TATA Cocktail Bar at Hotel Sanders

An intimate bar behind the Royal Danish Theatre

Hidden on a quiet cobblestoned street just behind the Royal Danish Theatre, TATA Cocktail Bar sits on the ground floor of the boutique Hotel Sanders, a short stroll from Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv. The bar takes its name from the red stage curtain in the theatre next door, and you feel that sense of backstage exclusivity the moment you step in. Rather than a cavernous lobby bar, this is an intimate den of low ceilings, warm lighting and corners that feel purpose-built for hushed conversation. Set within a historic building that now houses Hotel Sanders, TATA feels very much part of the property’s overall narrative: a refined but relaxed townhouse that blends Danish design with a hint of bohemian glamour. You are in the heart of Copenhagen, yet the atmosphere is more private salon than city-centre hotspot.

Cocktail craft with a seasonal Danish accent

TATA’s menu is built around classic cocktails, sharpened by precise technique and a playful use of Nordic and seasonal ingredients. Expect a compact list of house signatures alongside faithful renditions of timeless standards. Many drinks incorporate elements like local berries, herbs, or clarified juices, while a rotating seasonal menu keeps regulars guessing throughout the year. The bar team are known for working off-menu as readily as they reach for the printed list. Tell them your preferred spirits and flavours and they will improvise something tailored, whether that means a smoky mezcal twist with savoury notes or a lighter, citrus-led aperitif. Thoughtful non-alcoholic options are usually available as well, making this a welcoming choice even for those avoiding alcohol.

Velvet, fireplaces and Copenhagen hygge

Design-wise, TATA combines mid-century Danish touches with plush textiles and a distinctly theatrical flourish. Velvet curtains, upholstered armchairs and patterned rugs soften the space, while candlelight and table lamps cast a flattering glow. On cooler evenings, a fireplace underscores the sense of hygge that Copenhagen does so well, inviting you to linger over a second or third drink. The layout is broken into cosy clusters rather than rows of bar stools, so conversations feel sheltered from the room at large. It is easy to forget that busy Nyhavn lies only a few minutes away; inside TATA, the dominating sounds are clinking glassware and low music rather than street noise.

Hotel Sanders synergy and refined service

Being part of Hotel Sanders adds an extra layer of polish. The hotel itself is known for its blend of mid-century vintage and modern Danish design, and that style language continues seamlessly into the bar. Service tends to be attentive and quietly professional, with staff moving easily between hotel guests dropping in from their rooms and locals using the bar as a meeting point before dinner or a show. If you are staying at Hotel Sanders, TATA works as an extension of your living room; if you have come solely for a drink, you still benefit from the hotel’s broader amenities and its calm, residential feel. It is an especially atmospheric spot on dark winter evenings, when the contrast between the cold street and the warm, lamplit bar feels most pronounced.

When to visit and how long to stay

TATA opens in the late afternoon and runs into the small hours, with closing times extending later on weekends. Early evening is ideal for a quieter, more contemplative drink, while later slots, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, are livelier and can feel pleasantly busy in such a compact space. Given its size and comfort, most guests spend at least an hour here, often more if they settle into an armchair by the fire. It works equally well as a refined pre-dinner stop, a post-theatre pause, or a final nightcap after exploring the city. Whichever role it plays in your evening, TATA offers a concentrated dose of Copenhagen’s cocktail culture in a room that feels both sophisticated and disarmingly cosy.