Southern Cross Pub

A city-centre pub with an Antipodean twist

Southern Cross Pub sits on Løngangstræde in Copenhagen’s inner city, a compact corner bar that has been some kind of tavern or restaurant for more than a century. Inside, the current incarnation, established as Southern Cross in 1999, leans into its easygoing Australasian inspiration without turning into a theme park. Think dark wood, bar stools, sports scarves and memorabilia, and the low murmur of conversation that comes from people actually talking to one another rather than staring at their phones. The crowd is a distinctive mix: Copenhagen regulars, long-term expats, and visitors who have been tipped off that this is where you go if you care more about atmosphere and a proper pint than cold design. English is widely spoken at the bar, but you will hear plenty of Danish too, especially on big match days.

Walls of screens and a calendar of sport

Sport is the beating heart of the pub. Screens are mounted so that from almost any barstool or table you can see at least one game, and often several. Football dominates, with everything from Premier League and Champions League to major international tournaments, but the schedule reaches far beyond that. Rugby, cricket, Aussie Rules, NFL, NBA, Formula 1, darts, ice hockey, handball and more rotate through the week, making this a rare place in Denmark where niche sporting passions are taken seriously. On major nights the sound is turned up, pints clink, and scarves in rival colors share the same table. There is a reputation for being friendly towards Liverpool FC supporters, but allegiance is not compulsory; neutrals and the merely sport-curious are just as welcome.

Beers, ciders and late-night deals

For a relatively small bar, the drinks list is extensive. Draft lines pour familiar Danish staples alongside international beers, with rotating guest taps and a strong showing of British and Irish styles, plus ciders for those who prefer something fruitier. Bottles and cans add further variety, and the back bar is stocked with whiskies, rums, gins and the usual suspects for long drinks and simple cocktails. Happy Hour runs on draft beers and ciders in the late afternoon on weekdays, which takes some of the sting out of Copenhagen prices and encourages an after-work crowd. There is no kitchen, but staff are relaxed about guests bringing in food from nearby takeaways, turning the pub into a casual living room where you can combine a burger or pizza with the match on screen.

Games, quizzes and a two-floor layout

Southern Cross is more than just its televisions. Free darts, board games like chess and backgammon, and table games such as dice and Jenga are available, adding an old-fashioned pub feel that suits the slightly worn-in interior. Regular quiz nights pull teams of locals and visiting friends, with questions that hop from sport to pop culture and general knowledge. The bar is arranged over two levels. The ground floor, with its main bar, is usually the loudest and liveliest, while the upstairs room can feel almost like a separate venue. It can be reserved for private gatherings, making it a handy option for birthdays, office outings, or pre- and post-match meetups, all without leaving the city center.

Atmosphere that goes on after midnight

One of the pub’s biggest draws is how late it stays open. On weekends, the lights stay on into the early hours, and even in the middle of the week you can expect to find a last round long after many neighboring spots have closed. The soundtrack leans toward guitar-driven rock and crowd-pleasing classics, loud enough to energize but not so overpowering that you cannot talk. There is no strict dress code; football shirts are as common as casual streetwear. Smokers are catered for with covered outdoor space rather than indoor haze, keeping the interior fully non-smoking. It all adds up to a place that feels unpretentious, social and slightly addictive: the kind of bar you might duck into for one drink and discover, several hours later, that you never quite made it anywhere else.

Planning your visit in Copenhagen’s old streets

Set among the narrow lanes of Indre By, Southern Cross fits easily into a broader evening out, whether you are coming from dinner nearby or making it the main event. It works as a solo stop where it is easy to find someone to chat with at the bar, a reliable option for groups looking to catch a specific game, or a late-night refuge when the rest of the city is winding down. Given the focus on sport and long hours, the energy skews lively rather than hushed, especially during big fixtures or quiz nights. Yet during quieter afternoons and early evenings, it can be surprisingly relaxed, with people playing darts, reading at the bar, or nursing a pint while keeping half an eye on whatever match happens to be on. For anyone who loves the idea of a traditional pub translated into a Copenhagen context, Southern Cross is a natural fit.