World’s Best Hotel Bars: Hotel d’Angleterre, Copenhagen

Jul 21, 2023

Hotel d'Angleterre at Kongens Nytorv at Christmas. (Photo by: Sharpshooters /VW Pics/Universal ... [+] Images Group via Getty Images)

Copenhagen is an elegant city. As the cultural and political capital of Denmark, it is filled with rich history and royal palaces. As the home of Noma—the birthplace of modern Nordic Cuisine—it is one of the world’s best destinations for next-level food and beverage. You’d think that its hotel landscape would be characterized by an overabundance of stately manors decorated in Michelin Stars. In fact, when it comes to such, there is only one game in town: The Hotel d’Angleterre.

More than just a five-star hotel, the luxury property is a 268-year-old landmark. Strolling through the center of the city, you can’t miss its regal Victorian facade. And its positioning here, along the cobblestoned streets surrounding New King’s Square, affords guests postcard-like views from their rooms, peering out into the colorful townhouses of Nyhavn. Capacious and well-appointed, those suites start at around $800 per night.

Of course, you needn’t reserve an overnight in order to experience the extraordinary F+B showcased across the property. Let’s take a look at some of the best flavors on offer...

Scenic view of Nyhavn pier with color buildings, ships, yachts and other boats in the Old Town of ... [+] Copenhagen, Denmark.

Your drinks journey begins at Balthazar, a stylish drinking parlor located on the opposite end of the property from the first floor lobby. Though it bills itself as a champagne bar—complete with a bubbly bible featuring more than 200 different bottles of the liquid)—there are talented mixologists here who are eager to show off their skills with spirits and modifiers.

Ask for a serving of the Mushroom Alejandro to best understand their penchant for playfulness. It’s an entirely unexpected take on a Brandy Alexander, where an earthy mezcal stands in for fruit-based liquor and umami is introduced by way of ground Cep mushrooms. Velvety in mouthfeel and unctuous in its undertones, it adds up to a wholly unique drinking experience.

Other sections of the cocktail menu incorporate champagne to give the drinks a nice effervescent kick. The Red Queen is an admirable example, where a slightly smoky blended scotch converges with sparkling wine over a background of strawberry and coconut. If you crave something more classic, though, Balthazar has you covered with one of the most concise executions of an Espresso Martini in town. Selections start at around $20 per cocktail.

While Balthazar is a great venue for beginning or ending your evening, Marchal is the anchor of the property, and where you’ll likely spend the majority of your time while at d’Angleterre. The Michelin Star restaurant is helmed by executive chef Jakob de Neergaard, who is as much of a personality as you’ll find in a city filled with culinary characters. His tasting menu artfully layers Nordic flair—fresh seafoods, dill, caviar and gamey proteins—atop a base of refined French classicism.

Executive Chef Jakob de Neergaard pairs his pastry with whisky cocktails on clear ice.

Enjoying it all alongside the festive atmosphere of the Royal Square is a can’t-miss experience while in Copenhagen. And you’ll certainly want to pair it with offerings from the property’s expansive wine list. Just make sure that you don’t overlook the cocktails and spirits showcased here. Highlights include a clarified milk punch made with Pisco called the Milky Way as well as the Lean Back—a coffee and amaro infused whisky cocktail made with Blue Label scotch. On the classic side, the menu boasts an exceptional Mai Tai as well as a soulful spin on a Whiskey Sour.

And if you’re in the mood for sipping whiskey neat, the top shelf of Marchal is loaded with selections you won’t find anywhere else in the city. To wit, its Michter’s collection is the most expansive in all of Denmark and includes the country’s sole bottle of Celebration Sour Mash 2022. If you want to skew more local, ask for a pour of Stauning Rye. The bar safeguards one of the Danish distillery’s original bottlings in a bespoke crystal decanter.

A look at some of the top shelf selections behind the bar at Marchal