New Holland Island
The Foundry
This building was constructed in the middle of the 19th century by engineer Mikhail Pasypkin. It is widely believed that Peter the Great used this site for his foundry, as metalworking tools were discovered in the woods around the neighboring Galerny Dvor.
This building has suffered the most damage over the years, which is why, from the moment New Holland Development signed the investment contract, they made it a priority to restore and protect it, even while the remaining restoration work was still in the process of receiving approval.
For a little more than three years, The Foundry (kuznya in Russian) underwent extensive renovation work: repairing the brick vaulted ceilings and facades; removing and replacing the roof entirely; installing wooden window and door frames; and adding a stone staircase, with cast-iron railings. The building has been adapted for its new function, with modern wiring, ventilation, and other necessary amenities.
Both facades are adorned with exterior, cast-iron canopies on stately iron legs.
KUZNYAHOUSE
SUN–THU: 10 am – 11 pm
FRI–SAT: 10 am – 6 am
For the latest chapter in the history of New Holland, the former foundry has been reinvented as the restaurant and club Kuznyahouse, the beating heart of the island’s social and cultural activity. In an era of network connectivity and the ability to work from anywhere, places like Kuznyahouse can easily serve as a second home for their regulars. In today’s world, restaurants and clubs have long since shifted their focus from what used to be their core functions: to feed and entertain. Kuznyahouse is the sort of place where you can spend practically the whole day: having meetings, hanging out, working, listening to music, taking in lectures or film screenings, and, of course, eating well, with something nice to wash it all down with.
The accent on the idea of a home base is reflected throughout the interiors of Kuznyahouse. Preserving the historical layout, the space is arranged in three parts: a ballroom, with a bar, stage, and table seating that can be removed during concerts or other events; the Chef’s Table and tea parlor, with its large, luxurious sofas surrounded by bookshelves. In summer there is a terrace, with a sweeping view of the island’s lawn.
The design elements and materials which give Kuznyahouse its unique look were selected with the help of archive photographs of apartment interiors of pre-revolutionary Saint Petersburg: elegant wooden panels; massive, lacquered cabinets and cupboards; decorative stoves, used to conceal the air ducts; comfortable sofas with Pavlovo Posad shawl motifs; rich velvet curtains, armchairs, and ottomans; and vintage lighting fixtures made from brass and porcelain from the Imperial Porcelain factory. These elements are complemented by 1970s furniture, including tables and chairs with leather cushions. In the ballroom and the Chef’s Table you can find works by a young, but well-known artist from Saint Petersburg, Denis Ichitovkin, a realist painter.
Particular attention was paid to sound and lighting solutions. Along the historical vaulted ceilings there is a mosaic of white tiles and 147 analogue bulbs, which can be programmed together with the rest of the lighting for evening events. The speakers and subwoofer are purpose-designed.
In May 2018, the team at Kuznyahouse was joined by brand chef Glen Ballis, who has developed a new concept for the menu, with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce. Working alongside Ballis is promising young chef Ruslan Zakirov.
For musical and intellectual nourishment, Kuznyahouse turned to Kirill Sergeev, also known as Kito Jempere, and a member of the band of the same name. Sergeev has overseen every aspect of the musical programming for the project, from the background soundtrack to the invitation of international performing artists.
The entrance to Kuznyahouse is located opposite The Bottle House.
KUZNYA CAFE
10 am – 10 pm
+7 (981) 914 63 71
Kuznya Cafe takes the other half of the Foundry. Here the Italian pop up project Paradiso Cafe was launched in the fall of 2022 with the popular Tuff Duff pizza, large portions of homemade pasta, Italian snacks and cocktails, breakfast until 2 pm, a large display with desserts and pastries from the on-site bakery, sourdough bread, brisket sandwiches, mortadella and dishes from the own smokery.
Entrance to the café is located on the side facing the lawn.