe or define this shop? Urban Room. That’s what it is. It’s the stuff that surrounds us Nørrebro locals and it’s all the things that inspire us and make us tick. Small upcoming clothing brands, Danish headphone brand AiAiAi, unique watches and much more. Urban Room is a great destination if you’re after a special gift, a weekend accessory or a great poster to make you smile in the morning.
*
8
ADVERTORIAL
Hidden
- but not in plain sight Tucked away - well away - in a small court in Struenseegade ( which is a pretty tucked away street in Nørrebro to begin with) lies this sweet little pearl of a new Danish t-shirt brand. Hidden in Plain Sight is a fresh new brand based on printed t-shirts and sweatshirts of the finest quality - all made from 100% soft cotton, perfect fit and reasonable prices. Only downside at the moment is that you have to travel to Østerbro or to Cph K to get the products as they are only sold in a handful of carefully selected stores. Surely a shop on Nørrebro will catch on soon. It has a very strong but simple con-
cept based on Human Needs that are fundamental for the human existence Physical to Psychological. These needs are shown from real life pictures taken by photographers in our everyday lives so all the prints reflect these needs which are often “Hidden in Plain Sight” That’s what makes the brand so interesting - there is more to the collection than what meets the eye - behind every single print there is a well thought through idea. Visit hiddeninplainsight.dk to learn more about the brand and to find your nearest stockist.
*
9
SHOPS
Jibe Longboards
Blågårdsgade 23 2200 København N Tel. 26 73 92 22 jibelongboards.dk
Straight out of Nørrebro. Jibe Longboards is a Danish manufacturer and distributor of skateboard longboards. With their roots in surfing this is only a somewhat new territory for the boys and since their expectations are very low in this uphill market they can only succeed if you ask them. The longboards can obviously be used as originally intended: as an extreme sport (downhill), freestyle and freeriding. But even more so the longboards are a great means of transportation in the city - a great alternative to the bicycle. The longboard is a cheap, eco-friendly and exhilarating way to get about town. After a bit of practice some might say it’s even quicker than the bike. And when the rain hits the longboard
sure as hell is easier to bring on the bus than your bike ! Finally, as Nørrebro locals we like the extra bonus that no one will be stealing your board as they would your bicycle (‘cos your boards sleeps next to you in your flat). The man behind Jibe Alexander Bengtsen is a passionate longboarder and entrepreneur running the company from the offices of Inkubation at Blågårds Plads - facilities provided by Copenhagen Business Academy. Whether the longboard is a future means of transportation or merely a tool to explore new boundaries time will tell. Jibe Longboards will do their part to spread the word with a sufficient portion of good karma!
*
Casa 17
Blågårdsgade 17 2200 København N Tel. 35 35 00 80 casa17.dk Open: Tuesday-Thursday: 10-18. Friday: 10-19. Saturday: 9-13 This is just the nicest little local hairdresser. If you’re lucky enough to get an appointment with Camilla you should really take it. Obviously she’s always booked more than two weeks ahead so if you’re able to plan your haircut (!) you’ll find out why we say obviously. She’s great at her trade she is always in a bubbly mood and the decor in the shop (fireplace, vintage leather sofa and lots of other custom designs and details) is just that perfect finishing touch to a lovely experience. Prices are kept reasonable - which is rare these days when it comes to hairdressers - so hurry up and visit the online booking site!
10
As a unique super deal for all N*Bronx readers Casa 17 offers a big discount on selected EVO products all throughout April! Only downside to that deal is you’d better be quick as these products rock, so they sell out quicker that you’d think! A little bit about EVO: Australian innovator focusing on healthy hair products under the platform “Saving Humans from Themselves”! Simple packaging design and just the funniest product describtions. Check evohair.com
*
Le-fix
Guldbergsgade 16 2200 København N Tel. 64 65 82 85 le-fix.com Open: Monday-Thursday 11-18. Friday 11-19. Saturday 10-16 If you’re from Copenhagen - hell, even if you’re from a remote part of Jutland - you will by now have heard about Le-fix. These boys have made it on the tough street fashion scene. For the past ten years or so it seems there has been new streetfashion brands crawling up like zombies from some secret streetfashion graveyard each season. From high school kids making caps and tees to more established companies trying to get a bit of that very sexy streetfashion cake. There has been no limit to the various variations you see when visiting any given fashion fair in the World. Streetfashion is still hot and there’s still money to be made. So needless to say the competition has been fierce and not many of the above mentioned contenders have made it. But Le-fix has. Luck? Hard work? Just enough details on an item as basic as a
pocket tee? My bet is a fair share of all of the above. So what should you expect when entering their shop on Guldbergsgade (which is their original location - well, they actually started out two doors down in Nino’s Pizza shop to be exact but that’s a different story)? I expected a good portion of “fuck you I’m in fashion but I am also streetwise and I made it” kinda attitude. I got the exact opposite. These guys are just super friendly, cool, helpful and chatty. You gotta love that - an edgy yet friendly store with the perfect mix of sneaks, tees, British heritage and their own collections. We highly recommend a visit to this must-see Nørrebro gallery of vital expendables. Make sure to inquire about their recently opened art gallery!
