V*Bronx #1

This issue: p.16

Nicky Guerrero Denmark's secret international superstar. p.8

CPH Made Made in Copenhagen. p.26

Fashion p.42

Emma Liddy When Worlds Collide: Navigating Vesterbro's kids and chaos.

Sigrid front page: Hat from Emma Lu 420,The Style bomber jacket from Rude 499,Inwear sweater from Es-Es 600,The Style skirt from Rude 299,Vibe Harsløf chain ring from Emma Lu 1950,Cover photo by Emil Monty Freddy

EDITOR'S LETTER

“I wanna live in Vesterbro, too…!” ...said one of our international contributors, when I unsuccessfully tried to explain to her what the Danish song by John Mogensen is all about. I think she gave up on me after 5 minutes of nonsense coming out of my mouth about Danish ‘værtshuskultur’, ‘hygge’ and ‘rafling’. I guess it is kinda hard to explain those key Danish cultural values.

But that’s what Vesterbro is all about. So much history here since the very beginning. First street in the world with free pornography, a so-called meatpacking district (every city has to have one) and our Central Train Station that is, in fact, an architectural gem that we just seem to take for granted or hurry through on our way from A to B. Vesterbro is the borough in Copenhagen where you could go out for a month straight and not get bored. You could probably find a new venue to eat, drink and maybe even sleep (if you needed it) every night. And even though the original characters here hate to admit it, the borough has some fine stores for shopping, too. Whether you’re after the latest in fashion, furniture, second hand treasures or handmade bikes, Vesterbro has it all.

CREDITS Editors: Thomas Ørum & Andreas Mørk-Hansen Co-Editor: Jenelle Gonzales & Sharon Taylor Schrøder, Thomas Stub Rosser Art Direction: Jón Ingi Hallgrímsson Photography: Emil Monty Freddy & Seth Nicolas

V*Bronx is the latest of our love children. We have already published N*Bronx and Ø*Bronx and received enough pats on the back to take on V. And although we know the locals here are way cooler and way edgier than those of the other two boroughs, we hope they will welcome us. ‘Cause that’s also an important characteristic of Vesterbro: Warm and welcoming people.

This first edition features one of Copenhagen’s original skateboarders – Nicky Guerrero – whom most locals know by heart. And even though he has been a resident of rival Nørrebro for the past 21 years, he has a serious soft spot for the V. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this first issue as much as we do – ‘cause we hope to come back for more. As John Mogensen would have said: “Det smagte af mere”

V*Bronx is published by Gone to Print 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 Gone to Print Aps. Points and opinions made in V*Bronx are those of Gone to Print’s and are not subject to insult nor meant to be provocative in any way. All feed-back will be answered if written to: amh@vbronx.net Let us know what you think, please!

VBRONXSHOPS

Rude Istedgade 11 1650 København V tel: 33 25 63 63 www.rude.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 10am-6:30pm.

Fri: 10am-7pm.

Sat: 10am-5pm.

Sun: 1pm-5pm.

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If you’re a woman with a shopping attitude and into urban vintage looks with a retro twist, Rude is definitely worth a visit. The prices are really reasonable for pieces with flair. The vibe is chic but in a Vesterbronx way that makes it quite a bit more chill and personal than what you encounter in the city.

One of the reasons that Rude is very popular is due to the friendly staff in here. Service is superior. We've heard so many stories from customers about staff actually being helpful, sincerely friendly and service-minded throughout the process. That in itself is remarkable in a city known for being exactly the opposite - a bit distant and lacking a service-centered focus. But hey, service doesn't take you all the way in a hood like V* where the clothing competition is tough. Local gals refer to Rude when looking for something exciting because they have in-house designed RUDE dresses in patterns, colors and styles fashioned in a modern vintage way that just works. It's old school vintage cuts with present-day trends.

The creative crew at Rude are hardcore style specialists. They know how to capture the essence of classic vintage and update it into contemporary, quintessential Vesterbro style.

If you like the mixing of old and new, wearable yet stylish fashion, you’ll love Rude.

VBRONXSHOPS

Emma lu Istedgade 101 1650 København V tel: 33 11 91 01 www.emmalu.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-6pm Sat: 11am-3pm.

In the intimate and very delicate boutique Emma Lu halfway down Istedgade, you’ll find international brands that are not very accessible in Copenhagen. Brands like Jerome Dreyfuss, DSTM, Opening Ceremony, Toga, Vivienne Westwood, Zoe Karssen, Lara Bohinc and Nasomatto. Gitte built up Emma Lu from scratch back when the financial crisis was peaking and many a friend said she was plain crazy opening up a shop during those times. But as the saying goes, only the strong survive and Gitte knows her trade by heart as a personal stylist for corporate business leaders as well as leading Danish fashion magazines. Getting behind the desk with her own favourites had been a dream of hers for a long time. Today Gitte does a

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clever and classy mix between high end brands as well as up coming talented Danish brands such as Wackerhaus, Peter Jensen, Line & Jo, Yvonne Kone', Rebecca Rebecca , Vibe Harsløf and Kokoon. If you are around this charming boutique around Christmas then remember to check the window décor here. Everyday a calendar piece comes with a 20% discount! When you drop by say hi from us at V*Bronx.

Insider Tip: During the Christmas season Gitte is often generous with a good glass of port and top notch styling advice on the “do’s/ what’s hot” for the upcoming Christmas and New Year parties. No doubt that Gitte is still a top-notch personal stylist!

VBRONXSHOPS

Es-Es Istedgade 108 & 110 1658 København V tel: 33 22 48 28 33 22 48 29 www.es-es.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-6pm Sat: 11am-4pm.

The versatile and transformational street of Istedgade has more than a kinky history. The clean and sober shop of ES Leisure (former Engleskyts) is packed with ecological beauty products and your apparel wardrobe essentials from brands like Amazing Space, American Vintage, Jurlique, Marie Sixtine and Karmameju. The key concept for ES is 'slow fashion', which reflects the idea of buying clothing that you don't get tired of wearing. That's a refreshing, longer-term perspective. Besides casual clothing and beauty products the beautiful Tina - owner and an anthropologist - can help guide you towards a healthy lifestyle through vitamins, fibers from

make-up to advice on what tea to drink.

