Meat Me At KöD: Danish Hospitality in the heart of Soho | My Soho Times

Our resident foodie, editor Kai Lutterodt aka The Soho Girl, visits KöD – Soho’s latest steakhouse, for a chat with owner Morten P. Ortwed, a founding partner in DiningSix, about the inspiration behind KöD and its focus on quality food, personalised service, and “hygge” for a unique Danish hospitality experience in Central London.

When Morten P. Ortwed moved to the UK two years ago with his wife Catrine (who is notably the driving force behind the sophisticated interior design of KöD Soho) and two kids, they set themselves the challenge of launching the Danish Steakhouse concept KöD in London. Within a year, they opened their second location in Soho at 2 St Anne’s Court – a venue with a somewhat challenging history, with various establishments coming and going over the years. Their arrival signals a promising change, however, seamlessly blending Danish hospitality into London’s vibrant culinary scene.

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WHAT INSPIRED THE MOVE TO LONDON?

It was a mix of wanting a fresh challenge as a family, and opening our restaurant in a new place. And London is the most interesting and challenging location in Europe, and maybe the world. So why not go for the highest goal the first time around? It’s also a really, really nice place to live. So we moved here and opened in Liverpool Street in the City, and after one year, we found ourselves ready to go Soho side. And finally, we’re here. A big dream, amazing.

LONDON IS OFTEN LABELED AS THE CULINARY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM A DANISH STEAKHOUSE?

You can expect, of course, high-quality food. In Denmark quality is really important for us. Another thing for us is our service, and the atmosphere. It should be more personal, offering guests something special. “Hygge” is a Danish word for a feeling of being comfortable, having a good time with friend – that’s the Danish hospitality we bring to London.

HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE KÖD? IT’S CLEARLY NOT COD.

It’s pronounced “kuul”. Almost like “cool” (laughs).

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE UK AND DENMARK?

In Denmark we have a lot of irony in our humour and our way of speaking. And we are really direct – we say things like they are. So that’s one of the things we have to think more about over here. Sometimes people might misunderstand, or take what we’re saying as rude. We just say it directly with a sense of humour and irony.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE OR TYPE OF CUSTOMER YOU WANT KOD TO APPEAL TO?

We have a lot of groups and businesses coming in here. Our mantra is that it should be a good place for everyone – from the creative to the CEO. Everybody is welcome here to relax and eat. We don’t have any expectations about what you wear. Just come prepared to have a good quality steak experience in a nice environment.

WITH CHRISTMAS COMING UP WHAT CAN WE EXPECT ON THE MENU?

For Christmas, we’ll have group menus offering different kinds of meat to share with your colleagues, friends, or whomever you celebrate Christmas parties with. And, of course, a great environment. There’s also the opportunity to book a part of the restaurant to dine privately to have a cosy Christmas party.

WILL YOU BE INCLUDING THE UNLIMITED MENU?

Yes, for the groups, we have the “unlimited menu” – all-you-can-eat meat!

MAKE A RESERVATION:
Köd Soho 2 St Anne’s Ct,
London W1F 0AZ
www.restaurantkod.co.uk | @kodlondon

Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl | All images courtesy of Köd London

This article was originally published in the Autumn issue of My Soho Times magazine. View it ONLINE HERE!

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