* 11
a gentle roar -
photographer – Philip Ørneborg, assistant – Frederik Heide styling – Kristina Andersen & Grethe Dam models – Ellinor Larsdotter & Mattias Lysgaard
previous page: Pernille Corydon earrings – Urban Room 250 Pernille Corydon ring – Urban Room 350 Pernille Corydon ring – Urban Room 350 Bracelet – Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen 7200
Lolly’s Laundry cardigan – Urban Room 1200 Lolly’s Laundry shorts – Urban Room 299 Shoe Biz shoes – Phenomenon 799 Bracelet (thin) – Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen 1100 Bracelet (thick) – Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen 1800 Small branch earring – Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen 8000 Large branch earring – Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen 9700
Iriedaily hoodie – Molecule 650 Baracuta jacket – Le-fix 1400 Levi’s jeans – Le-fix 1100 Triwa sunglasses – Urban Room 999 Rika shirt – Adélie 1200 T-shirt – Hidden in Plain Sight 349 Fiveunits jeans – Urban Room 699 Rika bag – Adélie 1700 Triwa watch – Urban Room 1995 Triwa sunglasses – Urban Room 999
Cap – Le-fix 300
Rascals shirt – Hooha 700 Chino – Le-fix 700 Adidas sneakers – Phenomenon 799 T-shirt – Hidden in Plain Sight 349 RVLT shirt – Molecule 600 Levi’s jeans – Le-fix 900 Karhu shoes – Le-fix 900 Triwa watch – Urban Room 1095
Iriedaily t-shirt – Molecule 300 Levi’s jeans – Le-fix 1100 Triwa watch – Urban Room 1095 Libertine-Libertine sweatshirt – Adélie 699 Libertine-Libertine skirt – Adélie 899 Cathrine Saks necklace – Urban Room 350 Ring – Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen 2800
EAT IN
Meyer’s Madhus Nørrebrogade 52 C 2200 København N Tel. 35 36 38 37 meyersmadhus.dk
Meyers Madhus, founded by food entrepreneur and Noma co-owner, Claus Meyer in 1999, is a small food center in the heart of Nørrebro. Meyers Madhus specializes in cookery courses for children and adults and gastronomic teambuilding for companies, but also provides culinary consulting, engages in research and food policy projects and publishes cookbooks, among many other activities. In Meyers Madhus you can take a course in your favorite food discipline – from baking to sauces or New Nordic cuisine, to name a few. Or you can tag along on one of Meyers Madhus’ forag-
ing excursions. As the winter is finally receding, Meyers Madhus arranges a series of trips guided by a foraging expert to destinations that offer edible plants, berries, mushrooms, shellfish and the likes – all there for the taking. Meyers Madhus also hosts events where interesting figures from the domestic and international culinary scene are invited to share their knowledge and approach. Cookery courses and teambuildings take place in three well equipped kitchens tugged away in the courtyard of Nørrebrogade 52 C. Check out the cookery courses and event schedule at meyersmadhus.dk
*
20
Kung Fu II / Izakaya
Ravnsborggade 16b 2200 København N Tel. 40 63 69 76 kungfubar.dk Open: Monday-Saturday: 17.30 - the place is empty ! I dare you. I double dare you motherfucker! Guess what Izakaya is in Japanese – and you can’t visit Kung Fu’s website before answering that. Ok, so we nicked a great quote from a great movie to get your attention – we’ll make it up to you. Izakaya is best decribed as a tavern – or in Danish: Kro. And that’s just what Kung Fu II and the neighbouring Izakaya is. And like all things Japanese it’s a lot cooler than most Danish taverns: Clean, minimalistic yet cosy. In Kung Fu II on the corner you share rather large square tables (you can come as a couple and have your own table, too) with the other guests. You’re
served great authentic food such as dumplings, charcoal platters of meat and fish and amazing sushi. In Izakaya next door you just wanna get drunk in the most stylish way possible. The small bar makes you wanna sip on delicious cocktails followed by Japanese whiskies. From Monday to Thursday both venues offer a discount of 10% to all N*Bronx readers throughout May – so remember to mention you read the mag before getting too gracefully wasted.
* 21
THIS ISSUE’S DINING FEATURE
Bevar’s Ravnsborggade 10B 2200 København N Tel. 50 59 09 93 -
Open: Monday: 9.30-23. Tuesday-Wednesday: 9.30-24. Thursday: 9.30-01. Friday: 9.30-03. Saturday: 10-03. Sunday: 10-21 Bevar’s is not only a fairly new café in Ravnsborggade - it’s also a completely new type of café overall. Because what you see when you walk into Bevar’s is only one third of their total concept. When we walked in we thought to ourselves ‘what a cool new café with cool interior and fantastic posters on the wall’ but then Lau (the founder) started talking about his idea: To start a café focused on building relations between creatives and entrepreneurs. We thought to ourselves ‘ok - cool’ not really understanding what he was talking about. Although then he explained how he had researched and how he had been writing a thesis about this concept. And then we really listened. Lau wants Bevar’s to be a cosy, laid-back café where you meet people and build tomorrow’s projects together. Then you’ll bounce ideas off each other and talk about developing business ideas and concepts together. And with the people you know put together with the people you meet at Bevar’s things will start to happen. Lau is even working on an online platform - a meeting place - to structure and tie together all the loose ends. Oh and this café has got to be the only one in Nørrebro with a meeting room in the back - so take your meetings out of the office and make them cosy! It is important for Lau to state that the platform is for the interested but the good food and drink of the café is for everybody!
*
EAT IN
Malbeck
Birkegade 2 2200 København N Tel. 32 21 52 15 malbeck.dk Open: Sunday-Thursday: 16-24. Friday-Saturday: 16-01 I like my wine. And I like my wine good. I also like to drink my wine in nice surroundings and this is where the problem occurs. Because if you add up the information given above then you’ll most likely end up drinking and dining in a very costly establishment. I’m not cheap - don’t get me wrong I will pay for good food and drink but as everybody knows Denmark is not exactly known for great affordable drinking and dining. We’re known for great dining Michelin great - and we can also stump up some award-winning wines. But they will cost you since we’re not a wine producing country. That’s why Malbeck caters to me. They’re different. All three Malbeck restaurants are located in cool and edgy parts of Copenhagen - so what did they do when opening a wine and tapas restaurants in neighbour-
hoods primarily known for their young people - and a lot of them students? Well, they made them affordable but still great quality. Tricky but apparently it can be done. Sundays. This is where Malbeck also differs. Now they want you to come down on Sundays to have a glass and a bite to celebrate the last day of another great week. And what a great idea. Also another tricky challenge for the Malbeck boys ‘cos we all know how Sunday is sacred to us Danes as we curl up on our beloved sofas to watch one of our ‘great’ tv-series. Well, fellow Danes SHAKE IT UP a little, go crazy! Do something different and stroll down to your nearest Malbeck to have a nice glass of your favorite grape - and go on, have a little sausage with that. You’re worth it as they say.