With a healthy lifestyle comes activities such as yoga, which you can also find here. Tina carries high quality products; the majority of which are organic. So you'll find a nail polish without additives such as formaldehyde - so you don't have to worry about what chemicals you're using to beautify yourself. Once you've got your beauty sorted, you can visit ES Fashion which is right next door to complete your look. In here they have handmade shoes from French brand Repetto and lovely items from HOPE. Tina loves her regulars and good advice is always at hand.

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VBRONXSHOPS

Aspects Istedgade 87 1650 København V tel: 33 25 77 88 www.aspectsshop.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-6pm Fri: 11am-7pm.

Sat: 10am-3pm.

The Jean Queen from Istedgade invites you into her fully-stocked shop. Anette stocks everything from the best in Lee Jeans to handmade Italian bags to even small, delicate accessories for your home. If you’re heading off to a birthday party and don’t have a clue what to buy, then pass by Aspects, there’s something for everyone. Even if you are lost and need directions or you just want to make small talk, the door is always open at Aspects. Anette gives

you a warm feeling the minute you enter. You just instantly feel at ease in here. Classy shirts, sweatshirts and T-shirts from a variety of cool, hard-to-find brands for both men and women are in abundance here. Insider Tip: If you ended up leaving Aspects empty handed because you where just window-shopping that day, then do not despair. In December Anette will open the doors to her brand new webshop – www. aspectsshop.dk

Nihola Bikes Ingerslevgade 100 1705 København V tel: 33 22 79 05 www.nihola.com – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5:30pm Sat(odd numbered weeks): 10am-2pm.

When you see the front of the shop you get the idea…! Nihola was founded in Vesterbro back in '98 on the basis of a statement heard at a bicycle exhibition: "The bicycle never really becomes a rival to the car without a platform and seat…". That was the clue for Niels Holme Larsen to design a cargo bike for the Danish market, but it has since rapidly taken on worldwide. The bikes are very smartly designed, hand-built, very easy to steer and extremely practical for families, elderly and disabled people, and even for commercial uses. Besides

all the awards that Nicola has won, the Danish postal service, Post Danmark, has placed a massive order of bikes for all their mail deliveries. Post Danmark even printed special-edition commemorative postal stamps with the bikes on them. Now that's respectable! If you have to get your bike fixed you don't have to go to Nihola, you just put your local mechanic on the case! The steering system is similar to the steering from cars and it is also maintenance free , so save your money and get a Nihola bike instead!

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VBRONXINTERVIEW

Made in Co Interview with co-founder of CPH Made Brian Engblad

We love local! It's our raison d'etre. While many of our articles feature the best in places to eat, drink, and shop around the neighbourhood, equally important is the other side of the equation. Production. That's why we emphasize the people behind the processes. The ones who actually make.

Unfortunately in the advanced economies, manufacturing is often regarded a dying breed with manufacturing and production facilities often outsourced to emerging countries. Instead, we are told that we should focus more on becoming a stronger knowledge society and that we should focus on exporting knowledge in the future.

But knowledge and local production are a good marriage and one should not go to long without the other. That's because if we move knowledge too far away from the actual production, you can’t guarantee high quality.

As part of emerging from the financial crisis, experts continue to stress the importance of manufacturing to economic and employment growth.

Manufacturing, yes, actually making things.

Enter CPHmade, a new, "pro-local production" initiative that addresses the global tendency to outsource production facilities. As its name revels, CPHmade focuses on what's made in Copenhagen and with a strong will to show the world that not everything is produced in China nowadays. CPHmade has assembled a network of nearly 100 local craftspeople, who all manufacture high quality products right in the city of Copenhagen!

Local production and diversity seem to be at the very heart of CPHmade. What does local production mean to you?

Oh, local production means everything to me! It is one the most valuable factors, when it comes to retaining the diversity in a city, I believe. Giving a city its edge, it’s authenticity, even. In my many years travelling the world I have sadly noticed that products of poor quality with no soul have been incorporated and accepted to be part of our lives. The stores around the globe simply seem to have lost their integrity. In fact, most stores are carrying if not the same product range, then at least the same brands. It seems like a big gap is emerging between consumers and retailers. Naturally, consumers demand a high quality in the products they are buying but the stores here only present their customers a “safe” selection of products, made of questionable quality. That shouldn’t be acceptable, should it? No! Bold statement. Well, what seems to be the solution? Do you have the key to a more diverse range of products on the shelves?

Well, I might not have the final answer, but I do have a possible solution. Storytelling. You see, high quality products quite often have a great story attached to them. For instance, the products could have a unique manufacturing process, or the products could have been the results of funny and quirky ideas, and I do believe customers want to hear that story.

We have actually just opened the first CPHmade Shop among free range peacocks in Tivoli Garden’s Christmas Market 2013, where storytelling and authenticity is the pride of place. It is our debut as a physical store and the shop has only been open for a couple of weeks but our little shop is experiencing a great deal of attention and we have only been met with sincere smiles and kind words. Sure hope that lasts. Anyhow, the CPHmade shop’s concept is simple: if products are not produced in Copenhagen, you simply will not find them in our store! There genuinely is something for everyone.

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VBRONXINTERVIEW

openhagen I know you and CPHmade have a new approach to tourism in Copenhagen. Tell us a bit more about it.

Hmm… it all started when my partner in crime, Asger Daugbjerg, read a recently published survey about tourism in Copenhagen. The surveys made it clear that the commercial expectations tourists had of Copenhagen, as a destination, were simply not met on many levels. Tourists want more valuable experiences than just the little mermaid. They want original products, made in Copenhagen or at least in Denmark, not shoddy souvenirs branded Danish - made in China. Sadly, the survey also made it clear that products made in Copenhagen were quite hard to find. Or if they were here, they were super designer items that were out of the pricerange for most people wanting to bring just a little something home.

