Custom House consists of a selection of bars, restaurants and a deli / bakery on a prime waterfront location in Copenhagen, Denmark. Conran & Partners refurbished a distinctive 1930’s Art Deco building (formerly a customs office) on Havnegade 44, neighbouring Nyhavn and the new Playhouse Theatre with splendid views towards Copenhagen’s new Opera House.

The main entrance space allows views through to the water; a glass lift and an open staircase add to the feeling of space with a custom-designed pendant light adding a quirky highlight.

On the ground floor is Bacino, a waterfront restaurant finished in elegant light grey and silver, with screens of polished metal circles. The design was inspired by the elegance of sailing boats in full sail. The restaurant is entered through a sophisticated lounge bar with custom-made seating and a white marble bar counter. The space opens out onto a long harbour side terrace for outside eating during the summer months.

Situated at the other end of the building from Bacino is Custom House Grill and Bar , a modern European Brasserie with Scandinavian influences. The interior was inspired by traditional Danish tugboats, with warm timber cladding and a feature leather clad bar counter.

A dramatic enclosed walkway runs along the first floor, providing views over the water, leading to Ebisu, a contemporary Japanese inn or Izakaya. Finished with black lacquer panelling, it provides an intimate, dark and atmospheric space. The central feature is an open kitchen with a sushi counter and robatayaki charcoal grill. The restaurant is surrounded by deep timber fins illuminated randomly by spotlights, adding to the mysterious quality. Seating is available either at the Walnut dining counter or in the restaurant.

On the other side of the walkway from Ebisu is a private dining room with a boardroom table and 100 square metre banqueting space, seating 80 people for dinner. This latter space can be divided into two separate rooms for smaller gatherings. Both areas have their own distinct character, aided by leather panelled walls, full height curtains and a glazed dividing wall filled with wine and other objects.