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From American diner to Scandinavian-style den
The sound of engines fills the air. A trophy cabinet and industrial vibes in the entrance area set the scene at Racehall in Viby J, where speed is the name of the game.
But something’s changed at the top of the stairs leading to the restaurant. The lights are dimmed. Greenery softens the edges. And somewhere between coffee and freshly baked rolls, shoulders begin to relax.
It’s a Tuesday morning at Gastro Hall, the newly opened restaurant. Employees from a nearby company are serving themselves from the buffet before a morning meeting. They’ve already been go-karting, so the energy is high – but the room itself feels calm and grounded.
New setting, new direction
When Henrik Mensch was offered the opportunity to run the restaurant, it was a quick yes. “Racing and good food in one… What’s not to like?” he laughs.
"I’ve done my laps on the racetrack and enjoyed a burger or two in the old diner, but I wanted something different with the restaurant interior, and also a significant upgrade to the food. I saw potential in opening the restaurant up to a wider audience, including businesses and associations, and at the same time expanding the menu to include our popular tapas, which we’ve become known for at Volleshave Gårdbutik in Beder Denmark."
The classic American diner look
Previously, there was no doubt about the style: pastel turquoise leather booths, black-and-white linoleum floors. A classic American diner that suited the Racehall vibe.
But the fixed booths weren’t optimal – they locked the layout in place and didn’t offer good views of the track.
A cosy Scandinavian space with a view of the track
Henrik had three main goals for the new Scandinavian interior design:
- An intimate and cosy atmosphere
- Better views of the racing action from more seats
- Room for different types of guests and group sizes
“I wanted warm materials and a calmer vibe,” he explains. “Parents should feel good enjoying a coffee while the kids are racing. At the same time, it was important to make it a place where people want to stay.”
Flexible Scandinavian interior design
Henrik had previously worked with Trademark Living on a café project, so he knew who to call.
“Klaus at Trademark Living is full of ideas, and we work really well together,” he says.
“One of Klaus’ first ideas was to paint the restaurant dark grey. Not just the walls, but the ceilings, pipes and woodwork, too. Combined with a new wooden floor, it’s created a sort of den vibe that feels both calm and raw.”
The layout was updated, too. Round tables for small groups. Long tables for meetings and company events. And along the windows, mobile New Yorker-style walls now create private booths with views of the track. Deeper into the room, high bar tables let guests follow the races while they dine or have a drink.
Versatility in practice
“I love how the space changes character throughout the day,” says Henrik.
In the morning, long tables work well for brunch and business meetings. In the evening, they can be split up to make room for families ending the day with burgers.
The mobile dividers make the layout quick to adjust which is perfect for birthdays or group dinners, with private seating options both by the windows and in the back.
Raw materials, warm details
“We’ve had a lot of great feedback. Guests love the contrast between the industrial setting of the track and the relaxed vibe in the restaurant.”
“I already knew that wood, leather and metal would bring warmth,” Henrik says. “But I’m still surprised at the big impact from plants and soft lighting.”
A place to linger
“In the beginning, it was fun to see our regulars’ reactions. We often heard: ‘Wow – something has really changed here!’”
Today, guests tend to stay longer. And every corner of the restaurant is used from the bar tables to the booths overlooking the track.
A new mood without extra square meters
The physical framework was fixed with no expansion possible. But with paint, new floors and smart furniture choices, the team has created a completely different atmosphere.
Henrik is now focused on enjoying the finished Gastro Hall, but he doesn’t rule out a new interior design project if the right opportunity comes along.
Bar stools
Bar stools with leather seats and slim iron frames are a great match for Scandinavian interior design, where comfort and style go hand in hand. Perfect for bar areas where you want guests to settle in and stay a little longer.
Dining tables
Round dining tables create a more intimate setting and make it easier to bring together families or smaller groups. In a Scandinavian restaurant interior, they add a sense of calm and help create better flow.
Wall lamps
Wall-mounted lamps are a brilliant element in Scandinavian interior design, especially when you want to create soft, intimate lighting. They bring calm, warmth and atmosphere without stealing the spotlight.
