Photo: Joakim Hovrevik
Olive trees, pétanque and a glass of pastis Boulebar might come from Sweden, but it is all about France. With a classic French bistro menu, 14 indoor pétanque courts and a rustic French set-up, Copenhagen’s first boule bar presents a fun and alternative setting for a laid-back weekend brunch with friends, family or colleagues. By Signe Hansen
With a menu consisting of French classics such as moules de frites and crème brûlée, olive trees scattered around the place and, of course, a myriad of pétanque courts, there is no denying that the people behind Boulebar are Francophiles. The inspiration for the first Boulebar originated during the Swedish founders’ travels around southern Europe, and the Copenhagen restaurant is specifically inspired by the rustic urban environment of Marseilles. However, when it comes to the Danes’ favourite weekend occupation, brunching, 22 | Issue 94 | November 2016
the boule bar is sure to fit into its new Copenhagen setting just as well. Every Saturday and Sunday, Boulebar presents a French-style brunch buffet (think fresh fruit, croissants and bubbles rather than bacon and eggs) and the possibility of bringing friends and family on to the pétanque courts for a lazy game of midday boule. Marketing manager Philip Spangfort explains: “Our weekend brunch combines a bit of everything: pétanque, food and perhaps a glass of bubbles or pastis – you can do whatever you feel like. We wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a laidback morning in southern France,
where everyone is hanging out at the table or around the pétanque court. I think it will be very popular with Copenhageners, especially to be able to enter this little piece of southern Europe now that winter’s on its way.” Opened just a month ago, the Boulebar in the old Daells Varehus in Nørregade is Copenhagen’s first. Meanwhile, Sweden already has six of its kind. The one in Malmö alone attracted 95,000 guests last year.
Danish pétanque champion Boulebar in Copenhagen is headed by the Danish pétanque enthusiast Kasper Miller. The 38-year-old Copenhagener has won the Danish pétanque championship no less than 23 times and is number nine in the ranking of the world’s best pétanque players. Eager to spread