Get your Politiken Edition subscription

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
Listen to the article

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.

This is for subscribers' eyes only

But don’t you worry. Your Politiken Edition subscription is just one click away. We are looking forward to bringing you a handpicked selection of Politiken's stories - translated into English.

Subscribe now
Already a subscriber? Welcome back. Sign in here
Edition 2

Most read

    1

  1. The chemicals are everywhere: Not a single soil sample from Denmark is clean

    2. 2

  2. The central bank of Denmark: Foreign labour has filled half of all new jobs over the last 12–13 years

    3. 3

  3. Experts warn politicians: In reality, our prosperity rests on a colossal injustice

    4. 4

  4. Young people are ashamed of their excessive use of screens and social media

    5. 5

  5. Four prominent AGF fans put words to the euphoria: »It’s not just a championship. It’s a social triumph«

    6. 6

  6. Parents need to let go of the education hierarchy for their children’s sake

© All material on this page is subject to the applicable copyright law.Read policy