Epicurus | GamFratesi

Named after the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, this collaboration promises an extraordinary fu- sion of culinary artistry, mixology mastery, interior design, and jazz virtuosity. Epicurus championed the pursuit of happiness through pleasure—defined as the absence of pain and fear—while emphasizing mea- ningful friendships, philosophical reflection, and the enriching role of food and culture in a fulfilling life. This ambitious venture aims to redefine entertainment on a global scale. Guests will experience a multi- sensory journey that embodies the Epicurean ideals of refined pleasure and cultural enrichment, where exquisite food, innovative cocktails, and world-class jazz converge to create an unparalleled environment for connection, inspiration, and joy.

About EPICURUS:

A culinary and musical powerhouse has emerged in the heart of downtown Copenhagen, uniting Den- mark’s gastronomic elite with jazz royalty. Lars Seier Christensen, co-owner of the three-Michelin-starred Geranium (World’s Best Restaurant 2022) and two-Michelin-starred Alchemist, has joined forces with Mads Bøttger of the one-Michelin-starred Dragsholm Castle Gourmet. Together, they have partnered with Sir Niels Lan Doky, the knighted jazz pianist, composer, and producer celebrated for his extraordinary improvisations and collaborations with global luminaries.

Completing this exceptional team is Rasmus Shepherd-Lomborg, a visionary Danish bar entrepreneur who, alongside his Scottish wife Adeline, founded Ruby in 2007—a groundbreaking cocktail bar that spar- ked Copenhagen’s cocktail renaissance and has been featured six times on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list.

At Epicurus, they aim to reinvent and redefine the jazz standard repertoire, which has remained largely unchanged for more than half a century. All our music will feature exclusive projects curated and produ- ced by Sir Niels Lan Doky, offering unique presentations that cannot be experienced anywhere else. These performances will showcase internationally acclaimed musicians, blending original compositions with innovative interpretations of jazz classics – and even transforming contemporary pop hits into future jazz standards.

The cocktails at Epicurus are as transformative as its music program. Led by former Alchemist head bar- tender Michael Hajiyianni, the international team employs cutting-edge techniques to craft a modern cocktail experience. The restaurant at Epicurus celebrates life’s pleasures through exceptional cuisine and shared experiences. Its undogmatic Nordic cuisine, inspired by French traditions, features refined, honest dishes crafted from seasonal produce sourced from Dragsholm Castle and its surroundings.

Miles Davis Artwork:

An original painting by Miles Davis now hangs at Epicurus, marking the first and only artwork by the jazz legend on permanent display on Danish soil. Created in 1981 and personally gifted to saxophonist Bill Evans during Miles’ celebrated comeback, this piece carries profound emotional and artistic significance. As a gesture of friendship and faith in the Epicurus vision, Bill Evans has graciously loaned the painting to his longtime collaborator, our very own Sir Niels Lan Doky. The artwork arrived from the U.S. under careful escort and was installed in a custom-built frame at the venue—where it now serves as a permanent symbol of artistic legacy and trust.

Interior Design project:

This interior project by GamFratesi was conceived around the name “Epicurus”, evoking the joy of music, food, and conviviality that characterized ancient Greek culture. The design takes inspiration from tradi- tional Greek pottery, where scenes of music and celebration were depicted in contrasting lines over dark backgrounds. These visual references were translated into a Nordic language through modern wooden inlays, turning the ancient concept into a contemporary narrative.

The space is divided into two connected yet distinct areas: a restaurant and a jazz club. The jazz club is de- fined by dark, smoked oak wood paneling, chosen to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. The boiserie reinterprets the historical architecture of the space, which was originally a military gymnasium for the Queen’s guards. The new paneling reinstates a rhythm aligned with the height of the windows (3 meters), while the ceiling rises to 6 meters, preserving the vertical grandeur.

The walls are decorated with abstract scenes of dancing and music—modern reinterpretations of classical figures—carved as fine inlays in wood, which recall the aesthetics of Nordic craftsmanship while drawing from Greek iconography. These figures appear throughout the jazz club and also in a smaller connecting room, creating visual continuity between the two spaces.

In contrast, the restaurant retains and restores original elements. Existing woodwork has been painted in a warm, rich tone that complements the dark wood of the new additions. On a wall where no paneling remained, natural materials were used to reconstruct the rhythm of the room.

The entrance to the space features a dramatic console made in white and grey travertine—a stone with deep historical resonance—setting the tone for the transition from the restaurant above to the jazz club below. The travertine also appears in the jazz club’s bar: a handcrafted piece of dark wood with a travertine top and back, surrounded by a niche that forms a sculptural focal point in the room.

Lighting was custom-designed in collaboration with Danish brand Lyfa, with all pieces—wall sconces, pendants, and table lamps—developed specifically for this project. They reflect the musical theme and will be introduced to the market following 3 Days of Design.

Furnishings include GamFratesi’s own designs such as the Violin Chair and Beetle Chair by Gubi, paired with other iconic pieces from Danish design history.

A key goal of the project was to create a cohesive narrative between the restaurant and jazz club without re- petition. Materials and finishes offer continuity, but each space has a distinct mood: the restaurant is more luminous and open, while the jazz club is immersive and exclusive. The design invites guests on a journey through time and place—bridging ancient joy and modern elegance, in a dialogue between history, music, and Nordic design.