*
24
Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus Sankt Hans Torv 30 2200 København N Tel. 35 37 68 00 pussygalore.dk Open: Monday-Wednesday: 8-24. Thursday 8-01. Friday: 10-19. Saturday: 9-02. Sunday: 9-24 On Sankt Hans Torv, in the heart of Nørrebro, lies Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus. Situated on one of the largest squares i Copenhagen, there is always life at this iconic café. For Copenhagener’s, Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus cannot be avoided. As soon as the sun shines over Copenhagen, streams of people flow to the café to try and grab a seat on the square. In the winter, the café serves as a second living room for many locals, and Copenhageners alike. They come to enjoy the coffee while using the free wifi, reading a newspaper, grabbing some lunch, or settling in for a hearty dinner. The interior is both trendy and classic. The atsmosphere is always relaxed and lively, which is why after almost 17 years, Pussy Galore’s still attracts a wide range of individuals. Here students, business folk, designers, musicians, and young parents sit shoulder to shoulder, in what some consider their second home. Pussy Galore serves nordic cuisine with european influences. Danish and seasonal produce is very much in focus, as the menu is changes 6-7 times annually. Pussy Galore also tries to use organic produce where price and quality allows for it. The day starts with a robust morning buffet or breakfast platter, or a choice of brunches. The lunch menu offers modern interpretations of clas-
sic danish café dishes. The evening menu consists of current seasonal dishes. All the dishes, are created from scratch with specially chosen ingredients. The cakes and bread are all made a baked in house. Apart from regular soda’s, Pussy Galore also offers fresh juices, smoothies in the summer, elderflower lemonade, and ice coffee. The coffee is supplied by Risteriet, a copenhagen based roasting house. The coffee is roasted on the same day as delivery. The coffee is delivered in vaccuum bags, securing freshness and quality. All the bartenders have been on a barista course, and therefore know their coffee. Pussy Galore’s wine menu boasts a selection of wines to house all tastes and budgets. The wines are chosen to cater for season and current menu with 3 options on glass in both red and white, if you are not in the mood for a whole bottle. Pussy Galore’s also has a good selection of danish and import beers. On top of all of this, Pussy Galore’s is a great place to meet for cocktails and drinks. The cocktails on the menu are Pussy Galore’s own inventions, although the bartenders can make a few of the old classics, if you ask really really nicely! The kitchen is open weekdays 08-22. 09-22 on weekends.
*
25
TAKE OUT
Jonas Pizza Hillerødgade 21A 2200 København N Tel. 35 83 15 99 Open: Monday-Sunday 11-22
Jonas Pizza is pretty much like any other Copenhagen based pizzeria: There is a counter, underneath it are some fridges, on the walls there are tiles. So - pretty much like any other pizzeria. But these guys want to stand out. They want loyal returning customers and they know better than you and me that there is only so much you can do to make a different kind of pizzeria. Firstly they have made it a cardinal rule that the shop is always spotless. Clean as can be. This type of business becomes iffy if they receive anything else than a happy smiley from the The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Secondly they want to make you feel that this place is extra clean - so they bake every pizza wearing disposable plastic gloves. Just to make you go ‘Ah’. Thirdly they want to get on board that healthy train - so they introduced wholegrain doughs. Not the first to do it but definitely one of the only ones in Nørrebro. Finally? These guys have the best service within a 10k ratio. I mean, these guys will remember you after your third time there - and if you give them your name, they’ll remember that, too. And this one you’ll like: They don’t offer any discounts. They add service and all of the above for free. It’s what they call discount.
*
Service Kiosken Hillerødgade 21B 2200 København N Tel. 35 85 25 54 Open: Monday-Sunday 8-24
Are you having a laugh? You’re reviewing a kiosk?? Damn straight we are! Because this isn’t your average kiosk. This is the Rolls-Royce of all kiosks. This kiosk will make it their mission to have in their assortment all you desire. So really? Yeah - within the law. So when a customer came in one day asking for Stronzo beer - you know the one with the Hornsleth designed labels. The one they have in Irma City
and those quirky cafés that also have other micro brewery beers. Well, obviously they made it their mission to get some to satisfy that customer’s need. That - and the fact that they remember you and always ask how you are just makes this particular kiosk stand out from the ones where the guy at work is so busy watching a movie that he can’t serve you properly. You know?
*
26
The Mad Hatter
Sankt Hans Torv 3 2200 København N Tel. 35 55 1918 Open: Monday-Friday 11-19. Saturday-Sunday 12-19 Big props. Mad props. That’s all we can say ... Except we’re saying a lot more here. Anyway - what we’re trying to say is that this is a gutsy move ! One of those moves that you gotta respect so so so much. I mean, imagine pitching the idea of opening your own shop to your friends and family. Imagine their reactions - especially during this heavy financial crisis that we don’t want to talk about. Then imagine ignoring their advice on how you should wait a bit, play it safe with ‘a real job’ (‘cos being self-employed isn’t a real job - it’s hardly working at all). THEN imagine pitching the idea of opening the first Bubble Tea shop in Denmark. Sorry - say that again, Bubble what? That’s right, Bubble Tea! I’ll be the first to admit I had no clue what that was when entering the shop for the first time. But after Simon (one of the courageous owners) had given me the run down I now know that it’s something rather unique from Asia which is very sweet and definitely an experience you have to have. It’s sweet, bubbly, all natural made from milk, fruit and Tapioca balls (make sure you look this one up because they are not very common in our part of the woods). We highly recommend trying one of these bad boys next time you’re in the mood for something sweet.