That brings me down, especially when I know Copenhagen is actually home to a wide range of fantastically skilled craftsmen and small enterprises, just waiting to be discovered. All these craftsmen and small enterprises are all passionate enthusiasts that do offer personality, impressive quality and much needed diversity within their product range. These are what I would define as the “local heroes”, who are protecting our Copenhagen’s proud traditions of local production. I mean, would it not be wonderful to show tourists and the rest of the world what Copenhagen is made of? We sure think so! And from this very idea we decided to launch our take on the classic guided city tour, the CPHmade Guided Tours. Instead of dragging tourists around to the same worn out tourist attractions in the city, we have been guiding eager tourists around town showing them local craftsmen in the city, with great success.

I personally believe that initiatives like this will definitely change the way we consume and experience the cities we are visiting in the future.

Local production has, in other words, a direct influence on the diversity of a given city. This is why we want to protect and advocate for our local heroes - and you should too! Obviously.

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VBRONXSHOPS

Motorious Copenhagen Enghavevej 10 1674 København V tel: 25 12 10 95 www.motorious.dk & facebook.com/motoriouscopenhagen – Wed-Fri: 12pm-6pm.

Sat: 11am-3pm.

Christmas opening hours: Mon-Fri: 12pm-6pm.

Sat: 11am-3pm.

If you are into old school motorcycles, rugged heritage clothing and accessories, then this wicked retreat on Enghavevej just around the corner from Vesterbrogade has it all. Life has its own rhythm here, among great vinyl tracks, tales from road trips and the constant updates on friends and folks from around the neighborhood. The approach at Motorious is to do business quite the opposite way of almost every other men’s shop in town (and the fact is they all envy Lau and Kasper - the two charismatic founders). Here it's all for real, and the rumor is spreading. The the guys in here built everything themselves, they do the trips, build their bikes and host the best parties and street BBQs in town. Nowadays, Motorious is part of a small, well-connected group of specialised life style shops you normally only find in places such as LA, Tokyo, Berlin and NY. The Motorious boys don’t really go for the

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conventional choices when it comes to their range of apparel. They focus on the rare cool motorcycle apparel brands such as Eat Dust, Rooktown and the local Wrenchmonkees (WMA.C). Rest assured, that you will find premium raw denim, handmade leathers and canvas that will leave you with a smile and desire to ride. Apart from actual bike parts, helmets, books and posters, you also find classic brands like Red Wing and the timeless Red Wing biker boots with steel toe and strap; Denmark's exclusive retailer of these beauts.

This is the real McCoy and it calls for some attitude to wear. Guess this is the essence with this place. In here they have guts, brains and style at the same time. Not a bad combo if you want to stand out from the crowd. This is by all means a must see if you got adrenaline and motorcycling in your veins.

VBRONXSHOPS

Recycles Dybbølsgade 59 1721 København V tel: 31 33 90 28 www.recycles.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm.

Sat: 10am-4pm.

The bicycle is the primary choice of transportation for the majority of Copenhageners. It’s always been like that. Until recently, most of our locals don’t really put more thought to it than that- getting from A to B. Then came a fixie revolution, a family bike revolution and a few other trends and people really started customising and caring about building that one-ofa-kind bike. At the far end of Ohenslagergade, you’ll find a small and different kind of bicyclebuilder. Recycles is all about love and passion for the basics and the history of bicycles. In here you won’t find racer bikes with carbon frames and advanced gear systems tested in Tour de France. Rather, the principles in this sophisticated steel cave are all about reducing, reusing and recycling. Hanrik and Claus are the masters of fixing the left behind beauties of the past. Old frames are taken apart and

rebuilt either as true blue originals or into simple and functional art pieces for those who recognize you can convert "trash" to treasure.

We are talking about gents in the know, handcrafting the most amazing beauties- they even know how to take a wooden rim from way back and make it work with a raw, hand-built steel frame. The result is that you end up with a bike that looks like it was made by a highly distinguished Japanese zen artist. Seamless and timeless. The everyday kronors are still made by restoring and shining up old bicycles from scratch. The philosophy is simple. Reuse the frame and as many parts as possible. An old, bicycle frame is almost indestructible so this is almost always possible.

If you believe in durable materials, quality and want to make a statement without speaking out, let your bike do the talking for you.

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VBRONXSHOPS

K&Co Vesterbrogade 177 1800 Frederiksberg C tel: 29 72 03 57 or 30 24 22 66 www.k-co.dk – Opening hours: Tue-Fri: 12pm-6pm.

Sat: 10am-2pm.

Meet Bjørn & Kim the fathers of this romantic yet industrial hide out. Actually it was not exotic antiques that were the original plan for these two sophisticated gents. For 27 years they ran a high-end hair salon with great success, but towards the end it lacked the passion that is essential for these two entrepreneurs.

8 years ago they went for a fresh start and opened the doors to their new, “old” world. In here you wont find anything new – at all! New stuff around here is dated early 1950. A piece dated this year will most likely say Jielde on the back – The industrial must-have French lamp manufactured in Lyon for more than a lifetime. By and large, the majority of the trea-

sures here originate from France. Several times each year Bjørn & Kim journey into French rural villages dealing with their local friends as well as sourcing from the small flea markets far off the beaten track. At K&Co. you find original crystal chandeliers from the last century, ornamental candlesticks from old churches, gymnastic benches with beaten leathers and other decor with a story behind it. One of our all time favourites is the luxurious range of hard-case vintage Louis Vutton luggage dated all the way back to the 1920s! Insider Tip: Check out the K&Co webpage for the latest scoop straight out of France.

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VBRONXSHOPS

Designers Zoo Vesterbrogade 137 1620 København V tel: 33 24 94 93 www.dzoo.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 10am-5:30pm.

Fri: 10am-7pm.

Sat: 10am-3pm.

Designer Zoo, like its name implies, houses a kaleidoscope of talents, styles, and ingenuity.

