North Atlantic House
Nordic cultural crossroads celebrating Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands through art, cuisine, and striking contemporary architecture.
North Atlantic House is a distinctive cultural centre located on Odense Harbour that celebrates the art, design, and heritage of Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Housed in a striking contemporary building featuring black zinc, raw concrete, and reclaimed driftwood, the venue combines exhibition galleries, a Nordic gourmet restaurant, a design shop, and student accommodation. The architecture itself tells a story, with its three interconnected structures referencing traditional Nordic wooden houses and the dramatic landscapes of the North Atlantic region.
A brief summary to North Atlantic House
- Nordatlantisk Promenade 1, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566137085
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the weekend brunch buffet (Saturday 10:00–15:00, Sunday 10:00–16:00) to experience North Atlantic cuisine at its most accessible. The all-inclusive brunch features Greenlandic halibut, Icelandic salmon, and regional specialities with beverages included.
- The Design Shop operates Thursday–Saturday only. Plan your visit accordingly if you wish to purchase authentic handicrafts, jewellery, and regional products directly from North Atlantic artisans.
- Free parking is available at the end of Finlandskaj quay for a maximum of 3 hours. The location is also easily accessible by bus from Odense Station (5 minutes walk) or the nearest bus stop (2 minutes walk).
- The restaurant kitchen closes between 15:00–17:30 daily. Plan dinner reservations accordingly, and note that groups of 8 or more must pre-order two days in advance.
- Explore the building's architecture and landscape design as integral parts of the cultural experience. The material choices—black zinc, raw concrete, and reclaimed driftwood—deliberately reference North Atlantic geography and heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus from Odense Station
Multiple bus routes serve the North Atlantic House area from Odense Station (Dannebrogsgade stop, 365 metres away, approximately 5 minutes walk). Routes 161, 162, 195S, 195, 200A, 200N, 300A, 300E, 300N, 400A, 400N, 841, 46E, and 85 connect the station to nearby stops including Th. B. Thriges Gade (104 metres away, 2 minutes walk) and OBC Nord Plads H (387 metres away, 7 minutes walk). Journey times vary from 5–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Single journey fares typically range from 24–48 DKK.
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Walking from Odense City Centre
The North Atlantic House is accessible on foot from Odense city centre via a pleasant walk across the city bridge to Byens Ø (the harbour island). The walk from the pedestrian street near the train station takes approximately 10–15 minutes. The route is flat, well-marked, and passes through the historic harbour district. No special footwear is required.
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Private Vehicle with Parking
Free parking is available at the end of Finlandskaj quay adjacent to the North Atlantic House, with a maximum stay of 3 hours. The location is clearly signposted from the main harbour roads. For longer visits, paid parking facilities exist throughout the Odense harbour district at standard Danish rates (approximately 20–40 DKK per hour depending on zone).
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Regional Bus Services
Long-distance coach services including FlixBus route N844 from Copenhagen Busterminal connect to the OBC Nord Plads H stop (387 metres away, 7 minutes walk). Journey time from Copenhagen is approximately 90 minutes. Fares typically range from 99–299 DKK depending on advance booking and season.