*
Zim’s Kitchen Elmegade 30 2200 København N Tel. 60 68 63 23 zimskitchen.dk
I used to go to Zim’s all the time - especially on the way to the movies. I still go to Zim’s I just don’t go to the movies these days - hard to fit in when having a seven-month-old baby in the house. But it was just so perfect - order the tickets, run down 45 minutes before the movie started to pick up the tickets and then back to Zim’s down the road for some grub before heading back into the dark theatre. By now you got the idea that Zim’s is a place to get food fast. And that’s exactly right - not fastfood. Because that’s not what they’re about. They’re about really nice fusion dishes that may be pre-made but
still freshly made that day. And that’s nice when you don’t have ages to spend. Chili con carne, chicken tikka masala, lamb spinach and exciting curries on the menu. Zim’s is a small, simple straight to the point kinda joint. A few seats, a counter with great food and a fridge with the beverages you need. Nothing more, nothing less. How great is that? Oh, did we forget to mention the service? Always pleasant and helpful. Prices? Low - too low I would say but I’m not complaining - yummy affordable dishes in Copenhagen are in high demand! 27
*
TAKE OUT
LOS
Guldbergsgade 22 2200 København N Tel. 27 28 25 41 Take one square meter in a shop and make it cool. Make it clean, designy, simple and yet cosy. And don’t spend a fortune. That must have been the brief for the designer when decorating the LOS coffee shop. There aren’t a lot of square meters to work with - but what the shop does have is a lot of small quirky details, corners and angles and instead of seeing that as a limit to what could be done here, the guys saw it exactly opposite. We’re in Guldbergsgade one of the ‘it’ streets in Nørrebro. On an alluring row of coloured shop facades you’ll find the likes of Circus Circus, Le Fix, Adélie and LOS coffee shop. All next to eachother like on a string of pearls. Had the colours been a bit more pastel you could well have been in Notting Hill or any other typical English neighbourhood. But you’re not - you’re in Nørrebro. I made an effort not to inquire about the name: LOS. I found it intriguing. You wanna put something behind it, don’t you? Los Feliz, Los Angeles, Los Lobos. But there’s nothing after LOS and that’s just the way it is here. Take it or leave it. I’ll take it because I think it’s great. It made me go in. Made me order my delicious coffee - which I assume comes from a South American country hence the name again. But I don’t know - and it doesn’t matter. The coffee was kindly priced. The girl serving it to me was kind and welcoming. The food they prepared while I was there (a delicious morning platter) looked delicious and by the sounds of it so is their tapas plate that you can order for lunch. And then it doesn’t matter what comes after LOS - or what LOS was intended to mean when the owner named it. LOS is just a nice, small, local coffee shop with a really cool interior where you can even be left alone in the back when you want to read, work, talk on the phone or make out with your girlfriend. LOS as a concept isn’t finished – it’s a build-on project constantly evolving. The place is designed and built by axelpetri.com whos talent you’ll recognize straight away. LOS offers a discount to all N*Bronx readers - just mention at the bar you read this!
*
28
Sund Sult Elmegade 8 2200 København N Tel. 35 39 07 07 sundsult.dk
-
Open: Monday-Saturday: 10-21. Sunday: 12-21 This is one of our absolute favorites. Sorry to favour but it is. The reason why is that everything is made daily from scratch. Should be a given standard at any take-away joint you may be thinking but when you visit Sund Sult and glance over the counter with numerous variations of healthy salads (and the variations change daily, too!) you’ll have to admit that it takes more than originality to run this shop. We’ve been eating our way through their delicious homemade falafels, beetroot salads, wholegrain baguettes and - when feeling slightly naughty - their homemade turkey/mozzarella/avocado toast hit the spot. This is simply one of these places where the broccoli is never overcooked, the sprouts are always crisp and the wholegrain bread actually tastes and feels like wholegrain. No cheap tricks here, no corners cut. At the drinks counter you’ll find refreshing beverages such as organic ginger ales, sparkling elderflower and - again when feeling naughty - you can even lie to yourself and call it healthy while picking up that Brazilian Guaraña soda (well, it is made from some kind of real berry they say!). Sund Sult offers a discount to both student and locals from the nearby area - make sure to ask when paying.
*
(
THIS ISSUE’S
)
The Hub Nørrebrogade 52C 2200 København N thehub.dk
“ODD ONE OUT” Each issue we reserve a space for a special organisation or initiative. This is one of those.
Social Entrepreneurs The HUB Copenhagen - a community and co-working space. We provide a platform for change makers that create social and sustainable impact. Our 50 members work on innovative projects, ranging from biodiversity, urban interventions, green city maps, alternative education programs, consulting for CSR/ corporate ethics, creative process development, to alternative recycling strategies or new forms of social interactions. We believe in sharing of inspirational ideas, knowledge and experiences. With a global network of 35+ city HUBs all over the world, we do this virtually but also, and most importantly locally on the spot.
The HUB Copenhagen hosts a variety of open and usually free events, workshops and innovation labs. We aim to foster collaborative learning, inspiration and support in the area of social innovation, which help you take your initiative or idea to the next level. If you are interested, simply come by our regular, open Wednesday lunches and meet our members and learn about the opportunities of engaging. For all events going on at the HUB, check us out on facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/TheHubCopenhagen We are looking forward to meeting you!
* 30
EDITORIAL FEATURE
OVER THE BRIDGE?
