Common

We were concerned about the price of fries here, on the BOGOF burger day, but we give it a shot.
I approach the bar and ask about the membership card, the barman happily hands me the card after a quick flash of an email on my phone. He can either sense the confusion about the fries, or he’s the guy running the Twitter account. He mentions its £2.50 for ‘extra’ fries. We still aren’t clear, but head to find a table to figure it out.
Common has recently, and by recently it could well be over a year ago, had a refit. Its got a bit of an Ikea kitchen vibe to it now, rather than the more ‘grungy’ feel of before. This means a lot of wooden stools and high benches, or a sofa. We can’t decide which to go for. The sofas look too relaxed to be useful for eating, whilst the benches look a bit too school dinners for my liking.
We sit down somewhere, because you have to eventually. Its in the window, they have really big windows here, they could well be doors to be fair. When is a window not a door? Anyway, you can’t avoid the sun here, its a refreshing change from the more dark and dinghy places of the Northern Quarter.
Its a short decision to the Maple Bacon Burger (bacon, smoked cheddar, chipotle) at £9.50. How many lots of fries though? They don’t come with them, which I think is bullshit, but we are going to want some ballast. «We’ll ask the barman, he said something about extra fries»
«Whats the deal with the fries then?»
Right, heres the full low down on the fries. Its buy one get one free burgers. You can add fries to a burger you pay for, for £1. With me so far? So you’ve got 2 burgers, you are paying for one. You can have one fries for one pound. You want two fries, your thinking, two pounds? No my friend, its £2.50 for your second fries. Its a bit like a drug dealer putting up the price after getting the first one free. In fact its exactly like that, as fries are like crack.
So thats the fries out of the way. Its on to the beers, its Tuesday, theres been a lot of bullshit to deal with, its time for a beer. This is where my second issue with Common is. You can’t see any beer pumps, they are hidden round the side. There is a fuck off coffee machine slap bang centre stage though, you know our previous views on coffee in these sorts of places. How am I meant to pick a beer without a pretty picture or a funny name to help? We ask about beer, and fairs fair, the barman points us to the massive sign with a list as long as a giant fry. We are now stuck for choice. «We don’t want a 6% one, not this early in the week» The barman is very helpful and points in the direction of the Common Pale Ale, 2 halves it is.
Back to the Ikea benches and now slightly uncomfortable sunshine. Its better than the rain right? Time is passed noting the other patrons of Common. A couple of people looking busy with Mac Books, and an old guy sat in the area which I’m fairly sure used to be the mens urinals in the old Common.
Theres some odd décor in Common, slightly out there signs like the one below, which I will not pretend to understand.
El Food two spots the open kitchen. «At least you know no one is pissing in you soup» Its reassuring, even if we haven’t ordered soup.
The burgers arrive after a short wait, plated, with a pickle on the side. The pickle is a dividing element of the meal. El Food two is firmly in the hate camp, whilst I can tolerate mine dipped in ketchup, but decline the offer of doubling up my pickled fun.
These burgers look good though, they look like a burger should look, tall, but not too tall to pick up. The bacon peaking out making its presence clear, and the cheese oozing out to meet you.
Being professionals we cut one open down the middle, this dissection process helps us get a clear view of the juicy beef within, slightly pink in the middle, you know you’re in for a treat.
Theres fries as well, but who cares? They’ve got skin on, pre-​salted, which all good fries should be (How else do you taste them?) The fries are merely something to eat to in-​between bites of the burger, to make the experience of this meaty treat that little bit longer.
In fact, El Food two reveals today that he thinks the future of potatoes is mash. Watch this space.
This is one of the best burgers I have had in recent times, and certainly great value for money with the BOGOF offer. The whole thing costs us less than £7 a piece, which you can barely do in Burger King these days. As much as I love a bacon double cheese burger, its got nothing on Common.
Overall: 9 out of 10 confusingly priced fries

I don’t often go to Common. I’m not sure why. Every now and again, I decide to go as a change from my regular places, and then I think «this really should be a regular place» but it never becomes so.
Yesterday morning, feeling hungover and tired at midday, I couldn’t manage real food, but I knew I needed fat and sugar. I was going to go to Home Sweet Home for cake but walked past Common, and noticed a sign indicating that they had fresh donuts. I instantly knew that this would lift my hangover.
It was much quieter than the places I usually go. Yet again, I find myself saying that I must remember this and make Common a first choice.
I was very pleased to find a selection of donuts. I went for the chocolate orange. Which was a very good choice — gooey, chocolate sauce with just enough orange flavour to make me feel as though I was getting vitamin C.
To accompany this, I went for a hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was more of a milky type than a rick, thick type you get at places like Bön Bön, but actually for the way I was feeling, I’m not sure a thick hot chocolate would have been the best thing for me.
The cost was £4.20 over all which is very reasonable and was very worth it.
I realised as I slumped over in my hungover state that all of my previous visits have been early evening for alcoholic drinks, so this was my first experience of early afternoon Common. I am definitely going to train my brain to remember to come here again. Highly recommended.