Looking through the combined work and retail space, you’ll see the 7 in-house designers and 20-40 invited artists are all distinct yet come together cohesively in an impressive and ample space. Their 1000m of retail with 400m of workshops showcase an ever-changing exhibition that reflects the zeitgeist of design with a personal and curatorial touch. Designer zoo has been offering genuine expressions of Danish design and craft since 1999. You’ll

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see a very diverse collection of house ware, prints, quality-made tables, and crafts in this idea-child of Karsten Lauritsen. Envisioned as a creative incubator, Designer zoo’s on-site workshops allow the artists to collaborate and push each other’s boundaries to create timeless yet whimsical collections that won’t break the bank. It’s the diversity here that is the real winner. There is strength in numbers and that’s certainly true of the established and emerging artists that make up the talent pool at Designer Zoo.

VBRONXSHOPS

Girlie Hurly Istedgade 99 1650 København V tel: 33 24 22 41 www.girliehurly.dk – Opening hours: Tue-Thu: 11am-5:30pm.

Fri: 11am-6pm.

Sat: 10am-3pm.

One of the really great things about Vesterbro is the fact that folks around here take destiny into their own hands and go for the dreams that so many of us never really do anything about. Some 16 years ago, Tine was enjoying a latte just across the street on Bang&Jensen.

Back then that was just about the only cool café around here. Actually Istedgade was far from the trendy hood we now associate it with.

Tine saw the store was up for sale and made a fresh and spontaneous Girlie Hurly decision, left school and went full on for her dream. Tine

has never looked back since. Girlie hurly is about all the little things that make you feel good at home. And for sure Tine has talent in this trade. Handpicked home accessories reflecting a unique New Nordic style with strong elements of copper, brass and soft pastels.

Ceramics from local heroes like Ditte Fischer, Casalinga, Liebe and Anne Black line the shelves. With more than 100 diverse prints for very fair prices, it's not hard to find a piece of art that will go straight to your heart either for your home or as a present for a loved one.

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VBRONXSHOPS

Arttiles Oehlenschlægersgade 30, st. th.

1663 København V tel: 20 63 14 04 www.arttiles.dk – Opening hours: Sat: 12pm-3pm.

(Or by appointment)

Walking down Ohenslagergade one cloudy afternoon just when darkness fell, I passed by a small shop with a window that just called for an in-depth *Bronx investigation. Small tiles of canvas and ceramics infused with colours, motives and stories were given a completely new life and identity. ARTTILES is the name of this cool experiment born and raised by the two trained artists Anette and Trine who both originally shared a mutual passion for the traditional tile art made in Portugal. Somewhere along the way they brain pooled, dropped the traditional canvas and went full on for the tiles as an object of art and design. Currently, these two feisty ladies run a full-time business out of this little fascinating workshop where design, production, sales and packaging all merge in

one organic process. What I initially thought was a hidden gem, turns out to be the workshop that professionals in the décor business refer to. Despite being featured in many magazines in and outside of Denmark, Annette and Trine refuse to ride the wave and start mass production. ARTTILES is about expressions and personal stories. Most series come only in a limited run of 50, - 16 tiles, boxed and signed.

Then that’s it! Insider tip: If you are into something really special, then you can actually have your own custom masterpiece manufactured in here. You tell your story and Anette and Trine interpret it into a mosaic of memories, colours and narratives that will delight your imagination and transform your ideas into eye candy.

Pretty wicked if you ask me!

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VBRONXINTERVIEW

Nicky Guerrero is

DENMARK’S SECRET INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR

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VBRONXINTERVIEW

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VBRONXINTERVIEW

Nicky Guerrero is a Danish skateboarder who started his career back in 1977 at the age of nine. He's seen most of the world riding his board on the many trips sponsored by Gordon & Smith, Powell & Peralta, Vans and Danish brand Alis.

We talked with him about his peaks, his passions, and the vibe in Vesterbro.

How did you end up on a skateboard in the first place?

My father passed away when I was nine years old and my grandmother told me to come visit her in California. During my stay with her my uncle got me this little plastic board that I started out on and since then I guess I was hooked.

How would you describe the sport back then compared to nowadays with the pros making millions of dollars, appearing on MTV, driving fancy cars etc.?

Back then we were pioneers – at least here in Denmark.

Shortly after I started out skateboarding became illegal in public so we had to wait for the first skatepark to open out in Herlev. My mom was the cashier there so me and my friends were all part of the beginning I Denmark. Back then a ride on the train to Helsinge, where they had a vert ramp, was a big deal. Today it takes a bit more to get the pros out of bed!

What is good about the sport today compared to then?

The good thing is that the sport is more established – there are more parks and ramps today so more kids have a chance to skate. Another great thing is that they (the big action sports brands) arrange Masters competetions today – I never thought back then that I would ever participate in competetions at the age of 45!

What was it like to peak in the 90’s when you were still young?

I wouldn’t say I peaked then – well, maybe physically and yes, I had pro models out with G&S and Powell Peralta. But when you look at the results I am peaking now! I just won the Bowlarama in Bondi Beach finishing above Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi and Mike McGill.

What has skateboarding given you other than fame?

A lifetime of experiences. I travelled the world as a pro from '87 to '93 and with Alis, too. Last year Vans paid for me to go around the world to participate in the Masters. I made so many friends through skateboarding, too.

How have you tackled being a rolemodel to the youngsters?

It’s been a little tricky. Today I sometimes want to be left alone when I skate – so I can focus and practice for a competetion. And that isn’t always possible – if the kids wanna chat. Back when they built Fælledparken I sometimes had to turn down parties because the guys partied a lot while building. Back then we also had to wear pads so the kids

Crail slide 2011

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Trying out the new skatepark in Fælledparken before it was finished.

VBRONXINTERVIEW

would, too. Today we do that automatically because we’re older and don’t care too much about looking cool opposed to getting bruised.

Can skateboarding be a lonesome sport compared to team sports?

A: Yeah, I think so. Some people call me up and ask if I want to go to the park because they don’t want to go alone. Others don’t care. You always meet someone and start talking. I actually like to be there alone from time to time so I can get some skating done.

What inspires you other than skateboarding?

Music, art. I collect old vinyls and DJ from time to time.