A
bout two and a half years ago I visited a friend living in a stunning three-bedroom apartment right on the Peblinge Dosering. Waking up overlooking the lakes every morning must have been as good as it gets, I imagined. The rent was really reasonable, too. So when he started complaining about the noise from the street and how that had become a problem for him I thought to myself - really? Come on, you gotta have bigger problems than that - and surely this is something you can live with when living that central in Copenhagen. He didn’t disagree with me and he was definitely not sure he was doing the right thing when moving out of that apartment after only three years. But then I started interviewing people in the area for this article. And people tend to agree with my friend. Although most of them haven’t yet thought about moving - because they love the area too much - one couple are actually looking to get away. So why is that - how bad can it be? Well, here are
a few examples. Summer 2011. It’s a hot one in Copenhagen so most of the windows around the lakes are open twentyfour/seven. A good night’s sleep is suddenly interrupted at 1:30am by a heavy bass pounding the seasons latest beats. Most of us know how it feels to wake up like this - heart racing, thinking what was that - is my house on fire or what?? After following the sound - well, noise, towards the source I quickly found out it came from the outside, from Dronning Louises Bro and a gang of young and very trendy kids who either didn’t give a shit about their jobs, their school or whatever the next day - or they didn’t have either one of the above to attend to. Fair enough, when you decide to live in the centre of a city you gotta expect and accept - this. And you do. Accept it. At least the first 5, 10 - maybe even 15 times this happens. But then you start to get bothered. Escpecially when it’s a ‘school night’. And it just so happened that this did, in fact, happen more so on any given weekday rather than on the weekend. Then you start thinking: Ok, if they only party for 31
EDITORIAL FEATURE an hour or two. Or maybe they stop before 2am this time. Pushing your own boundaries - and essentially boundaries for what is OK. For what is OK? And how much shit should you take - just because you live in a city that’s the size of any other mid-size European city? I mean it’s not like you chose to live in Tokyo, downtown Sao Paulo or New York City is it! I remember having this conversation with my hairdresser who said: “Hey, I live in Nørrebro and I have two kids. I like it here. But does that mean I should put up with young students in my building partying like the guys from Jackass every night? I don’t think so. That’s not OK. Whatever happened to common courtesy and respect for one another?”. I thought about this for a while. It was nice to talk to someone who didn’t laugh at you whilst calling you a grumpy old man (I have learned to live with that nickname by now). Here was someone who understood where I was coming from and, let’s be honest, us humans we do like people who understand us. We like to be somewhat alike, whether we like it or not. My conclusion is: No, you do not have to live with too much shit. But when you catch yourself calling the police three nights a week you need to ask yourself if you are picking the right battles to fight. Fighting an endless amount of hipsters partying on a bridge only fuelled by the police turning up was not a battle worth fighting. In the end it seemed like more fun to the kids the nights the cops did turn up. And the nights they didn’t - when they had real police work to do - well, those nights ended up seeming a bit boring to the crowd. I remember one night with a big crowd partying. A mixed crowd. Random. Left-wing activist types partying alongside club kids, gangster type kids, neo-hippies and hip-hop kids. Weird mix all in some dysfunctional harmony soaking up the last drops from their last cans
32
of beer. The cops showed up in quite a big number. I didn’t call them this night so I guess someone else got tired of the partying. I sat up watching the show from a distance. When the cops tried to break up the party a small group ran away down along the lake towards our apartment. They stopped and ran into a courtyard. I thought they were hiding but the cops hadn’t even noticed them so no point in hiding I figured. Then they came out from the courtyard with two big garbage bins. One of them had found a wooden pallet. They made a big pile in the middle of the street and starting to make a bonfire. This was a small street so the cars and bikes in the street were really close to their set-up. This became two much for a nearby neighbour who opened the window shouting quite an impressive vocab at them. Gutsy, I remember thinking. After fucking about for a while looking in the wrong street the cops finally found their pile of junk long after the hoodlums had vanished after giving up - nobody had any matches maybe. Useless coppers I remember thinking. The interesting bit about this bridge is that during the day the crowd is what I would call a ‘look at me - I’m here, too!’ kinda crowd: This generation’s young and hopeful who have grown up in a time where ones look, ones gear - people’s perception of one as a brand - is more important than ones content, talent, skills, knowledge. The bridge has become a live Facebook stage if you ain’t here you’re missing out. You don’t have to be here every day, but you gotta be here. You have to like posing and looking cool. You gotta flash those latest sunglasses and that funky new cap - that’s not from here, is it? Where d’you get that - New York? During the nights the crowd changes gradually. Some of the more serious kids leave early. They have a life outside the bridge. And the crowd becomes more colourful, more mixed. You see people who would never even
talk to each other during the day. Partying, living it up. Interesting study. Some just don’t want to leave. Don’t want the party to end. We’ve all been there. A thing that really impressed me was how the bar was raised from summer to summer. I remember the summer of 2011 to be the one when it really took off. But it started like a natural, organic growth, an underground, word-of-mouth thing. From one day to the next you would see people passing over the bridge on their way home from work. Meeting a friend for a coffee on one of the benches. Towards the end of that Summer the bridge was definitely already an established venue - and you had to be there early, leaving work early, if you want to be sure to get a spot in the sun. People already then started to loosen the benches along the lakes and bringing them up on the bridge so they could sit properly. Then Spring came the following year and I remember thinking ‘wow, that was early’ when I saw people still tucked-in in winter coats soaking up the first rays that year. Still nice - nothing like watching the Danes race out to catch the first rays in spring like there’s no tomorrow. And who can blame them? We only have, what, three months of proper Summer - and that’s in a good year. Then came the club kids. I’ll never forget this. I had seen the Christiania Bikes before with one guy riding the bike and a girlfriend in the boot in the front. Cute - and old school in a way. The guy working hard on the pedals to take his chosen one somewhere special. But what I saw this Summer made me laugh. A guy on one of these bikes with a mate out front who couldn’t even sit properly because underneath him were two car batteries welded (it seemed) to the boot floor and then hooked up to two full-size disco speakers! Made me laugh - I remembered myself on my skateboard back in ‘84 with a (back then) big ‘ghetto blaster’ with detach-
able speakers. Then they stepped up their game. They raised the bar. Only weeks later I saw a guy I remembered from the year before. I thought I heard Richard Branson coming around the corner in the tank he used when introducing Virgin Cola while blasting down Times Square. It wasn’t Richard. It was this guy, this kid. Goofy looking kid who must have been in his parents’ garage all winter fixing up his Christiania Bike. It was bright yellow, had custom wheels and - get this - giant Mickey Mouse ears functioning as speakers! That threw me a bit I have to admit. But it wasn’t over, this guy merely sent an invite to the other mobile DJs from the bridge: Game on! So a few weeks passed and I saw every imaginable creation worth some kind of award. It was impressive. The guy that took the cake in my book came rolling one night along the lakes and made a pit stop underneath my window. His bike was the offspring from an old circus popcorn cart that must have had a hefty love afair with a Christiania Bike. On top, where you normally dig down to get the hot popcorn, were two turn tables - and his MacBook on a customized stand - which had a little pent roof - in case of rain. Blew my mind. What will Dronning Louises Bro look like this season - will the old queen roll over in her grave? One thing is for sure - the party kids, hipster kids whatever you wanna call them - have made interesting Sunday dinner conversations all around. Oh, and ‘my friend’ is actually me - the author of this article. Minor detail... Your thoughts on the bridge? Send them to feedback@nbronx.net and have them posted on our blog (Ts & Cs apply obviously :-)
*
BEEN THERE B A
oris lives less than 100 metres from the nne Sophie’s apartment almost overlooks bridge and has never had any issue with the bridge and with a new baby last year people partying there: she’s feeling mixed about it: “I think it’s one of the great things about Copenhagen. We always talk about how they use their cities more in for example London and New York and how Danish people tend to stay indoors instead of being more outgoing. Let’s embrace this movement”.