North Atlantic House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about North Atlantic House
A Gateway to North Atlantic Culture
North Atlantic House stands as a cultural beacon on Odense Harbour, dedicated to preserving and promoting the distinctive identities of Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Opened in 2013, this multifunctional institution serves as an assembly point where Nordic heritage, contemporary art, and regional identity converge. The centre operates as a cooperative venture between Denmark and the three North Atlantic territories, creating a unique platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression that extends far beyond traditional museum boundaries. The building houses three interconnected galleries showcasing rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, traditional crafts, and cultural artefacts from the North Atlantic region. These spaces host a dynamic calendar of events including concerts, film screenings, lectures, and performances that celebrate everything from traditional music to cutting-edge visual art. The exhibitions rotate regularly, ensuring that repeat visitors encounter fresh perspectives on North Atlantic culture and contemporary artistic practice.Narrative Architecture and Material Expression
The building itself functions as a work of art, designed by architects Cornelius + Vöge with a philosophy rooted in narrative architecture. The structure comprises three buildings elevated on pillars, creating an open and inviting ground floor that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior spaces. This design generates what architects describe as a "universe where different functions are connected in a natural and creative way." The material palette tells the story of the North Atlantic landscape. Black zinc cladding references the dramatic Nordic coastlines, while raw concrete echoes the region's rugged geology. Reclaimed driftwood sourced from Icelandic coasts adds warmth and authenticity, creating tactile connections to the maritime heritage of the territories represented. The building's reference to traditional Nordic saddle-roof houses anchors the contemporary design in historical context, while the landscape design incorporates elements inspired by the rock formations and scenery of Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.Restaurant Nordatlanten and Culinary Heritage
Within the North Atlantic House, Restaurant Nordatlanten operates as a classic gourmet establishment with a distinctly Nordic philosophy. The kitchen celebrates the ingredients and traditions of the North Atlantic region, regularly featuring Icelandic lamb, Greenlandic halibut, Faroese seafood, and foraged elements such as reindeer lichen and sea buckthorn. The restaurant sources fresh fish directly from auctions in Skagen and other Danish fishing ports, ensuring exceptional quality and seasonal authenticity. The restaurant's weekend brunch buffet has become a signature offering, featuring smoked Greenlandic halibut, Icelandic salmon with smoked cheese, crab legs with aioli, and specially formulated sausages incorporating North Atlantic herbs and spices. The dining space features panorama windows overlooking Odense Harbour, creating an intimate connection between food, culture, and landscape. The venue accommodates both casual dining and formal celebrations, with private rooms available for weddings, conferences, and corporate events.Design Shop and Creative Commerce
The North Atlantic Design Shop, open Thursday through Saturday, curates a carefully selected collection of handicrafts, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and delicacies sourced directly from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The shop functions as a commercial extension of the cultural mission, enabling visitors to take home authentic regional products while supporting artisans and small producers from the North Atlantic territories. Items range from contemporary design pieces to traditional crafts, creating a bridge between cultural appreciation and economic support for creative communities.Community and Institutional Functions
Beyond its public-facing cultural activities, North Atlantic House serves as an institutional home for regional representation and administration. The building houses offices for cultural organisations, student housing accommodating 25 residents from the North Atlantic region, and conference facilities equipped for meetings and professional gatherings. This hybrid function transforms the building into a living community space rather than a static museum, fostering ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the represented territories and Denmark. The venue's location on Odense Harbour positions it within the city's historic maritime quarter, where for two centuries goods from Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands were traded. This geographical continuity connects contemporary cultural work to centuries of North Atlantic commerce and exchange, grounding the institution within a deeper historical narrative of regional connection and interdependence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odense St.
0.9 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.9 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.2 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
visit
1.3 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
1.4 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
1.6 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.2 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
2.4 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
The Funen Village
4.6 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Det gamle vandtårn
5.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sortehusene
6.2 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
7.9 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
11.4 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
The Glavendrup Stone
12.6 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
14.4 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Unmissable attractions to see
Promenaden Treppe
0.1 km
A simple waterside staircase where Odense’s fjord path dips towards the water, inviting you to sit, slow down, and soak in big skies and quiet coastal scenery.
Odense Havnebad
0.2 km
Ship-shaped, free-to-use and open year-round, Odense Havnebad brings outdoor swimming, sauna warmth and harbour views together in the heart of urban Odense.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
0.2 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
Street Art - Odense Havn
0.5 km
Colossal black‑and‑white animals climb old grain silos at Odense Harbour, turning raw industrial concrete into a striking, free open‑air artwork by the water.
Thriges Kraftcentral
0.5 km
A fully operational 1916 power station where vintage diesel engines roar to life monthly, preserving a century of industrial innovation.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
0.7 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
The City's Bridge
0.8 km
Stunning coastal headland at Funen’s northern tip, offering wild landscapes, panoramic sea views, rare birdlife, and serene walking trails in a pristine Danish nature reserve.
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
0.8 km
A compact urban nook in central Odense where a sculptural storytelling swing and stepped seating invite you to pause, daydream and weave your own city tales.
Banegårdspladsen
0.8 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
King's Garden
0.9 km
Odense’s historic royal garden – a formal yet welcoming green gateway of lawns, sculptures and summer concerts beside the city’s castle.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
1.0 km
A monumental Hermes of granite and water marks the gateway to Odense’s main shopping street, weaving myth, Viking history and urban everyday life into one sculpture.
