Launched with a 15-hour event in January, Radio Panini represents a synergy of community, culture, and cuisine in the heart of Copenhagen's vibrant meatpacking district. A blend of community radio and panini bar, this social hub has quickly become a gathering place for those who cherish both quality music and a taste of the city's notoriously competitive gastronomy.
Founded by Italians Francesco Pastorelli and Simone Favorito, who first crossed paths while studying at Copenhagen Business School in 2016, Radio Panini is the culmination of their shared vision for a community-centric cultural space.
The journey was fueled by early experiments with community spaces during their university days. "Our initial project involved converting a record shop into a multifunctional space that was also supposed to host a radio station, inspired by similar hybrid spaces like Radio Raheem in Milan," Francesco recalls. Though their first venture faced challenges and eventually closed, it would provide critical lessons toward creating a new space that genuinely reflected their community-oriented values in a changing cultural landscape.
Copenhagen Now
The Copenhagen underground music scene, particularly within electronic music, has undergone significant changes over the past decade, influenced by key local figures who have developed international cult followings, as well as the broader European techno landscape. Despite these creative expansions, the scene faces substantial challenges, notably gentrification and regulatory hurdles restricting venue availability. Francesco highlights these difficulties: "We are seeing a shrinking space for underground music due to neighborhood noise complaints and a lack of municipal support for DIY venues." He laments the recent closures of innovative spaces like Motopol and Ny Lille Klub, which tried to rejuvenate the DIY spirit but were short-lived. "These closures reflect the broader challenges we face in maintaining an underground scene in a city that is increasingly hostile to non-commercial cultural expressions," Francesco adds.
Operating in the city's dynamic but expensive environment also poses challenges, particularly for a venture that prioritizes community over profit. "The city's high rents and the intensive nature of the radio business require us to be creative with our funding models," Francesco admits. To stay afloat, they hope to rely on the sales of paninis and drinks and, possibly, expand their broadcasting days. Recently, merch has also found its way into the Radio Panini offerings through a collaboration with London’s boutique Among Good People brand dropped in May. The two-t-shirt collection also provides 15% of profits toward the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Playlists and Paninis
Despite these ever-present financial challenges, Radio Panini has carved out its niche within the confines of Baggen, a club renowned for its historic charm and pulsating energy. Up to
300 guests can comfortably mingle there, with room for many more during events. From Baggen, Radio Panini broadcasts every Saturday from 15 to 23. The space transforms from a cozy afternoon conversation spot for curious ears to a lively party venue where guests can dance without staying up late, catering to a wide range of interests. “We feel music these days is very transactional and one-directional,” Francesco says, noting the limited interaction in most clubbing experiences and with streaming services. To address this, the Radio Panini DJ booth is centrally located and open, the space is bright, and the atmosphere is casual. Whether sipping a cocktail, sunbathing outside, or dancing energetically, "everything is aimed at tearing down barriers between artist and public," he explains. "We want to create culture, not just consume it."
The radio's additional ethos of diversity and inclusion is also palpable. "We strive for a programming mix that reflects our kaleidoscopic community," Francesco notes. This includes a range of shows and diverse hosts—from DJs to culinary experts—ensuring every visitor or listener can find something that resonates. In little over five months, over 30 nationalities have been represented across its activities. Attesting to the expat nature of the team, as well as those Danish citizens holding multi-ethnic backgrounds, the Radio Panini approach provides much-needed space to underrepresented voices, perspectives, and musical genres. As a result, the correlation between the radio’s success and the diversity it actively strives for has created a home base where everyone can feel welcome, seen, and included.
The integration of food into the cultural mix is also pivotal, given that food and music make up Radio Panini's name together. With his rich hospitality background and passion for Italian wines, Simone brings a gastronomic flair to the radio bar. "Food has the power to unite people just as profoundly as music," Simone notes.
The choice of paninis as the culinary highlight speaks to their desire to democratize gourmet experiences; these Italian staples are renowned for their simplicity and universal appeal, albeit a food choice that straddles the line between simplicity and gourmet experience. “The panini is casual and deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition. It is an extremely versatile meal, consumed across the country as both a snack or a full meal,” Simone notes on the panini’s place within his country’s food lexicon. However, on the current transformation of the panini into a more gourmet item, where extravagant choices and complex recipes reign, he adds: “We think this approach is a bit Americanized. We strive to keep it simple and traditional while keeping an eye on seasonality and ingredient quality.” Being open one day a week ensures ingredients from some of the city’s best suppliers reach Radio Panini’s door mere hours before opening, ensuring the resulting offers are as fresh as they come.
But at the core of Radio Panini's operations is a dedicated team of volunteers. "While we guide its direction, the project thrives on the contributions from everyone involved—from friends who assist with branding and tech setup to every guest who walks through our doors," explains Simone." We are lucky enough to count on some amazing people," Francesco shares with gratitude. These volunteers tackle everything from bar staff and daily radio operations to strategic planning for future expansions.
For example, the like-minded Public Service is also a key partner in crafting Radio Panini's identity. This cooperative design agency has skillfully translated the founders' vision into a compelling and consistent visual narrative. "We are both super grateful for and proud of the work done by Public Service," says Francesco. Their expertise has not only elevated the station's aesthetic but also solidified its brand in the competitive cultural marketplace of Copenhagen with a socially conscious eye. “They are all corporate dropouts,” Francesco explains on Public Service. “To finance their organization,they work with sustainable and socially conscious companies.”
More Than a Project
Francesco and Simone envision Radio Panini as more than their project. "While we guide its direction, the project thrives on the contributions from everyone involved—from friends who assist with branding and tech setup to every guest who walks through our doors," explains Simone. But their complementary skills make them the perfect duo to helm such a project. "It's about blending our passions to create something unique," says Francesco.
The goal is clear, to foster a space where creativity, culture, and cuisine coalesce, and it seems to be working. "Everyone from the DJs to the bar staff and our patrons plays a role in shaping this space," Simone humbly notes.
And the future looks promising, with plans to expand programming and explore new collaborations. "We have many cool ideas for pop-ups and collaborations, especially as we look to the warmer months when Baggen's backyard comes to life," Francesco anticipates excitedly.
As Copenhagen continues to evolve as a cultural capital, spaces like Radio Panini play a pivotal role in shaping the city's cultural landscape. They offer a reminder of the power of community and creativity, proving that even in our digital age, the desire for real-world connections and shared experiences is as strong as ever.