“I’ve always loved a good party, but the sound of a crying baby at night is not the kind of party music I prefer. The crowd during the day makes me smile and reminds me of a good Roskilde Festival scene. It gives me that great Summer feeling. However, my biggest issue is that they leave so much garbage in the streets which also ends up in the lakes. I feel sorry for the birds and ducks in and around the lakes. Always thought it was hip to be good to animals - guess not... Or what?” 33
THE (Danish) WORLD ACCORDING TO AL. Who the hell is Al? The guy you can call from that song by Garfunkel? No, Al is a mate - a great mate from London who - besides getting pissed in our offices also contributed in many other ways. Unfortunately we can’t get into that here - but have a read and see how Al found the Danes, the Copenhageners and - of course - the Nørre Bronxers while he was here.
H
ello. I’m Al. I lived in Copenhagen for 18 months and loved every second of it. I’ve lived in most regions of England, three different regions of France, a quick attempt at Finland, and a few happy years in Hong Kong. Your editor asked me to explain a little bit of what’s different, what’s the same and how the outsider sees them. We all know Copenhagen has a reputation. The skinniest jeans, the blondest girls. The people are different. I won’t hammer on about them being blonde and hot (even though they are). They are educated, healthier and above all, wealthier than anyone else I’ve met. And that is something the Danes seem to be either unaware of, or just not give two shits about. Let’s use students as an example. Your typical Danish university student pays no tuition fees, and actually receives a maintenance grant. To put that in perspective, in London we pay anything up to 52.000 Kroner per year in tuition fees. We receive no grants unless they are from wealthy parents. We can borrow up to 130.000 Kroner per year from the government. If you study a course such as medicine, it is possible to be over 900.000 Kroner in debt before graduation. Then? We earn less while paying back these debts. I was paying mine back for over 8 years after my graduation. I won’t tell you my age, but I will tell you this. In my chosen career, I have never been able to afford to live on my own before. In London, that’s just a dream. In Denmark it’s a reality. You are able to have a higher standard of living than I have ever experienced. You pay a lot of tax. That’s an investment in yourselves and others to keep the great standards you have.
Nørrebro as an area and Copenhagen as a whole offer a new style of night out. Your laws for alcohol sale are almost non-existent. The 7-11 never stops selling alcohol. You can drink in the street. In London you get an on the spot fine, or a night in the cells, or both; or mugged for doing that. But you do it differently. The Danish concept of Hygge is something I can’t translate to English, but it gives a special communal drunken vibe to a night out. Of course, it is imperative to shout SKOL! on a regular basis, and try to convince outsiders that Fernet Branca is an acceptable substitute for the kind of alcoholic beverage usually served to human beings. But, I would like to know why it is that the Danes are willing to make so much out of their beer, and then drink Fernet Branca? Or; if they really hate themselves; Fernet Menta. Look at places like the Nørrebro Bryghus, with a range of beers, educated and passionate staff, and knowledgeable customers who will happily pass on their life savings for 33cl of happiness facilitator, and then go to a shitty bodega for a shot of bitter Italian tar. If they really hate themselves, Gammel Dansk is available, unless it is early in the morning then it’s time for a quick shot of Enkelt to get your heart started.
Nowhere in Copenhagen is this quality of life you are able to experience better shown that in Nørrebro. Try a Thursday night at Drone. It has great music; it’s on two levels so the smokers can go to the basement. It’s dirty. It’s awesome. Afterwards, head down the street to Kebabistan. Try the shawarma meat pizza with a Faxe Kondi. The next morning, get your coffee from Kaffebar, or if you’re willing to cross the Hipster Bridge go to Kent Kaffe Laboratorium. And that my friends, brings me to the real object of this comparison. It’s going out. To a Londoner, 34
If you don’t like that bitter shit, there is the other side to the Danish palate. Sweetness. I have in my time been known to make cocktails. I have never been asked to put extra sugar in a strawberry Daiquiri (I haven’t made a strawberry Daiquiri since the 90s). All the while the person asking me is chewing gum. But then I came here, and met a girl from Amager. Although Nørrebro has some great bars such as Kassen (2 for 1 Long Island Ice Teas in happy hour. Order 10, drink one while the barman is preparing the others and then point out you only have 9, and you will probably be able to get a lot of free drinks over a long night), the Oak Room and my beloved Drone, there is one part of drinking out in Copenhagen to which we sad Brits can’t compare. And that is the awesome Bodega. Any bodega will do. As long as it stinks of smoke from 20 metres away. As long as it sells those little bottles of Underberg from a fake leather bandolier. As long as the tables are so dirty your hands stick to them. It must have a jukebox, preferably full of seventies rock. The feeling of listening to the Eagles or Credence while supping on a Gold Lady, feeling your eyes swell with the dry smokey heat while watching the old men sit in silence is one the English just have to see to believe. Don’t worry. I’m not telling anyone from London where to go, as I want to keep this rare practice to myself. Now, this is where we come to something you do. I wish we did it, but we are either too stupid or lazy. For British people it could well be both, as we are very stupid. I refer to dice. All you need is dice, and the ability to count to six. It’s a game so simple even I got the hang of it after only six years. It helped with my Danish lessons, as let’s face it the language is a bitch to learn. And it taught me to love Fisk, Menthol, Eucalyptus and alcohol. All the ingredients of good toothpaste or mouthwash, but a treat when playing dice. I have to confess; on my first visit to Copenhagen I was taken to Wessel’s Kro with some friends. I first tried dice, Tuborg Classic and Fisk there and after that all I wanted to do in Copenhagen was drink as much as possible, as often as possible. Even though you binge drink, you can still take it in a way we can’t. I have only seen one person be sick through drinking in all of Copenhagen. It must be said, he was a Manchester United fan and not used to having something that hot and salty in his mouth on a Saturday night. Tequila slammers I mean. Not cock. No, definitely not. After all that delicious booze, the next major question is where to eat to soak it up. To a Londoner, street food is pretty much invincible in Denmark. Nørrebro has to have the world’s highest concentration of shawarma stands, pizzerias and best of all no MacDonald’s, Burger King, KFC or Starbucks. It’s all local businesses, who have to learn the golden rule – don’t serve shit to your neighbours or they won’t come back, and they will tell
everyone. The big part of going out is what to wear. On current form I see Copenhagen as about two years ahead of London on a good day, and two or three decades late on a bad day. As I type on 15th March, there is still snow on the ground in the UK. People are wearing Canada Goose jackets. Remember those? You know, the expensive ones you spent a fortune on in 2010. Harder for me to explain has to be this whole 80s vibe the youth of Denmark seem to have buried themselves in. Non-ironic bow ties. Very skinny jeans with little turn-ups. The haircut known as the “Flock of Seagulls”. It’s as if the kids who are too young to remember the 80s are trying to make up for lost time. Look for the video of “Dancing in the Street” by Mick Jagger and David Bowie. That’s the 80s in a nutshell. With a mullet. Move with the times, but then we come crashing into the hideous issue of footwear. Specifically, the Reebok classic. I have seen those worn in all seriousness, on people who can breathe through their noses. People who can walk upright. People who don’t feel an urge to shin the nearest tree and fling their faeces at passers-by. So if you can do this, why wear the shoe chosen by the UK government as the footwear for convicts? Do you want to look like you are a teenage gang member? Do you want to feel ghetto as you get strip-searched entering the UK? For a nation with a global reputation for design and style, it’s the one area where you let yourselves down.