I love common for low fuss lunch. You can always be seated and the menu is great. Good price low nonsense.

Only been here previously to have a drink but went the other week with some friends for some brunch. They had a sandwich deal where you could pick a sandwich from a selected range with fries or a salad for £6 (Monday-​Friday 12pm-​5pm (or £7.50 at any other time)). I went for the BLT Bagel — although they had no bagels left so had it instead on some nice sliced bread.
It was a really nice BLT — there was a bit of a longer wait expected for it but was all OK. :)

So I’ve eaten here twice and been in for a mid Wednesday afternoon cocktail too (as you do… it was my birthday stop judging me!)
The food is decent but not amazing but it’s the kind of food I like (I don’t have the most sophisticated taste in food) the service and atmosphere is typically northern quarter without being too hipster which is nice. The last time we popped in for said mid Wednesday afternoon drink I had an awkward moment of staring at someone outside for just a little too long as I thought I recognised them but couldn’t for the life of me work it out… turns out it was the comedian Josh Widdecombe for anyone who knows him…
Anyway moving on common is a solid place to eat and drink and I’ll probably end up going a few more times but it wouldn’t be the first place I would recommend to anyone… its next door to yard and coop for a kick off…

Since the refurb I’ve been to common a few times. It used to be one of the must go places in the NQ but now I feel it lacks the atmosphere that it once had.
As far as food goes, I can’t really fault it. We came to eat here a few weeks after the re-​opening for lunch. Although it took AGES, the staff were incredibly apologetic and did keep informing us that it would be ‘another 10 minutes’ for around an hour. When the food came, however, it was excellent. The veg fries were great and the sandwich I ordered was fab also. It’s just a shame it took over an hour and half to get them. Maybe the kitchen was too small to cope for the demand?
Either way, I’ve been a few times since for drinks and it just doesn’t live up to the Common that I grew to know and love. It feels Scandinavian, open and quite cold. It’s a shame and I hope it gets better with age.

Popped in to Common on a Sunday lunchtime — the first time I’d been in since the refurb — to give the new gaff a whirl for brunch. I was actually pleasantly surprised — not a huge fan of the new logo and thought it looked a bit ‘corporate’ but inside has retained their old quirkiness! We ordered a mix between the brunch menu, small and large plates (we were very hungry) — their homemade hummus is AMAZING and couldn’t fault any of the meals — fast service and tasted lovely. The cakes looked and sounded fab but I just didn’t have room! My only complaint would be that there isn’t a huge amount of room to just hang out after your food — but for a great brunch I would highly recommend!

I’ve been to common few times for drinks. it’s a good place ideally located if you are looking to spend a chilled night with a group of friends as they have large tables and you dont have a loud music that prevent you from hearing anything.
they have a large selection of beers that they renew often. they also have few cocktails and a selection of wine.
they also serve food which I still need to try!

Ive only ever been to common for drinks, but its on my radar to try the food… would be ideal place to pop in to for some food and a few drinks, and slend a chilled evening after a days shopping in the city centre!
I love dropping in here for drinks with friends, the atmosphere is cosy and music is not too loud so great place if you want to have a good chat and a catch up!
They have a great selection of beers and regularly change their craft beers on tap, with around 10 on offer at a time! They also do a nice selection of cocktails!

My new craft beer love affair has found a home. This place has a seriously great selection matched with a chilled out but vibrant bar space.
As I am a rookie with the beers I tried a taste of my potential selection before ordering, I decided to go for a fruity selection which was refreshing and not too heavy. We moved around to the other side of the bar, took a seat and caught up on the days goings on.
Now, this is not a normal thing that gets mentioned in reviews but it was so nice to sit on a comfortable seat. Everywhere we have been in Manchester during out visit has been hard wooden chairs that fit in with the northern quarters industrial and cool aesthetic This place let’s you relax from all that and offers a bit of upholstery! I have never been so thankful to sit of a cushion!
I really like this place. Comfort… and craft beer… a winner every time.