I even started mixing and playing around with music on my computer. I have a 2,5 year old son now so I don’t have tonnes of time but when I do have a little time I try to spend it on music.

What role has Vesterbro played in your life?

A big part actually. Copenhagen Skatepark was the first indoor park in Denmark so that was a huge thing for us.

Now we don’t have to go to Malmö anymore to skate during the winter. Istedgade has always been legendary and fun in my time and the vibe in Vesterbro has always been nice and mellow I think. The Distortion parties at the skatepark are so much fun – and Fliesen across the street has been home to some great Christmas parties.

Portrait of Nicky, taken

by Rune Glifberg in Sydney, Australia.

Old skateboarding masters.

Steve Alba, Jay Adams og Nicky Guerrero.

Trivia Nicky’s last name has roots in The Philipines where his family is from. His grandfather migrated to the States after WWII and worked in the US Navy. His dad and uncle ended up in Denmark and opened a restaurant in Jutland.

They played in a band called The Immigrants and had a hit in Denmark that took the number one spot on the charts zabove The Stones. The band recorded 3 albums in Denmark before Nicky’s dad and uncle returned to Malibu to look after their restaurant there.

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VBRONXSHOPS

Sidewalk Enghave Plads 10 1670 København V tel: 33 31 32 34 www.sidewalkshop.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 12pm-6pm.

Sat: 11am-3pm.

The skate culture have always had a stronghold on Versterbro. Ask local/ global heroes like the Double G’s: Nicky and Rune. They both have a tender spot for this hood. The local supplier of skate goods, Sidewalk on Istedgade (just across from Enghave Plads where you'll find a a few small skate ramps and never a tedious moment) has since 2003 been the prime location to go to for a chat and good advice when it comes to hardware and softgoods. In here you meet the boys from the hood with a track record and passion for this culture that is pretty impressive. Thomas, the owner, has been on a board since 1985, so guess it’s fair to say life on the board for him is more than a fling. Besides the superior range of boards you’ll find a damn fine collection of apparel in this authentic hide out.

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The best from brands like Vans, carhartt, Volcom, Obey and Thrasher are always available, and if you got a favourite piece not available in here, just ask: They actually go that extra mile for you down here and they don’t mind doing some magic to get home that special order for you.

You don’t always have to make the long journey to the shop in person - you can always start by checking out their fully fuelled webshop that caters to most of your needs. If you are after the very special one-off products, then you have to get up from the couch though. Thomas and his crew still keep the true gems for the ones who can be bothered with visiting this authentic and independently owned board supplier. Time to get out on the board and surf those sidewalks of V*!

Hello – it’s me again. I’m back.

Remember RebekkaRebekka?

I still mold into everything and anything. And I am still the same; unique and entirely my own – but – I’ve come back as a twisted version of me. I am now a diamond – and then really not at all.

This time around I have been inspired by the old and new. By purity and rawness. The old glamour and the new black. My old grandma, her grandma and my young friends.

A diamond embraces everything – and fits into and onto anything. Just like me.

So I’ve decided to play with one.

My new best friend.

We’ve played for a while – the diamond and me.

And I really like it. The graphical shape, the fine angles and the pure surfaces. The different sizes and the many dimensions.

We have now become a team, the diamond and me.

I am RebekkaRebekka Check out the collections and retailers on: rebekkarebekka.com

VBRONXGOING OUT

Kihoskh Sønder Boulevard 53 1720 København V tel: 33 31 11 98 www.kihoskh.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 7am-1am.

Fri: 7am-2am.

Sat: 7am-2am.

Sun: 7am-1am.

Nearly halfway through the sizzling Sønder Boulevard you'll find the small oasis of KIHOSKH it's easier to ask what they don't have rather than what they have. The cosy convenience store has been around since the very beginning of the developing Vesterbro and was founded in 1986 by the charismatic merchant Keld. KIHOSKH is a convenience store, it's becoming a legitimate after-hours hangout.

With with expanded opening hours, you can buy anything from a homemade brewing kit to the first album of a local band or just your old school favorite French comics. But believe me when you walk out of here you've definitely bought something you didn't expect to find.

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Keld and his crew have guts and their motto is why stop halfway when you can go all the way.

As a result of this KIHOSKH is now also the name of a famous bottled brew series made in collaboration with the notorious top notch brew company Mikkeller, is rated amongst some of the best brews in the world! So if you are looking for beers and something out of the ordinary then you should pay this little convenience store a visit. Guaranteed you will be surprised by their beer selections from all over the world. The store as an inviting beer cellar and if you ask nicely you can have a peak in but SHHH! this is a well-known local secret…

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Itzi Pitzi Pizza Sønder Boulevard 51 1720 København V tel: 33 31 89 98 www. itzipitzipizza.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30am-10pm.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE TASTE! People from Denmark go to Italy to taste Italian pizzas but Italians go to Denmark to taste Itsi Pitsi pizzas. With a beer or wine from Kihoskh comes a pizza from Itzi Pitzi Pizza! This little pizza place is right next door to Kihoskh and you’ll find you can get some of the most mouth-watering pizzas in Copenhagen. In addition to this Vesterbro joint they have another place out in Hellerup. From the street you can

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smell and almost taste their most popular pizzas - no. 15 - a delicious potato pizza with rosemary, red cherry peppers, salami picante and roquette OR the no. 51 with Parma ham, tomato, roquette and cheese. The DanishItalian-Albanian staff are really kind and a bit cheeky with their dirty jokes. Whether for a night-in or just before a night-out, stop by this little pizza joint for a savory bite!