Odense Castle
1.0 km
Step into Denmark’s Gothic heart at Odense Cathedral—site of St. Canute’s martyrdom, renowned Renaissance art, and centuries of royal and religious history.
Danaë
1.1 km
A serene bronze heroine from Greek myth, Gerhard Henning’s Danaë reclines quietly in Odense’s King’s Garden, bridging baroque greenery and modern city life.
Kvægtorvet
1.1 km
A former cattle market turned national broadcast hub, Kvægtorvet quietly links Odense’s industrial past with Denmark’s modern media present.
Saint Hans Church
1.1 km
A medieval monastic church of red brick and quiet light, Saint Hans links Odense’s castle, sacred history and old-town charm in one compact, atmospheric stop.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
0.0 km
Refined North Atlantic cuisine and harbour views meet under one roof at Odense’s Nordatlantisk Hus, where seasonal ingredients and Nordic design shape a memorable meal.
Den Lille Kabys
0.4 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
0.5 km
Woodland restaurant by Odense Harbour, pairing classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with leafy views, bright banquet rooms and easy access to forest paths.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
0.8 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Giraffen
0.8 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Pinsame Odense ApS
0.9 km
Roman-style pinsa in an unfussy Odense neighborhood setting, serving long-fermented, crisp-yet-airy bases with both classic and creative toppings for dine-in or takeaway.
GOMA
1.1 km
Refined omakase-inspired Japanese dining in the heart of Odense, blending Nordic ingredients, meticulous sushi and crafted drinks in an intimate urban setting.
Restaurant HOS
1.1 km
Intimate Nordic dining in central Odense, serving elevated smørrebrød by day and seasonal set menus by night in a calm, minimalist setting on lively Kongensgade.
Restaurant Flammen - Odense
1.1 km
Big-flavour grill buffet, glowing open kitchen and family-friendly feasts in the heart of Odense’s bustling Kongensgade.
Bone's Odense
1.1 km
Family-friendly American barbecue in the heart of Odense, with saloon-style interiors, slow-cooked ribs, salad and soft-ice bar, and space for relaxed group dinners.
Brasserie Bordeaux
1.1 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Bar Tapas
1.1 km
Cosy Nordic-Spanish tapas in central Odense, serving a curated ten-course evening of shared plates, Spanish wines and sangria in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Mam
1.1 km
Intimate French-inspired dining in central Odense, where seasonal Danish ingredients, local culinary heritage and thoughtful service come together over unhurried dinners.
I Pupi Siciliani
1.2 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
1.2 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
0.0 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
ButikZoom
0.6 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
0.8 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
0.8 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Klassisk Design
0.9 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
0.9 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
1.0 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
1.1 km
Stylish hybrid café and design store in Odense’s Odeons Kvarter, where Scandinavian interiors meet French–Italian café indulgence in a relaxed, home-like setting.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
1.1 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
Baggårdsbutikken
1.1 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Klods Hans
1.2 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Faraos Cigarer
1.2 km
A vast 600 m² universe of comics, games, miniatures and cosplay, Faraos Cigarer Odense is the city’s colourful hub for Nordic geek culture and tabletop fun.
House of Amber Odense
1.3 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Look At This
1.3 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
1.4 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ungarsk Vinstue
1.0 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Sir Club
1.1 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
Bar Rar Ltd.
1.1 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Pianobar odense
1.1 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
Viggos
1.1 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
1.2 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
Grand Bar & Lounge
1.2 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
The Boat House
1.3 km
A cozy, spirits-focused bar in central Odense, famed for its extensive whisky shelves, creative cocktails and laid-back themed evenings in soft, lounge-like surroundings.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
1.3 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
Lørups Vinstue
1.3 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
June Bar
1.3 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
1.3 km
Basement tequila shots, loud beats and a young crowd turn this Odense city‑centre bar into a compact late‑night party zone on weekend nights.
Christian Firtal
1.4 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
The Old Irish Pub
1.4 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Kick Off - Sportspub
1.4 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
1.0 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
1.2 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
1.3 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
BUTCHERS Odense
1.4 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
6.6 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Muzirkus
27.3 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
28.0 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
41.5 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
42.9 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
46.6 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Vinkapellet Samsø
47.7 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
49.1 km
Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.
Ræven
49.2 km
Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.
Ærø Golf Klub
50.0 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Garagen
50.0 km
Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly