The Place Katowice Has Been Waiting For

Soon, the historic former headquarters of PKO BP in Katowice will be reborn as Pałac Kota—a groundbreaking venue offering eight unique culinary and entertainment concepts that will invite locals and visitors alike into a world of refined flavors, music, and unforgettable experiences.

The building housing Pałac Kota is a 19th-century architectural gem, once the residence of Elias Sachs, founder of the first banking house in Katowice. Over time, it became the property of Ludwig Katz, owner of a roofing felt factory, and later served as the first headquarters of Polish Radio Katowice, and then the home of Bank Polski. Acquired in 2017 by Apricot Capital Group, the building has since undergone extensive conceptual, design, and renovation work. Earlier this year, the investors unveiled the details of a project poised to become a premier gathering place for all of Silesia—a hub for business events, a haven for fine dining enthusiasts, and a vibrant social space for lovers of food, entertainment, and music.

Pałac Kota’s mission is to cultivate a community of joie de vivre while creating an unparalleled atmosphere. Spanning over 4,000 square meters across four floors, the venue will offer a diverse range of entertainment and culinary experiences designed to meet the needs of a modern city and its audience:

• Level -1 is where those yearning for the rhythms of New Orleans will feel at home. In this brick-walled, intimate jazz club, talented musicians from Silesia and beyond, as well as international stars, will deliver unforgettable performances.
• Ground Floor: Guests can enjoy a café and patisserie as well as a bistro serving breakfast and an eclectic mix of Italian, Spanish, and international lunch options throughout the day.
• Fine Dining: Two fine dining spaces will occupy separate levels of the building—one offering a more casual atmosphere, the other embodying elegance and avant-garde sophistication. The culinary vision will be led by Chef Artur Sotto, a Provence-born maestro of minimalist yet refined cuisine, whose career includes working under luminaries like Pierre Gagnaire, Gerald Passedat, and Heinz Beck in cities such as Marseille, Bordeaux, London, Rome, and New York.
• Patio Restaurant: An informal yet immersive dining space that blends flavors, sounds, visuals, and artistic performances into a feast for the senses.
• Rock Bar: A haven for those nostalgic for the golden era of classic rock, this bar will celebrate the aesthetic and sounds of iconic guitar-driven music.
• Comedy Club: Featuring performances by Poland’s top comedians and stand-up artists, this space is dedicated to laughter and good vibes.
• Upper Floors: The nightlife epicenter of Pałac Kota will be housed here. Partygoers and urban explorers will revel in top-tier music events, soundscapes, and interiors of the club, while the rooftop cocktail bar will offer bespoke drinks, an exclusive atmosphere, and open-air evenings under the stars.

From business breakfasts to romantic evenings, and from creative social gatherings to lively nightlife, Pałac Kota promises to offer everything Silesian connoisseurs desire.

“The vision we are bringing to life is more than just a perfectly balanced combination of culture, culinary experiences, and community. It’s the new flagship of Katowice—a place that will become a must-visit destination in the capital of Silesia. We want to be at the forefront of the new Katowice; we want to give this remarkable city a creative space and a stimulus for development, attracting new talent and promoting the city,” says Jose Martinez, CEO and co-founder of Apricot Capital Group. “Our concept also includes the creation of approximately 200 new jobs. We know that entertainment, culture, and gastronomy shape a city where people want to live and spend their time. This part of Katowice is flourishing before our eyes, and Pałac Kota will make it attractive to a new audience, building synergy with nearby establishments, services, and cultural institutions.”

“Guests will encounter a variety of concepts, allowing them to embark on a journey through flavors, emotions, interesting people, and exceptional fun,” says Oscar Urendez, general manager of Pałac Kota. “We want to be the first choice for everyone who values their time and appreciates quality. We focus on openness and a relaxed atmosphere, creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable and spend the entire day surrounded by fascinating people. We aim to be a social hub for Katowice where all generations and communities come together—from youth to seniors, from young, creative freelancers to business professionals and long-time residents of Silesia. Our goal is also to create an offering that keeps talented young people in Katowice by providing them with a space for meetings and interactions, as well as encouraging a new type of tourist to visit the city. We want to collaborate with local businesses, the entertainment industry, and hotels, directing our offerings to their guests and clients. Pałac Kota will bring the area to life and contribute to its development, providing a stimulus for the creation of new boutiques, venues, and meeting spots.”

The new flagship of Katowice is being developed by Apricot Entertainment, a subsidiary of the well-known developer and real estate brokerage company Apricot Capital Group. To date, the company has focused its investments in the Mazovia region, but its current projects now also include Poznań and Katowice. The group has already constructed five major residential complexes in Warsaw, comprising nearly 800 apartments. Upcoming projects include investments in Płock, Warsaw, and Poznań, totaling 1,700 residential, commercial, and service units.

“According to fDi Intelligence, Katowice is one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Europe. Ranking 7th in the prestigious Top 10 Large European Cities of the Future 2024, the city’s unique and ever-growing appeal to foreign investors makes it a magnet for professionals across various industries. Meanwhile, Business Insider named Katowice the second-best city to live in Poland in 2023. Exceptionally low unemployment (1%, compared to the national rate of 5%) and one of the highest average salaries in the country (9,205 PLN gross) confirm this status,” adds Martinez. “We believe that service offerings must keep up with the development and expectations of Katowice’s community—and they will, once we open the doors of Pałac Kota,” promises Jose Martinez.