Our Inspiration: Folkehuset Absalon in Copenhagen

Our family visited Copenhagen in the summer of 2023 and had the good fortune to discover Folkehuset Absalon—a truly special place!

Absalon is a community space built in an old church, where neighbours come together to join activities, share meals, and simply play. It’s a lively, colourful hub, hosting about 100 activities every week.

Their philosophy is simple but powerful:

“The social bonds between people are what make life meaningful, and at Absalon, we want to create a space where these bonds can form and become stronger.”

The Communal Dinner

One of Absalon’s standout offerings is their daily communal dinner, and we were lucky enough to book tickets one night. The menu looked delicious, the ticket price was very reasonable (especially given the cost of food in Denmark), and although we were a bit nervous about sitting with strangers, we decided to give it a try.

We were seated with five friends in their 20s and quickly fell into conversation about their studies and blossoming careers in tech, international development and women’s health. Our kids were drawn in, curious to hear their stories and perspectives.

The dining hall itself was vibrant and eclectic—about 200 people gathered at long tables, the whole room alive with a hum of conversation and energy.

Toby and Chad sitting at a table at Absalon.

When dinner began, volunteers from each table fetched big platters of traditional Danish food, which we passed around family-style. The homemade bread with compound butter was an instant highlight and the meal ended with a nostalgic summer dessert: Danish red berry pudding, or Rød Grød Med Fløde. My grandparents were from Denmark, and this dinner felt so homey and familiar, connecting me to family traditions in a way that was deeply moving.

Eric and Janice enjoying a beverage at Absalon.

From Inspiration to The Beehive

After dinner, people stayed for music and dancing, but our travel-tired family headed back to our hotel for bed. Still, the memory of that evening has stayed with us. Sharing food, conversation, and connection with strangers showed us just how powerful community meals can be.

That experience at Absalon became the spark for The Beehive.

We’re excited to pilot The Beehive for our neighbours in White Rock and South Surrey, adapting what we experienced in Copenhagen to a Canadian context. We can’t wait to welcome you to our own community dinners soon.

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