The Red Brick of New Holland

On the weekend, I was treading the earth as I usually love to do. I set a course for "New Holland" and set off. I was curious to see what had changed during the pandemic. And, of course, to sit outdoors among the red brick buildings on the little island. Right on the approach, I was greeted by something monumental, which had previously been hidden behind scaffolding. Brand new, majestic, and in its signature style—brick. At the very top, a funny greeting is displayed: "You are on the island."

After greeting it, I hurried onto the island. "Wow! Well done, that's seriously cool," I thought as I approached the entrance. And indeed—a large part of the work was finished. The same building now houses a cozy restaurant on the first floor, some trendy new school on the second, and, judging by the signs, an art gallery on the third.

Once on the island, I couldn't miss the red-brick beauty smiling at me from the opposite shore. It fits so perfectly into this company of brick buildings, even though it's not on the island itself.

After strolling around the island, I headed to the beloved "Bottle." This circular building is completely packed with thematic cafes and shops. And inside, there's its own circular courtyard with a stage. It really feels like being inside a big bottle! Quiet and windless.

Inside the "Bottle" itself, you can walk in circles. The corridors are endless! They look very fresh and new in every sense. Each floor has its own design.

The first floor is in the signature style—walls, arches, and ceilings made of red "stone." The corridor is warmed by dim yellow lanterns and signs. This is also where all the cafes and little bars are located, offering guests a wide variety of dishes and drinks.

But when I went up to the third floor, I was surprised. It used to be inaccessible, but now it's finished. It looked different: all tiled and with retro-style lamps.

After wandering there to my heart's content, I hurried home. This place has expanded tremendously, both in terms of territory and functionality. They've added a lot of new things, and it's all implemented at a high architectural, infrastructural, and, of course, aesthetic level. New Holland definitely remains one of my favourite places in St. Petersburg.