Opened on the site of a former metal factory, the scale of Norblin takes a while to sink in. A beautiful combination of new and old, it’s a photogenic example of everything that makes modern Warsaw so captivating. Representing 200-years of history, the two hectare site is riddled with over 50 leftovers from the Industrial Revolution.
Warsaw’s largest food hall has been intelligently designed so as to retain intimacy while never ceasing to remind visitors as to its diverse range of choices – the so-called ‘Asian district’ scores particularly highly. In standalone terms, top marks go to the elegant Piano Bar, the eclectic Uwaga craft beer haven, and the Tex Mex kings at Blue Cactus. Finally, check into the Bio Bazar, a farmers’ market with a reputation that extends nationwide.
Remember when a kids zone meant little more than some tatty coloring books and board games with missing pieces? At Norblin, welcome to the future: functioning under the name of Smart Kids Planet, kids have nine areas to explore over a floorplan of 1,600 sq/m. Featuring themes such as the ‘smart shopping zone’, ‘apple orchard’, and ‘discovery zone’, these have been tailored to promote logical thinking, healthy eating, motor functions, perception and creative thinking.
The lengths Norblin have gone to differentiate themselves have been extraordinary: for examples, refer to the luxury Kinogram cinema (Champagne vending machines, for Pete’s sake!) or the Art Box Experience – an immersive multimedia space that stole our hearts earlier in the year with their look at retro Warsaw. Then, you’ve got the only Apple Museum in the country (as in the tech brand, not the fruit). Mindful of their own heritage, the launch of a factory museum and guided walks (conducted by app or in person) can be cited as further proof of this project’s appreciation of local history.
Poland’s largest food hall will again open New Year’s Eve to provide seating for 1,000 people and a choice from 23 culinary concepts and five bars. This large-scale project has not overlooked the beverage segment either and is home to five bars. To keep the party jumping, there’ll be a live stave with music concerts and a silent disco stage. Promising “the loudest and best show in the city”, we’re told that there’ll also be a dedicated cocktail and food offer.
ul. Żelazna 51/53,
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