South African cocktail bar moved to Vesterbro and was soon named Denmark’s best new watering hole. But despite accolades and trophies, The House of Machines is struggling with an overwhelming issue.

Reviewer: Award-winning bar has a happy hour deal you can't miss

The concept bar from Cape Town has also tried opening locations in New York and Chengdu, China, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly put those dreams on hold. Perhaps things are going better in Copenhagen? Foto: Signe Lægsgaard
The concept bar from Cape Town has also tried opening locations in New York and Chengdu, China, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly put those dreams on hold. Perhaps things are going better in Copenhagen? Foto: Signe Lægsgaard
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What kind of place is it?

Biker bars don’t exactly have the best reputation in Denmark. To put it mildly. There’s this heavy cloud of exhaust fumes and the stench of rotting mackerel hanging over that particular theme.

Nonetheless, the South African concept, The House of Machines—which in Cape Town (apparently with great success) functions as both a motorcycle dealership, coffee shop, clothing store, music venue, and not least a cocktail bar—has evidently had enough investor backing to attempt to conquer the Danish market. About a year ago, they opened a branch in Copenhagen, with the primary focus here being on the drinks.

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