The Audo: Your Home Away From Home in Copenhagen

The Audo’s motto is a simple one, ‘from one learn all’. I walked into The Audo, on a very hot Saturday afternoon, before the madness of Copenhagen Fashion Week, I understood what it was all about. The hotel, come co-working space, come restaurant, come design store, is all about easy, high quality living – very much a physical embodiment of MENU, the Danish design brand behind the space. Some design/living concepts are gimmicky, but The Audo is true to itself – a space people can use to work, eat, sleep, shop and relax. What more could you be looking for in this modern era of ‘the world is my desk’, but also, at a time when travel experiences are becoming rarer, and more cherished?

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During my time at The Audo, I stayed in the Oak suite – a beautifully designed room, inspired by the long standing marriage between Japanese and Nordic cultures. Each room in the hotel is themed, culminating in a unique mix of colours, textures, and design pieces that you can enjoy and use during the stay, and then purchase too – I was very tempted to walk out with Benjamin Ewing’s ‘Eros’ that was hanging in my room, but sadly did not have enough room in my suitcase. The rooms are compact, simple, and no-fuss – and when I say compact and no-fuss, I do not mean that in a bad way. I was so impressed with how space was used in the room, that my jaw dropped when I found a fully fledged bathroom and bathtub in a ‘wardrobe’ – take a look at our Instagram highlights for the full room/hotel tour.

I loved being able to read all of the books and magazines in my room, and did not miss having a television, as I read/worked with the beautiful Nordhavn sunsets lighting up the oak panelling and beams in my room. I have stayed in MANY hotel rooms across the world, and they usually go one of two ways, too big and light, or too dark and small, but The Audo have got their room decor game down, obviously, balancing warm colours, and soft and hard furnishings, for the perfect ‘home away from home’ vibe.

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The Audo’s terracotta courtyard made for the perfect pitstop for me and the Nordic Style team in between shows, while I spent mornings in the library, catching up on emails after breakfast, which I obviously enjoyed al fresco in the summer sun – both spaces are tranquil and perfect whether you’re working or relaxing. The material library is a beautiful space full of books and seating areas, where you can work and seek inspiration, as well as book a meeting room if you need it. In the summer, most people choose to work outside, and then continue on for drinks, and it is this relaxed atmosphere, which is what males The Audo so special – you don’t have to pay for a desk, or buy food and drink all day, you can truly just enjoy and use the space.

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Talking about food and drink, the hotel has some of the best I have had in Copenhagen, and that is no mean feat, because I like food, and the city has a lot of amazing eateries. But what makes the food and drink at The Audo special is that is all freshly prepared, locally sourced, and changes daily. During my stay, Restaurant Lola was in residence, providing a daily dose of fresh greens, fish and other dishes for visitors, and Lola’s brother, Loui will be in residence from 14th September – specialising in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired dishes, you should definitely take a visit!

For breakfast and lunch, The Audo Café offers a selection of lighter meals and snacks, which are locally sourced and prepared fresh every day. I took great delight in enjoying my chia pudding, sourdough bread, and accompaniments with a fresh coffee and orange juice every morning. And if you live in Copenhagen, I would highly recommend taking a cycle out to The Audo one morning, to enjoy the terrace and a light meal, before heading to Sandkaj for a swim.

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Now, you can’t talk about The Audo without talking about the impeccable design of the ENTIRE place. The space is a physical embodiment of MENU’s design ethos, and combines their furniture and interior pieces, with the work of other local and international designers and artists. I want EVERYTHING in the concept store, and if you’re like me and not local to Denmark, fear not, you can buy a selection of the pieces online, so get shopping! Ranging from magazines, to sculptures, to towels, and full on sofas, there is so much on offer in the store (and around the hotel) for you to purchase, that whether you are looking to remodel your apartment, or just a small souvenir to take home, there’s something for everyone. The Audo make design accessible to everyone, and this is something I can get behind.

Whether you are looking for a beautiful city staycation, some new pieces for your apartment, or a tranquil place to work, The Audo has it all. I highly encourage, if you’re in Copenhagen for a vacation or work trip, that you swing by for a comfortable place to work, amazing food and drinks, and to enjoy the all-round cosy buzz and beautifully designed environment. If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen, make this your hub, it is perfect, and Nordhavn is the perfect distance from the centre of the city, to enjoy a leisurely bike ride to and from.

From today until Sunday, they will be taking part in 3 days of design, where they are exploring the theme of, ‘Tomorrow’s House’. They have refreshed the space’s interior, are showcasing new artists’ work, and hosting a series of talks, exhibitions and soirees, that you should definitely go down and experience. If I was still in the city, I would be lapping it all up!

This post is in partnership with The Audo, but all opinions are our own.


Sophia Groves

Sophia is a freelance photographer and graphic designer based in Reykjavík, Iceland.

http://www.sophiagroves.co.uk
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