To start with, I’d say that I love lofts. The district around the centre of Moscow used to be very industrial during Soviet times but in New Russia many factories and plants just closed. The outlook of those areas was quite miserable. In the late 2000s everything changed after Vinzavod (former wine plant) turned into a bunch of galleries. In 2009, former Crystal factory turned into “Design factory Flacon”.

Instead of constructing new buildings, the owner of this area focused on creating business blocks for design, fashion and architecture. Hipster culture was just rising but the place managed to become one of the attraction points not only with its shops but also with several restos and cafes.

I don’t come here often(a bit distant), but this spot is a “must-visit”. Let me confess, as a real slowpoke I visited it only in early 2017. Now the territory hosts a few cafes and street-food vans, a number of show-rooms and shops, some ad agencies, design studios and even TV channel Dozhd’ (The Rain) – the only Russian TV channel worth seeing (IMHO). This location is also a venue for a few annual events, so don’t hesitate to check the agenda or subscribe on the Facebook page to get invites.

In 2017 loft-areas are no surprise in Moscow; there are even better ones than Flacon (Arma is fantastic, Artplay for sure too), but this place remains my topper and the icon that has changed the whole district..