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Browary Warszawskie - Food Hall Browary

Browary Warszawskie NEW Once one of Central Europe’s most famous brewing complexes, this 4.5ha area in Wola has been revitalised into a trendy urban culture and gastronomy district (p�14), featuring dozens of top restaurants and contemporary food concepts� Discover a wide range of international cuisines, plus cafes, bakeries, delicatessens, shops and services - all in this dense neighbourhood� Mixing bold new architecture with restored historical buildings, postindustrial design with public green spaces, the heart of this ‘city within a city’ is Food Hall Browary - 11 contemporary food concepts in the former brewery cellars� The historic Browar Warszawski (Warsaw Brewery) itself has also been revived and is once again producing craft beers (18 different types!) for local hopheads� Exciting new venues continue to open and as if all that weren’t enough, you’ll also find a full calendar of events for all ages online� There’s always something brewery at Browary! QC‑7, ul. Grzybowska 58, MRondo Daszyńskiego, www.browarywarszawskie.com.pl. Open 07:30‑01:00. Elektrownia Powiśle

From the outside, it’s obvious that this former power station has been given a new boost of energy following a major overhaul� What is essentially a classier-than-average shopping mall, EP also contains a whole host of gastro eateries, bars and event space� The central food court has the feel of a street food market, with 17 street food stalls and restaurants to choose from� But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for this as there are also fully functioning restaurants to choose from in the opposite office buildings too! You’re spoilt for choice and can let your tastes or budget decide where you want to grab some grub (hard decision!)� Once you’re done dining, check out their bars - Kandela, Centrala and Elektryk - and also keep a regular eye on their events calendar so you don’t miss hip foodie happenings like their ‘Eko Targ’ (Eco Market), selling GMO-free locally-grown produce� Everything under one roof - kudos!QH‑6, ul. Zajęcza 2B, MCentrum Nauki Kopernik, tel. (+48) 22 128 56 00, www.elektrowniapowisle.com. Open 12:00‑ 23:00; Fri, Sat 11:00‑02:00.

The grimier twin number of Hala Mirowska - its adjacent neighbour to the west (p�96) - these two enormous brick buildings were built as market halls at the turn of the century� Miraculous survivors of WWII, while Mirowska quickly returned to its function as a vast indoor market where you can buy almost anything, Hala Gwardii served as a bus depot, eventually becoming a sports hall and home to the ‘Gwardia’ Policemen’s Sports Club - hence the name� Today it still features a boxing ring, small boxing museum and portraits of Polish boxing legends on the walls, but since 2017 has returned to a modern version of its roots - as an eclectic indoor food hall and hipster marketplace focused on local and organic products� The neglected exterior gives it an alternative edge, while inside you have dozens of the city’s top gastro concepts to choose from, plus coffee, alcohol and other drinks, as well as a market of local food products� Worth checking out each weekend for frequent food festivals and other very cool events� QE‑6, Plac Żelaznej Bramy 1, MRondo ONZ, www.halagwardii.pl. Open Fri, Sat 09:00‑01:00; Sun 10:00‑23:00 only. Hala Koszyki

From the outset Hala Koszyki has managed to raise the love and hate hackles of the city’s ‘out on the town’ set� How many world cuisine eateries of various sizes can you squeeze into one space? Actually, due to its popularity, fate may decide what you’ll eat as tables are packed most times of the day or night� Amazingly popular amongst the young and the beautiful, Hala K will probably remain THE place to be seen for some time to come - mainly because it’s easy to be seen due to its open plan layout� Top class little independent bistros sit next to some of Warsaw’s chain restaurants, like Tuk Tuk and the biggest restaurateurs including Mateusz Gessler’s gastronomic outpost - Port Royal� The main hall has some brilliant food on offer, with stalls offering flavours from all over the world� There are of course some shops here too, however, in reality, they’ll always play second fiddle to the top class dining area� Even if you can’t find a table at any of the cool eateries and bars, we urge you to spend some time taking in this stunning market hall� Don’t forget to look up, down, sideways etc� as beautiful hidden details abound!QF‑10, ul. Koszykowa 63, MPolitechnika, www.koszyki.com. Open 08:00‑01:00.

Bottoms up at The Alchemist Grill & Cocktail

Nightlife in Warsaw

There was a time not long ago when a bar in Warsaw was just a dull place to go and get drunk - that’s it. Though the concept of a bar as a social venue is still relatively new, the choice of modern venues - whether cool dive joints or sleek exclusive cocktail bars - is now immense. Go enjoy yourself and na zdrowie (cheers)!