For the record, I have no grounds to judge other people on their clothes. I mostly still wear the same checked shirts I did when Kurt Cobain was droning away, with the same vintage suede sneakers we all grew up with. And jeans with no turn-ups. This is because I am now back in London and too poor to dress better. And as our pubs close at midnight, we have to go out immediately after work, in our work clothes, so we drink too early, finish too early, and then face chaos. Let’s be honest, you Danes do it with a lot more style. 35
These criticisms do only apply to men. Last time I spent any time with Danish girls they were all wearing something black, with a scarf. Beyond that, I couldn’t give any details. But they were hot. Anyway, let’s not spend time bitching about what’s wrong. Let’s start bitching about something that’s right. I mean your magnificent cycle lanes. I’m jealous. The quickest way around town. A silent method for murdering drunk pedestrians. A way to keep fit. All good so far. But, then there’s the fixie bike. Not many people know that the single-gear bike was invented by Henry Ford in 1921 as a method of selling more cars. It does come with a free moustache, as a reference to its retro heritage. It also comes with a free skin graft for when you come off trying to back-pedal before face-planting on to the back of a bus at a busy junction. I recommend Café Runddelen on the intersection of Nørrebrogade and Jagtvej as the best viewing spot. And they have some of the cheapest draught Tuborg. And you can smoke. And they have a pool table.
or Christianshavn. There isn’t one on Nørrebrogade, so where do you go? That’s what’s good about the area - try this as a hangover cure. Walk to Riccos on Stefansgade, past the park to Jægersborggade. If you still need coffee try the Coffee Collective - ask for Omar who is one the finest baristas alive, then head through the Assistens Kirkegård. Cross over to the far side of Nørrebrogade and just head down the side streets. Try the Laundromat Café for a cheap burger to soak up the booze, and then head down to Hipster Bridge and a quick tour of the lakes.
Picture this. It’s Sunday. You feel like shit as you were out until 6am. Maybe you’re just finishing the walk of shame. So what do you do now? Coffee? Of course. The Danes love their coffee to a competitive extent that we just don’t appreciate in London. For example, the biggest chain in Copenhagen is Baresso, and they are mainly where the tourists are found on Strøget, or around Kongens Nytorv
Send your abuse to copenhagenhatemail@gmail.com
Finally, there is one big reason to love Copenhagen. The education. This article is written in English. I had to because I’m too stupid to write this in another language. But, I find all the Danes I know speak multiple languages in a way that is shaming to the Brits, and only laugh at me when I try to speak Danish. Which is good in a way, as the language barrier will stop the other British from coming over to what I feel as my city.
*
NIGHTLIFE
Kind of Blue
Ravnsborggade 17 2200 København N Tel. 26 35 10 56 kindofblue.dk Open: Monday-Wednesday: 16-24. Thursday-Saturday: 16-02
No matter what you do in life make sure you do this: visit Kind of Blue. It’s essential. At least if you like the following superlatives: Local, cosy, warm, original, welcoming, vinyl sound, live music, signature beers, rock ‘n’ roll - oh and jazz hence the name. The founder of this lovely place, Claus, is nothing short of a neohippie urban legend storyteller. He’ll put on one of his many amazing records before telling you about the live gigs and live recordings that have taken place here. And how many of them he has co-financed just out of his love for music. Kind of Blue is a truly unique pearl of a hang-out in Copenhagen. With its many charming details, non-uniform doors, tables and chairs; and with its old 1930’s kitchen converted into a chillout lounge with low sofas and cushions you will no doubt find a corner to suit your mood. There’s no food here but snacks, nuts and a really random out-ofplace jar with drops sitting on the bar. So either make sure you have eaten before coming - or plan on getting good old-fashioned drunk on an empty stomach from the many small-brand temptations behind the bar; beer from Danish micro breweries on both tap and bottles, Belgian beer Orval (which Claus calls one of the best in the World) and spirits such as El Dorado rum, Monkey 47 gin, Dun Bheagan whisky and - of course - a variety of Absinthes! Check out kindofblue.dk - a really cool website for a place that you wouldn’t expect to have a website.
*
Bodega
Kapelvej 1 2200 København N Tel. 35 39 07 07 bodega.dk Open: Monday-Thursday: 10-24. Friday-Saturday: 10-03. Sunday: 10-21 Bodega is for many odd reasons one of our absolute favorites. We’ve been lunching here, drinking here, brunching here long before we even talked about N*Bronx. The owners and staff are such nice guys who are - even when running around in a packed joint which it often is - always welcoming and able to crack a joke. My personal favorite at Bodega is their brunch. I am a big brunch person and this is, without comparison, the best brunch I’ve ever had. And that includes competition from New York, Uncle Bills Pancake House in L.A., London, Berlin - you name it. These guys will take them out! My colleagues call the burgers at Bodega some of the best in Denmark. The interior is a fantastic mix of grandma’s old Summer house, a Nørrebro café and an international bar & restaurant. They make a killer homemade lemonade which comes with or without rum - I highly recommend both variations. If you run into a friendly guy with a pretty big, somewhat gray beard it’s one of the owners Mikael - ask him or his co-owner Noi if there’s a N*Bronx discount by any chance.
