Members Only
Please join as a member and click "Members Only" to read more complete articles and exclusive content.
April Coffee: When Coffee Flows Between Fast and Slow
In early February, as Copenhagen’s winter still delivered its icy bite, I joined Patrik Rolf, founder of April Coffee, on a visit to his two newly opened locations in the city center—the April Coffee Store & Showroom and SP Coffee Shop. Braving the cold, we stepped inside to be greeted by a serene atmosphere. Bright interiors, hushed ambience, and a freshly brewed cup of coffee combined to create a haven—a place to pause, breathe, and embrace the moment.
From Office to City Corner
April Coffee began its journey in a quiet office at Østerport and has now taken root on a street corner in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By, where the charm of bygone eras meets modern city life. This relocation is more than a mere change of address—it marks an evolution. Patrik explained that the move represents a readiness to welcome new possibilities and audiences while staying true to April Coffee’s core values of precision, passion, and uncompromising quality. In our conversation, Patrik shared his core philosophy: every decision is driven by his personal vision rather than market trends or public expectation. His first space, originally just an office where coffee was brewed out of necessity, gradually transformed into a welcoming café—a refuge for those seeking a superior coffee experience. Today, in Indre By, his vision comes to life in two distinct areas: the April Coffee Store & Showroom, which curates an array of coffees, equipment, and accessories, and SP Coffee Shop, a dynamic venue in tune with the city’s pace—ideal for grabbing a coffee and a freshly baked pastry on the go.
Interplay of Coffee and Space
Upon entering the April Coffee Store & Showroom, you are enveloped by soft, natural light that transforms the space into an inviting, open living room. The casually arranged furniture invites guests to settle wherever they please, naturally fostering conversation and connection. A sleek industrial coffee counter stretches along one wall, its design softened by a curved wooden panel that infuses the space with warmth. The atmosphere remains exceptionally calm, aided by the pre-ground coffee beans that eliminate the usual clatter of a grinder.
Just a short stroll away, SP Coffee Shop exudes a distinctly energetic vibe. In collaboration with the renowned local bakery Skipper Bageri, the venue orchestrates a delightful dialogue between coffee and pastry. Its stand-up design caters to the fast-paced urban lifestyle, while still offering moments for spontaneous interaction.
Where Nordic Design Meets Global Inspiration
April Coffee embodies a fusion of Danish design sensibilities and international vision. Its minimalist, functional, and elegant aesthetic is continually enriched through collaborations with partners around the world. Housed within a classic Copenhagen apartment building, the café harmoniously blends historic charm with modern flair. Crisp white walls serve as a blank canvas, accentuating the textures of the furniture and the vibrant hues of carefully selected decor. Through these thoughtful choices, Patrik has crafted an environment that speaks the language of Danish design while making global visitors feel at home.
Every detail—from the coffee cups to Patrik’s attire—carries a story, reflecting the rich tapestry of his journey. These objects are more than mere decoration; they serve as a medium for April Coffee’s dialogue with the world. The furniture, primarily sourced from Apetersen, is not simply about seating—it’s an invitation to sit back, relax, and savor the ambience. During our visit, we even enjoyed a friendly chat with some of Apetersen’s designers, whose engaging discussion about coffee and design captured the brand’s genuine spirit of collaboration.
A Café for Both the Senses
Inside, a transparent display case showcases April Coffee’s signature coffee bags in bold shades of orange, turquoise, and grassy green. These vivid colors reflect the brand’s confident personality and invite customers to embark on a visual and culinary journey. Reflecting on the design process, Patrik recalled, “Initially, we used standard market packaging, but I found it too uninspiring.” This spurred him to create designs that truly capture April Coffee’s playful, joyful, and energetic spirit.
The seating area is seamlessly integrated with display shelves that highlight the coffee products, inviting guests to relax as if in a cozy living room while discovering the curated offerings at their own pace. In this space, the line between showroom and café dissolves effortlessly. Beyond coffee, a carefully curated selection of design objects—from apparel to lifestyle accessories—underscores the brand’s meticulous attention to detail. April Coffee’s new venue in Indre By is both a continuation of its heritage and a bold statement of its evolution. It strikes a delicate balance between precision and intuition, structure and spontaneity. As the doors open to the city’s rhythm, April Coffee invites every coffee aficionado to step into a meticulously crafted yet relaxed laboratory—a space where focused craftsmanship meets playful creativity.
