A Sit Down With Peter Trillingsgaard of Veranda
Veranda on Griffenfeldsgade is a neighbourhood bar known for its natural wines, loyal locals and four-legged regulars. Read our sit down with owner Peter Trillingsgaard.
Veranda sits quietly on Griffenfeldsgade in Nørrebro, a neighbourhood bar known for natural wine, loyal regulars, and an unhurried rhythm. It's the kind of place that doesn't announce itself loudly but earns its place through consistency and care.
Owner Peter Trillingsgaard opened Veranda in 2014. Since then, it's become one of the most dog-friendly bars in Copenhagen — not through policy or promotion, but through a simple, practical approach: dogs are welcome, no fuss, as long as everyone's respectful. Many regulars bring their dogs. Some come specifically because it's a place where they and their dog can both feel at home.
We sat down with Peter to talk about running a dog-friendly bar, what he's learned over the years, and why Veranda works the way it does.
How would you describe the vibe here, and what can someone (and their dog) expect when they visit?
The idea from the start was to keep it low key. We wanted people to feel welcome as soon as they came through the door, greeted by someone at eye level behind the bar. It should feel like walking into a living room, somewhere you can relax straight away. Because the bar is small, the community side is important. Dogs have been welcome since day one, and that has become a big part of who we are. In summer people sit outside with them, and in winter they come inside. There is always somewhere for a dog to lie down comfortably.
What's usually playing?
The music changes with the time of day, softer in the afternoons and louder on Friday and Saturday nights. Right now Blood Orange's new album is on repeat, which fits the mood perfectly. Reading the room is key, the playlist should match the energy of whoever is here. Every so often, when the mood is right and people are a little drunk, we will put on a power ballad playlist and lean into it. Those moments are rare, but they are fun. Most of the time it is more laid back, and occasionally something heavier pops up.
Who keeps the place ticking? Any familiar faces?
Most of our customers are people living in the area. We have never taken big bookings, because we want to stay open for locals who use Veranda as their daily place. We do not really get tourists, we are not a big hit on Instagram or the tourist sites, and that is how we like it.
There are plenty of familiar dogs too. One of the best-known regulars is Chester, a rescue dog from Canada, who comes in often with his owner, Scott. He always lies by the stairs, so much so that we put his name on the bar. Each year Scott makes a Chester calendar, which we sell here with the money going to dog charities. Coco is another local dog who people know well.
Behind the bar, Jesper and Erik have been here since the opening day and are still the daily drivers of the place. Louie joined four years ago and is part of the core team too.
What kind of things happen here beyond the everyday?
Every Saturday we do oysters, which has become a bit of a tradition. We have also had guest chefs and guest bartenders come in for a day. It is not on a fixed schedule, we just announce it on Instagram when something is happening.
Can you tell us about the drinks?
Wine is the main focus. We recently printed our first proper wine list with around 150 bottles, which was a big step for us. Until recently the wines were introduced straight from the wall of bottles, with a conversation at the bar to guide people through. Now we still do that, but we also have it all written down. Almost all of the wines are European, from small producers, and we work with around 14 different importers in Copenhagen. Everything we serve is low intervention, wines that are made with as few chemicals as possible, often in small amounts.
Erik, who has been here since the beginning, is our sommelier and keeps the list updated. He makes sure we are always trying new things and evolving the selection. Alongside wine we always have beer, a pilsner and an IPA on tap plus changing cans, and cider by the tap too.
What is on the menu?
The food is meant to be simple and to keep people drinking good wine. There is fresh bread, olives, almonds, cheese and charcuterie. At the moment we also have two warm dishes, a chicken stew and a vegetarian red pepper and bean stew. It is not a place to come for a full dinner, but it is enough to keep you going for the evening.
What is nearby that you love?
The whole area is buzzing. Assistens Kirkegård is just around the corner for a quiet walk and is very beautiful, and Folkets Park has lots of events. There are so many great bars in Nørrebro and we are really privileged to be part of that.
When you are not at the bar, how do you unwind?
I have my daughter every other week, so I try to do fun things with her in and around the city. Otherwise I like to explore what is new in Copenhagen. There is always another place opening, and it is interesting to see what people are doing.
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Probably a cocker spaniel. They are active, do not like sitting still, and they have a strong nose, which fits with being around wine all the time.
Instagram: @verandavin