VBRONXFASHION Photographer: Emil Monty Freddie Stylist: Ulricha Larsen Hair & Makeup: Malene Kirkegaard @Uniquecreatives Model: Erik Bjørnsson @2Pm Sigrid Cold @2Pm

Vivienne Westwood jacket from Emma Lu 4050,Dr.denim jeans from Rude 399,Earrings from Rude, 299,Vibe Harsløf chain ring from Emma Lu 1950,-

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VBRONXFASHION

Volcom blazer from Sidewalk 1300,Pins from Motorious 20,- a piece Helmet from Motorious 2400,-

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VBRONXFASHION

Maikel Tawadros jacket from Emma Lu 4799,Vivienne Westwood blazer from Emma Lu 4275,Dr.denim jeans from Rude 399,Opening Ceremony sneakers from Emma Lu 1780,Earrings from Rude 189,-

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Thrasher sunglasses from Sidewalk 150,T-Shirt from Sidewalk 150,-

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VBRONXFASHION

Erik: Leather Jacket from Motorious 900,Wool scarf from Rude 150,Sigrid: Vivienne Westwood jacket from Emma Lu 4050,Dr.denim jeans from Rude 399,Earrings from Rude, 299,Vibe Harsløf chain ring from Emma Lu 1950,-

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VBRONXFASHION

Daphnea wool jacket from Rude 1100,Cherry Couture pants from Rude 499Vibe Harsløf chain ring from Emma Lu 1950,-

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BioMio Halmtorvet 19 1700 København V tel: 33 31 20 00 www.biomio.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 12pm-10pm.

Thu: 12pm-11pm.

Fri: 12pm-12am.

Sat: 11am-12am.

Sun: 11am-10pm.

Don't panic it's all organic! Bio Mio is an organic restaurant under the big, glowing Bosch-sign in the meatpacking district of Copenhagen. The interior is architecturally designed, made of certified wood, the kitchen appliances are all energy efficient and the cloth is even organic too. All dishes are made from scratch and from organic ingredients. They have a saying at BioMio: "One dish on average consists of 70 % vegetables and max 100%."

Bio Mio is Mother Nature at her best. Whether you're in the mood for their famed weekend “Mokost”, Moroccan meatballs, vegan cuisine or have another dietary specification, you are most likely to have your wish come true for your dish. That's because you can have direct contact with the chef that carefully prepares your food. If you want a warm dish to ward off

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the winter chills, order the BioWok and satisfy your tastebuds by adding your favourite extras!

And as a salute or just with coffee, the delightful cheesecake offers just the right amount of sweet to end your meal. If you want good food from good processes going into your body, and a healthy lifestyle is high on your priority list, then you can start at BioMio - there is room for everyone who enjoy a good kick from Mother Nature, so come as you are!

Insider tip: If you think it’s only about food in here then you better think twice. Wicked eco cocktails created using the best the season has to offer is a must try, if you pass by Bio Mio during the dark hours. Guaranteed, the innovative approach to cocktails will knock your socks off!

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Kødbyens Deli Slagterboderne 8 1716 København V tel: 24840982 www.kodbyensdeli.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 5pm-9pm

A boyhood dream came true for Frederik and Emil. They opened the doors to their take-away joint for the first time in May 2011. Kødbyens Deli is located in the very heart of Vesterbro in the meatpacking district of Copenhagen.

Everyday is a new and exciting one for the boys as they put up hearty dishes on the menu to please the people of Vesterbro. If you're feeling hungover or blue you should grab the burger or the fish & chips for only 70 kr - for sure this will sort you out! On Friday’s you should definitely

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go for the beef tenderloin with pepper or red wine sauce! No doubt it’s the best price in town! Kødbyens Deli really stands for quality and they'll do everything to maintain their reputation - a classy grill bar! All their ingredients are freshly delivered daily from all around the meatpacking district so it’s as local as you can get. If you're a bad cook or just don't have the time these guys are happy to see you everyday of the week for a real treat.

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Kaffe Istedgade 90 1650 København V tel: 60 21 61 23 www.kaffeistedgade.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-10pm.

Sat-Sun: 9am-10pm.

Just about midway down Istedgade, KAFFE is the place to drop in for a pit stop and a chill chat with the local jedi of black beans, Christian Almvig. If you are looking for the essence of Vesterbro distilled in a cup of java, then this is it- smooth but edgy. Christian opened his doors back in 2010 with some good practical help from his inventive friends. It’s unconventional in the best of ways. There’s a charming, mind-bending twist on everything. In here, the grass is green year round and don’t be scared if you get invited for a creative pearl plate sit down or an artist reception. The place is full of life without being exhausting. All this, while you enjoy a quality cup of coffee and some

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groovy tunes on the play list put together by Lulu Rouge. This is the essence of the place.

Christian is a dedicated fan of the magic roasted beans. Sharp, round or with a full-bodied, the coffee comes in many shapes to suit many tastes, but never bitter or dry. Just like their perspective on life. To go with or without your coffee, you can indulge in some of the crispy goodies delivered from the famed Brødflov or the golden sparkling drinks from Naturfrisk Sodavand brewed by Ørbæk Bryggeri. Come hell or high water, don’t miss out on this calming place next time you are down this famous street that used to be oh so sinful.

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Annes Gademad Enghavevej 3 1620 København V tel: 33 23 24 25 www.gademad.dk – Opening hours: Wed-Sat: 4pm-8:30pm.

Gademad is the Danish word for street food.

Street food comes in many shapes and sizes, but at Anne's place it always comes spicy, fresh and with a twist that makes you come back for more. Annes gademad is located on Enghavevej right on the intersection of Vesterbrogade. A sizzling corner where life never dies out. In some ways, the location is just right for this joint. A blending of influences combining Anne’s travel experience to Asia, the Caribbean, and French Guyana and whose flavours come to life in her busy street kitchen. She is joined by her husband Sofus a professional butcher and an experienced chef with a passion for meat.

Together this is quite a team! Annes Gademad is an institution on Vesterbro. You can choose among 3 dishes that change daily. 65 kroners

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for a main dish and 45 for kids. Desserts go for a flat 20 kroners. You can bring back home cooked chutneys, relishes and pesto crafted from superior raw ingredients and spices from the world kitchen. This joint attracts some of the best chefs in town. The secret is the way they go around food in here. Everybody gets involved with new menus created everyday.

Through the retro 70 style interior you can actually feel the buzz from this melting pot of herbs, spices and raw vitality. This joint really rocks our boat!

Insider tip: Anne and her crew are no strangers to serving a catering buffet lunch for 500 guests or more. Might want to check out these food wizards next time you need to spice up a company setting.

