To be fair, this article is as much for voyeurs as it is die-hards who want to know the best places to watch 2022 World Cup matches in November and December.
Of course, I’m not implying that half of our readership is sitting at a rear window watching Ironside/Perry Mason (yes, the same actor killed them before he helped capture/put them away) try to get away with murder.
Become a part of history
But as the recent death of the British Queen showed us, more and more people want to be “part of history” – and if that includes seeing cheering Frenchmen and fallen Argentinians (as I witnessed in Absalon’s Church on Sønder Boulevard in 2018) , why not?
Go somewhere where you know fans watching will be just as passionate as those in the stadiums – it’s got to be better than watching at home, right? Unless you live with Grace Kelly.
Bella no, later maybe
Or just seek out one of the big screens showing the games. For EC 2020, this honor went to Ofelia Plads, but this time Bella Arena is the place to be.
As is often the case, tickets sold out very quickly for all the matches, but that doesn’t have to be the end of your interest as tickets tend to materialize quite quickly if certain teams are knocked out and you search hard enough . Ask among friends, check online forums, etc.
Plenty to choose from
But there are a host of other venues with large indoor screens in Copenhagen, including the aforementioned Folkehuset Absalon and also Hafnia Hallen, Hooked in Carlsberg Byen, Hotel Maritime and Forum.
You never know: you might end up at a screen where you get both a good atmosphere and cultural insight. So voyeurs and people who love it together as one – just like the plot of Blue Velvet, actually.
Exciting for England
Storm Kro, Stormgade 20, Cph V; @stormgade20
Storm Inn landlord Adam Tobin’s beer pipes are so clean they can play ‘God save the King’, but winning the 2022 World Cup would be another story: anyone for ‘Land of Hope and Glory’?
It’s been a long time since people have tipped the Three Lions to win the World Cup – but after losing in the final of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals in Russia, they are serious title contenders.
It must be said that the atmosphere when they knocked Denmark out of the EC was sensational.
Rival fans spent three hours singing until they were hoarse in the Storm Inn car park while Adam kept filling their pints from a makeshift pump.
With its selection of draft beers and tasty hot pies, the Storm Inn is one of the only truly English boozers in Copenhagen, so you’d better sing a few verses of ‘Football’s Coming Home’ and ‘Vindaloo’.
“England will win this tournament” promises the landlord Adam. “Or not. Either way, we’ll drink!”
Dedicated to Denmark
Kennedy’s Irish Bar, Gammel Kongevej 23, Cph V
Ireland will not be at the World Cup this time and neither will Northern Ireland.
So in the absence of the Green Army, the nation’s most typical Irish pub throws its good vibes behind Denmark.
Entering Kennedy’s on Gammel Kongevej, just a stone’s throw from the famous Bysøer, is like returning to ‘The Old Country’.
Its charmingly rustic interior has several inviting nooks and crannies to tuck into, and as well as showing football on multiple screens, it’s known for its regular jam sessions, monthly pub quizzes and basement pool area.
“We’ve got to support Denmark, haven’t we,” enthuses bar co-owner Tony Kennedy, who presumably won a toss with the coin when he and partner Tim Tynan named the bar 20-odd years ago.
“After all, half of our customers are Danes: and we have to keep our locals happy!”
Cafe Canadians call home
Cafe Svejk, Smallegade 31, Frederiksberg; @cafesvejk
“I hate football,” confides Cafe Svejk manager Paul McNamara, in line with a bar that usually backs the Czech Republic.
But in the absence of Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček this year, Paul has run his finger down the alphabet and found the next available ‘C’: Canada!
Figuring the Copenhagen Canucks need a place to call home, Paul has Canadian milk ready, with a Halifax, Nova Scotia-born employee on hand to serve it.
During the side’s adventure in the tournament – so probably nine days – Paul won’t wash his Canada national soccer jersey, which had to be shipped in and wasn’t cheap!
There is more to Svejk than the bar. Step outside and you will not only find plenty of places to sit in the December sun, but also the charming side street Andebakkesti, where Frederiksberg Have awaits you at the end.
Before then, make sure you stop by Bon Bon Is, the capital’s number one ice cream shop. The Italian influence on their ever-evolving line-up…well, it’s like Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid all over again.
Never write off the Netherlands
The Globe, Nørregade 43-45, Cph K
The Globe has been known to serve Dutch delicacies such as bitterballen alongside match day specials on Grolsch.
Welly to Wales
Charlie’s Scott, Skindergade 43, Cph K
Charlie, yes, he’s a real guy, known to be kind to the Welsh contingent on the rare occasion they qualify for major tournaments: three out of the last four thanks to Gareth Bale and Co. Strange fact: Wales have a 100 per cent record of getting out of the group at three tournaments, Scotland have a 0 per cent record in eleven.
Pour la France!
L’Education Nationale, Larsbjørnsstræde 12, Cph K
This laid-back Parisian cafe in the Pisserenden neighborhood is a bit pokey, but it’s where you’ll want to be if Les Bleus make it to the final again, as they’ve been developing into an annoying habit of late. The cafe unfurls the tricolor and swaps Burgundy for Kronenbourg when the football is on, and don’t turn down an opportunity to try their food.
Pepe speaks Portugal
Falang Asiateria, (formerly Det Gule Hus), Istedgade 48, Cph V
The Portuguese diaspora has gathered at Istedgade 48 to watch international matches for decades. At one time this place was called Restaurant Skank.
Go to Germany!
Berlin Bar, Gammelkongevej 147, Frederiksberg
With 140 German beers in bottles and 13 on tap, the owners are equally passionate about their German football and beer.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
Sydkors, Løngangstræde 37, Cph K
For decades this pub has faithfully served Australians in Denmark along with hundreds of other internationals. A proper venue for locals to watch Anglo teams.
Source: The Nordic Page
