Taking its cue from the market places of Lisbon and Marseilles, Hala Gwardii aims to reprise its former pre-war role as the city’s best-known food market. To do so, CBR Events – the building’s operator – have recruited the great (and even greater) of Warsaw’s gastro scene: set around a communal dining area, 25 vendors have been signed up to feed the hip, happy and hungry that the project has attracted. Of these, there’s raclette from the cool couple at Melt Cheeeese & Wine, vegan goodness from Tel Aviv, the unimpeachable Warburger, boutique desserts at Deseo and a butcher to salute at Salon Beefshop.pl.

An urban concept the like of which the city has yet to see, Hala Gwardii is a sensory big bang: a place for workshops, concerts, art and socializing. A catch-all solution aimed at more than just the ‘creative classes’ and ‘post-hipster generation’, there’s a direction here that feels focused – despite the diversity of the offer – on creating a space that makes Warsaw better.

Hala Gwardii
Pl. Mirowska 2 (open Fri-Sat 8:00-1:00; Sun 9:00-23:00)