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Kaffeplantagen Enghave Plads 1 1670 København V tel: 32 11 41 14 www.kaffeplantagen.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-10pm.

Sat-Sun: 9am-10pm.

Good coffee isn’t just about good coffee anymore. When you are out and about, your whole day can change if you get your favourite cup from your favourite place. It takes something more these days to make a great coffee – more than just a swanky machine and a half decent barista. Fancy brand managers might refer to what we are talking about as a “full circle brand experience”. We just call it great products produced by passionate people. And that is what you get at Kaffeplantagen, managed by Henriette. A woman who takes pride and joy in hosting one of the best coffee shops in Vesterbro. The morning cortado in here is smooth yet with just the right amount of kick, just the

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way it should be for a good start to a day out on the streets. Kaffeplantagen was already on our short list for Vesterbro long before starting out here. For quite some time, Henritte and her partner Heini have worked their magic and craftsmanship on the corner of Sankt Hans Torv and Elmegade in Nørrebro; a place we’ve been going to for several years now. Hanging out with friends, casual business connections or just a quiet morning coffee alone with the freshly-delivered morning papers, it just feels wholesome at Kaffeplantagen – both in Nørrebro as well as Vesterbro. Straight up products in damn good company.

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Bevi Bevi Oehlenschlægersgade 53 1726 København V tel: 31 67 21 20 – Opening hours: Tue-Sat: 4pm-12am.

The Italians have always been masters when it comes to slow food and living the good life with fine wines and home-made food as corner stones of their gastronomic culture. Down Oehlenschlægersgade close to the intersection of Istedgade you can get the best of the Italian foodscape catered by Philip, Danish by nationality but raised and trained in Italy.

Philip actually did a Masters in Philosophy, but the passion for Italian food and wine took over and the result became Bevi Bevi. Great wines from all over Italy are poured generously and in good company. The grapes from Tuscany have a following here. Tuscany is known for wine ranging from good to the highest quality money can

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buy. Rest assured Philip knows how to select the best, not just the most expensive wines.

Bevi Bevi is more than just a classic wine bar with an attitude. Bevi Bevi is also about eating the right way. Slow food with mounds of fresh herbs like the wild boar ragout or veal spareribs are most often on the menu in here, but there is always something new cooking and simmering. Eating Italian at home is also easy with Philip's take away joint, Mangia Mangia just up the street. So pop by there when you want Italian in the cosiness of your own home.

Always a popular local hangout and great for a good night out, duck in here for a chill vibe and casual wine attitude.

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Encke & Duers Vesterbrogade 204 1800 Frederiksberg tel: 33 22 22 32 www.encke-duers.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9am-4pm.

At the end of Vesterbrogade, just before Valby Bakke you’ll find Nynne, a Dane who, one sunny afternoon some 11 years ago, just got fed up with all the poor-quality, unhealthy food that was sold in Danish take-away shops.

She teamed up with her American husband Richard and kick-started what is today known as one the very best takeaway lunch joints in Copenhagen. No fatty or overly salty dishes served in here. Just pure power food, made without taking any shortcuts, and crafted from the best raw ingredients the season

has to offer. The regulars alone are enough to keep this business running. We kid you not, even big-boned, old school builders now go for Nynne and Richard’s veggie meatballs and hearty sandwiches. People just get more mileage when they refuel in here. I myself am still a bit of a sucker for hardcore protein. So no surprise, the killer steak sandwich with piles of juicy meat, homemade remoulade and freshly sliced horseradish is still a die-hard nr. 1 on my hitlist when I go hunting. I know that’s just my personal taste, but damn this is good!

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McKluud Istedgade 126 1640 København V tel: 33 31 63 83 www.mckluud.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 2pm-2am.

Since 1972 Istedgade has been adorned by McKluud. This bodega has not changed a bit since then and is not going too - it's the only western bar left in Copenhagen. Here you'll find all types of people from the hobo to the CEO and if you go there you'll know what I’m talking about. A guy called Peter bought this place 10 years ago from Kirsten, the founder, who still checks in once a year to make sure things are up to scratch. You'll find the happiest crowd in the city gathers here and

Bang & Jensen Istedgade 130 1650 København V tel: 33 25 53 18 www.bangogjensen.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30am-2am.

Sat: 10am-2am.

Sun: 10am-12am.

Close to the popular square Enghave Plads in Vesterbro you’ll find the legendary café Bang & Jensen situated in what used to be a very beautiful pharmacy. Back when Café Bang & Jensen first started out on Istedgade things were still pretty rough around Vesterbro and cafés were a rarity. But from the beginning Bang & Jensen became very popular and soon word caught on about this café and the rest they say, is history.

Today, other cafés have opened up in Vesterbroo but Bang & Jensen still have a unique

daily crowd of students, bohemians and locals that create a truly special atmosphere which defines Bang & Jensen as an original hang-out.

Their breakfast is unbeatable, served Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 4:00pm.

Saturday-Sunday 10:00 and 4:00pm. Not that they don’t do lunch and dinner, but breakfast is their trademark - what they are especially known for. Everyone loves a good breakfast. It's basically the best part of waking up. The regulars say it's the biggest and the best brekkie in Copenhagen and for the smallest amount of money. That's a tough combo to beat.

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sometimes famous bands such as Nick Cave or The Specials drop by. The bar is open 365 days a year and the price for a bottled beer is always 20 kr - and it comes with a cheap shot if you ask nicely. The last few years they have been awarded Politikens "Best Jukebox in town award” but if the music doesn't suit you then you can always take a look at the screen to see if your favorite football team is playing. Try to remember the atmosphere because no doubt you’ll be walking out of here pretty legless.

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When Worlds Collide: Navigating Vesterbro's kids and chaos.

By Emma Liddy "I'd love to live in Vesterbro.... there are just so many people with kids there now ", a student friend declared in a recent discussion on the merits of Copenhagen’s different boroughs. It might not be the most well considered justification for not living somewhere, but it was late and the lack of reasoning was balanced out by an excess of beer.

