Danish R&B duo Phlake’s unofficial guide to Copenhagen

There are only a few global cities that you can travel to on the regular and be guaranteed a different experience every time you visit. Copenhagen is one such city, just ask Danish music duo Mads Bo and Jonathan Elkær, otherwise known as Phlake.
 
Both hailing from the capital, Phlake’s music career blew up in 2016 following the release of their debut studio album, Slush Hours. They’ve been consistent ever since, growing a national and international fanbase and playing major festivals like Roskilde, as well as sold-out shows across the world.

It’s unsurprising then, that the pair know where best to eat, drink and socialise in their home city. So, with Soho House Copenhagen as your base, here’s Phlake’s ultimate guide to the Danish capital. 

What are the best breakfast spots in the city? 
‘Copenhagen is strong when it comes to bread and pastries. Some of our favourites are Lille Bakery, Darcy’s Kaffe, Juno the Bakery or Mirabelle. There’s also Tilda og Karl, a Swiss restaurant on Nørrebro. Their boiled egg served in a glass is amazing.’
 
What’s your go-to place for a working lunch?
‘Our recording studio is in Frederiksberg, so we often go to Auren’s Deli and Encke & Duers. Gaza Grill is also great for Middle Eastern food.’  
 
What about the best spot for lunch with friends? 
‘If you want to try the traditional Danish smørrebrød in a contemporary way, Palægade is the spot. Schønemann is also great, but more classic. Lastly, there’s Cafe Stadion that serves a lot of small dishes to share.’
 
Where do you go for a late-night dinner? 
‘Depending on where you are in the city, we would suggest the low-key Italian restaurant Bar La Una in Vesterbro. And Pompette in Nørrebro for small dishes, a great vibe and natural wine. Late-night dinners aren’t really a thing in Copenhagen, but Barabba’s kitchen is open until midnight and the pasta is incredible. We also highly recommend the vegetarian restaurant Baka D’Busk.’ 

Where can you get good cocktails? 
‘Both Gensyn Bar in Frederiksberg and Yellow in Nørrebro are two great spots.’ 

What’s your favourite music venue in the city? 
‘Vega is a beautiful and legendary venue by Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen. It was built in 1956 and was originally designed for the labour movement. It has three different stages with different capacities. Some of our most memorable Phlake shows have been at Vega.’

And your go-to for a wild night out? 
‘Amigo Bar is where we sometimes end up when it’s that kind of evening. It opens at 10pm and closes at 6am.’ 

Where do you go for a midnight snack?
‘Isted Grill in Vesterbro is pretty legendary. We’d also suggest that everyone check out @tosultnepiger on Instagram for more pro food tips.’
 
Where do you shop in the city? 
‘Norse Store in the city centre stocks some of our favourite brands, as well as their own stuff.’

Where do you go for walks? 
‘Valbyparken by the water is great; you can play some Disc Golf for free there, too. Amager Fælled is also good for a bit nature. Bispebjerg Cemetery is nice for walks too, and next to it is Grundtvig’s Kirke, which is an amazing church. In the city centre, we go to Ørstedparken.’

Any museums, galleries or markets you love? 
‘SMK (the National Gallery) and Copenhagen Contemporary are two nice spots. The David Collection in the city centre is also sort of a hidden gem. It’s free and has the largest collection of Islamic art in Scandinavia.’
 
Any secret places in the city that you visit often? 
‘Landbohøjskolens Have in Frederiksberg is a small botanical garden, part of the University of Copenhagen. It’s a really nice place to relax. There’s also a few cool streets to explore, like Jægersborggade in Nørrebro. It’s right next to Assistens Kirkegård, where some of the lyrics for our song “Angel Zoo” were written.’

Phlake's new album 'Phine' is out now.

Ganni’s global PR and communications director, Alexandra Bernardini, recently shared her best ways to spend your time in the Danish capital.