*
The Barking Dog
Sankt Hans Gade 19 2200 København N Tel. 35 36 16 0 thebarkingdog.dk Open: Monday-Thursday: 16-01. Friday-Saturday: 16-02. Sunday: 16-24
38
( ) The Barking Dog is our take on a modern pub or as we have been called, a cocktail pub. A relaxed and cosy environment for imbibing quality beverages at fair prices. The music is never too loud and the service is above average. It’s really just a good bar.
ART & THEATRE
Nørrebro Teater Ravnsborggade 3 2200 København N Tel. 35 20 09 00 nbt.dk
What does it take for a theatre to earn the status ‘local’? Is it the size of it? Because then you probably wouldn’t call Nørrebro Teater local as it is way too big. Is it its identity? Because then you wouldn’t call this theatre local either. But the fact of the matter is that Nørrebro Teater is indeed Nørrebro’s local theatre. When looking from the outside (or from the inside for that matter) you definitely get the feeling that this is a very modern, well-run and professional venue. And today it is. But it wasn’t always like this. The theatre is from ... (drum roll) 1886 (!) and was back then the people’s theatre. Located on ‘the wrong side of the lakes’ in a working class neighbourhood the theatre seldomly got the thumbs up from the established world of art & theatre. Not until 1929 at least when Osvald Helmut gained a widely spread reputation for his performance in “Ølhunden Glammer” (roughly “The Barking Beer-
hound”). And things really started rolling for the theater when Danish legend Poul Reichhardt broke through with his kind of stand-up sailor theme show. Nowadays the theatre is run by Kitte Wagner (CEO since 2009) who also manages the old Smallegade Teater now called Frederiksberg Scenen. The theater is still true to its roots with edgy and quirky shows spreading from plays to stand-up comedy, musicals and much more. Nørrebro Teater invites all families to bring their tweens and teens to have a good laugh at any of the shows as they are both suitable for ‘big kids’ and their parents. ‘Robin in the Hood’ is showing until April 21st. Visit nbt.dk for more - please note the site is currently only available in Danish.
*
40
Teater Grob Nørrebrogade 37 2200 Købehavn N Tel. 35 35 75 00 grob.dk
Teater Grob is definitely the edgy player on the theater scene here in Nørrebro. You can even tell from the facade that these guys want to do things differently. As Grob puts it themselves they are producing: “Attentive modern Danish drama”. Grob is about engaging the audience with attentive drama and stage settings - and more intimate than Copenhagen’s big theatres.
April. It’s received tremendous reviews and up to seven stars in the papers. The show is about a couple losing their daughter in an accident and is described as a ‘compelling drama that is about a modern family being confronted with the brutal realities of life’. The show stars: Thomas Levin, Patricia Schumann, Dar Salim, Martin Fredberg, Ditte Balslev, Emma Vicente Landschultz.
En plads i mit hjerte (A Place in my Heart) is the current show that runs until the 25th of
*
Klam
enklamide.dk facebook.com/enklamide
There’s been some sort of boom when it comes to poster art recently. And people have – maybe – been a bit too frisky when calling their online shops poster ‘art’. Some of the newcomers look like they have been cutting corners. Not these guys! These guys take the time to make an effort. However, before mentioning their amazing poster art pieces (and they are) we have to talk about the name. I don’t know which is worse: That ‘Klam’ means ‘nasty’ in Danish or that it makes every Anglophonic think of mussels! But I’ve decided that it’s not ‘worse’ – it’s better. It makes you visit their site. So do you have to be Danish to appreciate their very beautiful interpretations of our capital and its boroughs? Nah, you bought that Yankees hat or the likes at some point in your life didn’t you?
*
41
BUSINESS PAGES . CREATIVES
SPRING/SUMMER ALL YEAR AROUND
SPRING/SUMMER ALL YEAR AROUND
We are an international full-service digital agency based in Nørrebro and around the world.
Visit us at Nørrebrogade 52C 4.tv. or www.spoiledmilk.com
42
FROM LOGO DESIGN TO WEBSITES, POSTERS & FLYERS. FROM ACCOUNTANTS TO LEGAL CONSULTANTS. NØRREBRO HAS IT ALL - HERE ARE A FEW WORTH NOTICING ! BUSINESS STUFF
Skal din forretning op i gear? 1 times gratis rådgivning til selvstændige ildsjæle på Nørrebro Irner Consult.
Juridisk bistand vedrørende opstart, optimering, drift og fremtid i din virksomhed Strandboulevarden 58 | 2100 Copenhagen | Denmark | Tel.: +45 51 800 790 | Email: klaus@irner.dk
1+1 = 10 Vi gi’r en kop kaffe, når du booker et uforpligtende møde - som, afhængigt af dig, ender i 10 timers gratis bogføring til din virksomhed.
Revision & bogføring
Lyngbyvej 28, 2. sal mf · 2100 København Ø · 3325 0660 · msl@proflex-adm.dk www.proflex-adm.dk 43
Vi ♥
NØRREBRO! THERMOKANDE TIL MORMOR, CD TIL FAR, LØBESKO TIL KÆRESTEN, VÆRKTØJ & SKRUER, NY IPAD, 3 PAR UNDERBUKSER PÅ TILBUD,
FORÅRSJAKKE TIL DAMEN
ØKO JUICE, COCKTAILS OG DAGLIGVARER ANBEFALER VI DU
KLARER PÅ INDRE NØRREBRO. ALT DET ANDET HAR VI
– SAMLET ÉT STED
23 af de bedste butikker samlet ét sted! WWW.NOERREBROBYCENTER.DK BOG & IDE, FÆTTER BR, CAFE PALMEN, FONA, GLITTER, H&M, IMERCO, JACK & JONES, LADY SHOE COMPANY, LOUIS NIELSEN, MATAS, NAME IT, ONLY, SILVAN, SODA, SPORT-MASTER, TØJEKSPERTEN, THIELE, TOPS, VERO MODA, VILA