When Tove Ditlevsen, Vesterbro's original cultural institution, released her most loved novel Barndommens Gade (The Streets of My Childhood), the topics of childhood and Vesterbro were considered almost taboo. These days it's hard to ask someone about Vesterbro without the number of under age residents arising in conversation.

The childhood experiences Ditlevsen wrote of were generally not happy ones. They were dominated by poverty, confusion, emotional or other kinds of harm. But the Vesterbro of today is a different beast than the Vesterbro of the 1920s and '30s that lives and breathes in Ditlevsens work.

So why are we still banging on about the young ones?

Some people I speak to are downright opposed to the presence of kids in these streets. They scoff at the hip, young couples who move here believing themselves to be uber cool urban parents. Those same couples that after a few months, or years, of sleep deprivation begin to complain about the late night noise pollution that generally coincides with a neighbourhood known for hookers, junkies, clubs and dodgy bodegas.

Others don't mind the increasing number of families filling up the old working class apartment blocks. They are part of the shift that has filled the streets with the restaurants, cocktail bars, clothes stores and everything else that makes it possible for us to fill the pages of this magazine.

But it would be a whole lot easier to enjoy the buzz if you weren't constantly in danger of being pushed off the sidewalk or having your toes flattened by oversized, vintage prams.

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On a Saturday night, or a Tuesday night for that matter, it's easy to wonder whether Vesterbro is really a great place to raise a child. Not all of the grit and grime and gaudy red light that once defined this district has disappeared behind the gleam of the packed high end cocktail bars and restaurants. But a stroll around these parts on a bright Sunday morning tells a different story.

Walking from the square named after Vesterbro's favourite author, to the school that also commemorates her, you can see time worn red brick buildings and a Berlingske Tidende mural so faded that you could believe you were seeing through the eyes of the author herself in the first half of last century. But then you reach Enghave Parken, and find it full of loving parents watching their offspring do their best to compete with the bigger kids in the skate park. Their helmets and knee pads and fits of laughter, a clear sign of the fresh life in this area. A little more wandering and you find murals of sunflowers competing with scrawl of graffiti. If you really have too much time on your hands you might have time to discover one of the pretty little playgrounds or parks tucked between the weary apartment buildings.

Of course the rough and raucous are part of why we love Vesterbro, and perhaps there should also be some restriction on the number of fixies, moustaches, and vinyl collections allowed in one concentrated area. These things too could be damaging to the children here and we won't know until it's too late. But compared to the harsh conditions Ditlevsen and her characters endured on their journeys into adulthood, we can be sure Vesterbro is a better place to live now, no matter what your age.

So enough grumbles about the young ones. Try stepping aside next time you risk being mown down by a pram.

Smile politely at the little grot, and if it makes you feel better take the opportunity to revel in the thought that you'll have your revenge next time you're stumbling out of McKluuds, or on a post Kødbyen pølse-hunt telling your friend you love them about 50 decibels louder than necessary.

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Lidkoeb Vesterbrogade 72b 1620 København V tel: 33 11 20 10 www.lidkoeb.dk – Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 4pm-2am.

Sun: 8pm-1am.

Head down the notorious Vesterbrogade all the way down to the big ugly supermarket monster starting with a big bad “F”, find the doorway just before, follow for another 20 meters, pass by two more doors and we promise, you'll find one of the classiest hidden night life hang outs in Vesterbro – we dare say Copenhagen.

Lidkoeb was originally a 3 storage pharmaceutical laboratory established back in 1883.

For the past few years this amazing place had been left to decay, but then a little more than a year ago a group of dedicated bartenders took over this hidden gem. They gave it an overhaul that makes it stand out today as one the absolute prime locations for a cool night out when you crave the perfect melting pot of superior drinks, low key, but super professional service (no sticky, stiff upper lips in here). In here grown up professionals serve drinks for grown up guests.

On the ground floor the doors are always open.

The good vibes come with modern Danish furniture classics, an open fireplace and huge industrial windows. The first floor opens up on weekend nights when the party grows but is

also used for a variety of events and receptions. Well the real hidden treasure if you ask us, is up on the second floor, hidden just under the roof. Up here you find a whiskey retreat with room for only 28 people at a time. Up here you lounge in heavy leather furniture’s and have a personal service that will take you safe around the corners of the single malt, Rye and Bourbon universe. At Lidkoeb they got the balls to walk the distance, trust their intuitions and select only the products they believe in themselves. No fancy, fashion drinks around here.

You can actually even walk in here and ask for a cold glass of beer, far from ordinary, but damn good and most often American artisanal or from their local friend known as the Ewil Twin. Yes, Lidkoeb get referred to as a cocktail bar but to Morten who run this old factory, its actually all just about enjoying upright drinks in good company. Beer, whiskey, wine or cocktail. He doesn’t care. Morten knows he and his fellow aficionados carry heaps of the best and most inspiring in each category. Don't take our word for it! Go discover when the night falls.

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Celsius Bar Oehlenschlægersgade 53 A st 1653 København V tel: 33 11 20 10 www.celciusbar.dk – Opening hours: Wed-Thu: 5pm-1am.

Fri-Sat: 5pm-4am.

Celcius is a cool cocktail bar in Vesterbro. You can order any cocktail you want and I guarantee it will be made straight from the heart.

It’s one of the first cocktail bars in the area offering great tasting drinks at very reasonable prices. Their juices are all freshly pressed and the cocktail menu is not your average joe - but if you ask for a good old classic I'm sure you’ll be served one hell of a kind. If you are up for a tasty, innovative homemade cocktail I would definitely recommend a 53A - a 6 cl drink with

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gin, sweet elderflower liqueur, mixed with fresh orange, lime juice and a hint of orange zest. This could easily be the start of an early afternoon buzz - Celcius opens it’s doors at 5pm but you can certainly stay and get comfy by drinking plenty of fantastic cocktails and listening to the sounds of some great tunes. So if you're walking through the Inner City looking for a good cocktail bar you should stop looking and head straight for Oehlenschlægersgade.

You are guaranteed fun Vesterbro-style!

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