Meet Sofia Trajberg-Hill, general manager of Dansk, the newest offering on Helensburgh’s Walker Street, which among many other things, is a family affair! 

Sofia works alongside mum, Anita (the owner) and her partner Simon (one of the cooks). 

“I coordinate a lot of the general operations at the bar as well as menu and cocktail creation, social media, and events. I love my job and the experiences it gives me. I know I’m so lucky to be able to do what I do, and being able to work with my family is super special to me,” said Sofia. 

Dansk, meaning “Danish” is a deliberate fusion of Australia and Danish culture (like Sofia herself) and was dreamt up like most of the best things in life, while travelling.

“I was living in Denmark for about two years, visiting family and travelling during the summers. It was so great for research for Dansk. Every time I ate out with my partner Simon, I was taking photos, writing down ideas and sending them to my mum who was back in Australia running Oat & Honey Espresso in Helensburgh & Oat and Honey in Thirroul,” she said.

Taking inspiration from Danish design, Sofia tapped into the local Helensburgh community when it came to fitting out the bar’s elegant and streamlined design. 

“We wanted to create a space that is both modern and elegant but can still be cosy and atmospheric or ‘hyggeligt’ as the Danes like to say. We used some awesome local tradesmen, an electrician Kris Williams and a local plumber James Cattley from Cattley Plumbing, both top blokes and would really recommend them. Also a very handy man, my dad, Ben Hill (the resident handy man of Dansk). Dansk would run a whole lot less smoothly without him, that’s for sure!”

The Dansk experience is all about sharing the owner’s love and knowledge of Danish culture with their local community.

“We really wanted to share our Danish culture with our community, and one of the best ways to do that is through food and drinks. Our whole concept for Dansk is to showcase some amazing Danish national dishes and flavours, but with an Aussie twist. 

“We love to use beautiful local and Australian ingredients and by doing so have created this really cool Danish Australian fusion – a bit like myself being half Danish and half Aussie. It is something different and interesting we think we have brought to Helensburgh, and hope people enjoy our little hygge bar.” 

Favourite dishes include fried pork belly, a spin on the classic Danish dish called Seget Flæsk and the Citron Fromage, a light Danish lemon mousse.

“I love the whole menu,” said Sofia. “Together with Simon and Mum, we put some of our favourite Danish dishes together to share with everyone,” said Sofia.

With lots of great feedback from locals already, where customer service always rates a mention, Sofia and her family are delighted with the Dansk journey so far. 

“We absolutely love, love, love our local community and the support they have shown us through the re-opening and re-branding of Dansk. We are forever grateful, and so lucky to be a part of such an incredible community,” said Sofia.

“And it’s a lot of fun. Bringing some more nightlife to Helensburgh is such a plus for the town. Keeping things fun and energetic is something that we hope to do, and keep doing even more so in the summertime.” 

Why not try?

– Frikadellar Fridays with $1 Danish meatballs 

– Happy Hour – 4-6pm every Thursday and Friday nights 

– Spritz Sundays – 11am- 3pm every Sunday

Visit Dansk Bar at 35 Walker Street, Helensburgh

Follow @dansk.bar on Instagram and Facebook