Toga Vinstue
A century-old Copenhagen tavern near Christiansborg, famous as a haunt for Danish politicians and known as 'Det politiske kandestøberi'.
Last updated September 29, 2026
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Overview
Toga Vinstue (also known as Toga Vin & Ølstue) is a historic tavern located at Store Kirkestræde 3 in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, just a short walk from Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament. With a history spanning over 100 years, it has become a beloved institution in the city's political and social life. The tavern is affectionately nicknamed "Det politiske kandestøberi" (The Political Foundry), a reference to Ludvig Holberg's play, reflecting its role as a meeting place for politicians, journalists, and citizens to debate current affairs. The establishment is known for its unpretentious atmosphere, serving cold beer, drinks, and cocktails in a traditional Danish "brown" tavern setting. It is a smoking venue, and the lively discussions often create a vibrant, noisy environment. Open 365 days a year from early afternoon until late at night, Toga welcomes a diverse crowd, from young political activists to seasoned politicians and local regulars. The bar staff are known for their friendly and engaging service, contributing to the tavern's reputation as a place where everyone feels welcome. Toga has played a significant role in Danish political culture, particularly through the "Toga network" of young politicians from various youth political organizations who gathered there in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The tavern has hosted acoustic concerts and political debates, and during election campaigns, it organizes evenings with candidates. It was also one of the first bars in Denmark to accept Bitcoin as payment. Today, Toga continues to be a popular spot for political discussions and socializing, and it even operates a tent version at the annual Folkemødet festival in Allinge, Bornholm.
History
Toga Vinstue is a historic tavern located at Store Kirkestræde 3 in Copenhagen's inner city, near Christiansborg Palace. The establishment has been in operation for over 100 years, as noted on its official website. It is affectionately known as "Det politiske kandestøberi" (The Political Foundry), a nickname inspired by Ludvig Holberg's play, reflecting its long-standing association with political debate and discourse. The tavern gained particular fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the hub of the "Toga network," a informal group of young politicians from various Danish youth political organizations. These individuals met across party lines to discuss politics, sing political songs, and enjoy acoustic performances by figures such as Pelle Voigt and Søren Pind, as well as the rock group Free To Choose. This period cemented Toga's reputation as a quintessential political watering hole. Ownership of Toga changed hands on 1 February 2006, when it was sold by cand.polit Johannes Lund Petersen. In 2010, Per Loft Rasmussen and Peter Frederiksen took over the establishment. Following Per Loft Rasmussen's death in November 2013, Peter Frederiksen became the sole owner. Under his stewardship, Toga has continued to thrive as a gathering place for politicians and citizens alike. In recent years, Toga has embraced modernity by becoming one of the first bars in Denmark to accept Bitcoin as a means of payment. It also maintains a tradition of hosting election-related events, where candidates meet with voters in the bar. Additionally, a tent version of Toga Vinstue appears at the annual Folkemødet festival in Allinge, Bornholm, bringing its unique atmosphere to the national political festival.
- 2013
Per Loft Rasmussen died in November 2013; Peter Frederiksen became sole owner.
- 2010
Per Loft Rasmussen and Peter Frederiksen took over the establishment.
- 2006
Ownership changed on 1 February 2006, sold by Johannes Lund Petersen.
Products and positioning
A traditional Danish tavern with a strong political identity, offering a casual, inclusive atmosphere for debate and socializing.
Product categories. Beer · Drinks · Cocktails
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