Bydgoszcz’s “Woda” café has earned the title of Europe’s most beautiful café at the prestigious 2024 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. Nestled in the heart of the city on the picturesque Mill Island, the café, located at 10 Mennica Street, captivated the judges with its innovative design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics.
The café, designed by the “Znamy się” studio, features a unique concept. By day, it operates as a bakery offering fresh, crispy bread in a clean, minimalist setting dominated by cobalt tones, symbolizing water and industrial production. By night, it transforms into a lively club, with warm orange hues evoking sunsets and creating an inviting ambiance for music and gatherings. This dynamic change reflects the influence of the nearby Brda River and the historical flour milling activities of Rother’s Mills, lending the space a deep connection to local heritage.
Design Meets Functionality
The interior design highlights the café’s dual nature, with a clear division between customer areas and its open production spaces. Stainless steel equipment, vertical grooves in plaster resembling millstone patterns, and visible baking processes emphasize the technical aspects of bread-making. According to the architects, this transparency allows customers to experience the magic of baking from start to finish, enhancing the venue’s appeal.
🇵🇱 Polish Café in Bydgoszcz Named Europe’s Most Beautiful
— Poland 24 🇵🇱 (@poland24com) November 22, 2024
Polish architecture continues to shine on the international stage! The Woda Café in Bydgoszcz, designed by the Znamy się studio, has won first place in the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in the café category.
Located on… pic.twitter.com/GrTtetXwkw
Another Win for Polish Design
“Woda” faced tough competition, including London’s Castiglione espresso bar and Kraków’s Yem Cookie confectionery. Its victory not only elevates Bydgoszcz’s status on the European cultural map but also adds to a series of international accolades for Polish architecture. Recent examples include the European Property Awards for Katarzyna Starzyk’s “Two Barns” house design and the recognition of MIXD Studio’s “LookUp” in Warsaw as the world’s most beautiful venue in a separate category.
With its innovative concept, “Woda” café serves as a shining example of how Polish designers continue to push boundaries, proving they can hold their own against the best in the world.
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