Experience Zürich

The first covered market opened on 5 September 2010 in Züri-West, the upcoming area of Zürich for residents and tourists. Under the arches of the Wipkingen viaduct, chic shops, restaurants and meeting places have been given the go-ahead. Pride of place is occupied by the glass-fronted food hall, home now to gourmet food stands, international produce, fruit and vegetable stalls and wine boutiques. The atmosphere inside is more resonant of France or Italy than a part of Zürich known for its train tracks, a rubbish recycling plant and skyscraper buildings.

The food market sells delicious looking breads, local wild mushrooms, sweet Hungarian honey, spicy sausages, fresh meats, and brightly coloured flowers and fruits. An old friend of ZIWA, Michael Jones, has his British Cheese stand there, alongside colleague Nick Rose's catering outlet. I tasted acacia honey, smoked Caerphilly cheese and pickled walnuts. Nearby one could purchase such exotic delights as absinthe, extra-extra virgin olive oil, English pies and fruit smoothies. The fish and meat counters looked fresh and enticing and the delicatessen stall holders were all keen to offer tasting samples.

Outside, the arches are gradually being transformed into specialist shops, a restaurant, a children's playroom, upmarket furniture stores and hairdressers amongst others. This is a creative solution to the eyesore that was once the Josefstrasse railway viaduct alongside the renovated living spaces, parks and utilities which comprise the newly chic Züri-West.

After browsing round the market hall and exploring the possibilities in the shopping arcade, there is time for a coffee or lunch in the market hall restaurant or the nearby Saltinbocca (their spelling not mine) Panini Bar.

The market hall is open from 8am to 8pm Mondays to Saturdays, other outlets may be closed on Mondays or open later in the morning. Access is easy via tram 4 or 13 to Dammweg, which stops right outside the food hall and opposite the former Hürlimann's brewery building. So why not make a day of it?