Sometimes shops are so much more than just retail outlets, they are great hang-outs. From places to enjoy coffee or books, to places to chill out or work out under the sun, here are a few of my personal favourites.
Multibanen
Though not exactly a shop, Multibanen a new outdoor experiment for public use in Outer Nørrebro. If you have friends who like basketball or a child learning to ride a bicycle, stop by this facility, which is a multi-use track, complete with pedestrian zone, road markings such as the thoughtfully-named ‘shark’s teeth’, and a passing lane. The area opened on May 15, as part of a city experiment.
Ktk-grunden, Haraldsgade, Cph N; Open until Aug 31
Tingfinderen
“The world is full of things, and it’s really necessary, that there is someone who finds them. And that is exactly what a thingfinder does,” said Pippi Longstocking. This beloved character is the inspiration for Tingfinderen, a store that leads a double and triple life as much more. Vintage furniture, books and a range of coffees are on sale. Beyond an antique shop and café, the several floors host regular art exhibitions, Sunday jazz concerts, and a variety of other events. So far this year, there have been several record release parties, a chess tournament, acoustic concerts and lovely raspberry pastries. The coffee can be ordered in several varieties, from simple cups for 10 kr to fair trade or Greek style, as well as homemade juices.
Larsbjørnsstræde 20, Cph K; Open Tue-Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-21:00; 2843 6147; www.tingfinderen.dk
Boghallen
Tourists wandering down Strøget have not completely blocked out the entrance to the bookstore connected to one of the city’s most prominent newspapers. Politikens bookstore, which carries Danish and foreign books, has just hired Christina Thiemer, the owner of the popular Vesterbro bookstore Theimers Magasin, as its manager – so expect the same aesthetic that has attracted an art and design following to her own store.
Rådhuspladsen 37, Cph K; Open Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-16:00, 3347 2560; www.boghallen.dk
Kent Kaffe Laboratorium
The folks behind Kent Kaffe Laboratorium want coffee to be treated more like wine, focusing more on the origin of the beans and variety of brewing methods. What’s on offer is still a great cup of joe, even for the previously uninitiated. The brewers have imported equipment from the Japanese brand Hario, espresso machines from France, drip coffee from the US, and organic beans from top spots in Ethiopia and Latin America. Look out for their stylish cream vehicle at this summer’s festivals.
Nørre Farimagsgade 70, Cph K 1364; Open Mon-Fri 07:30-19:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00; 6316 6030; www.kentkaffe.com