Back in the day, when the dream of what the Northern Quarter could be was just a whisper on the streets stood a bar, a unique and slightly odd bar.
Common was loud and proud, it was the hipster hang out for all those misfits and wannabes we all used to fear. It was dimly lit, constantly rammed, and essentially a place one would only venture to if they were truly ‘cool’ enough! 9 years on however both our attitudes, love for the hipsters and this venue itself have revolutionised and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found…
The recently renovated Common now caters to a slightly more mature audience. It has expanded massively and they have turned it into more of a lounge/​restaurant/​work space — a complete overhaul from the heavy hitting, alcohol fuelled bar it once was (it was a Tuesday however so not sure of the weekend vibe!!).
The now relaxing and laid back Common had a great selection of cocktails, wine, and crafts beers and also serves food which I hear is pretty top notch!
I sat back, drank my dry rose and had a nosey at the quirky art work on the walls and felt quite at home! They also serve wasabi peas and nuts which is always a winner with me!

Who ever took the decision to change the look and layout of my once favourite ‘Common’ made a huge mistake in my opinion. It used to be the coolest bar in NQ and now it resembles an Ikea cafeteria and smells like one too!
The range of beers on offer has also been cut which used to be one of their strong points. Will not be returning… sadly!

This weekend was the first time that I’ve been to Common since its refurb and I think they have done a very good job. I like the fact they have a separate area for diners now and I liked the new look of the place with its wooden tables and comfy chairs. We decided to eat there and the service was extremely friendly and efficient. We both ordered the salt and pepper squid to start which was cooked beautifully and tasted great, My only complaint was the amount of tamarind sauce they dolloped over it as it was quite overpowering and deflected from the delicate flavour of the squid. If they just put a little of this sauce on the dish at the side I think they’d have a perfect dish.
For mains we ordered burgers. My falafel and halloumi burger was okay but a little dry and I’m not a huge fan of the brioche buns which are the fashion at the moment. My husband enjoyed his Southern fried chicken burger and we both thought the fries were good. Everything was presented well and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I’d come here again but would order a different main next time.

We went to Common to redeem a voucher that I bought many moons ago and proceeded to forget about. The voucher entitled us to a small plate, large plate/​main, and a side each. It was really good value — if they run this offer again make the most of it!
I had:
— Cauliflower cheese croquettes. These were really delicious, I enjoyed them a lot. There weren’t huge chunks of cauliflower in them but it was definitely as comforting as the real thing.
— Korean fried chicken burger. I originally wanted the Reuben burger but this wasn’t included in the deal. I’m glad it wasn’t because this was some of the best fried chicken I’ve had.
— Fries. They were fries. I can’t complain.
He had:
— Korean fried chicken. As above, really good.
— Maple bacon burger. I didn’t try any of this as I’ve eaten it on numerous occasions before. He said this was better than the one at The Beagle.
— Fries. As above.
I quite like the new look of the place. It’s a bit odd but not unpleasant.
Staff were friendly and service was good although we stood for a long time waiting to be seated, wondering if we were supposed to seat ourselves.
Beer here isn’t cheap, just an FYI. We had pints of Flensburger that were £4.30 each and they were some of the cheapest by far. I didn’t try any cocktails as I was just too full but I’ll be back I’m sure.

Called for s drink.
Beer selection — draft 10 beers listed good variety other beers you need to ask as not very forthcoming on selection. They have 4 fruit beers do reasonable for Manchester. Draft beers are listed on large white board.
Food whilst we didn’t eat there was plenty u of dessert choices on the counter. Looks like they bake their own
Mains looks ok but no further comments.
Ambiance was a buzzy bar very busy in Friday with reasonable turnover of empty tables. In my opinion prob a good place to come.
Gluten free wise — little evidence of special bakes but again did not actually eat here

So I’m back at Common, this time to brunch!
Previous bland interior comments still apply, does feel a largely sterile environment and the wait for my order is a tad long. The menu doesn’t bowl me over and I plump for the Common Fry to see if I’m frowned upon as someone kind of blue collar chump. Note* the pastries look real good!
As I wait I have a Magic Rock Salty Kiss as a companion — very pleased with that, although even that was a little delayed given the fairly quiet service. A problem not just with Common, but generally, is not telling people the wifi code and making us ask — just plonk it on the wall please.
And to add to the time issues, my lunch takes close to an hour to come and the fry up doesn’t include any sausage which I’m told after a 40 minute wait — the best bit.
The worst bit of all is that for what should have been a 20 minute Job was dragged out for an hour and without any recognition by the staff. Not a great experience and one I won’t be repeating for a long time.
In short, OVER 1 hr for a fry up that consisted of bacon, eggs and a hash brown — yep. I get my 7 quid brekkie for free, only consolation.
Ps couple next to me waited 45 mins and got free avocado lol.

As a big fan of the old Common I couldn’t wait to see the new revamped version. Inside is much brighter with a real Scandi feel to the new furniture and fixtures. The loo’s have moved downstairs and there are now huge French windows that open out onto the street — I imagine this will be brilliant on sunny days.
There was a slight feel of school exam hall once we were sat down but once the drinks had arrived we relaxed and settled into the new style. I like that there’s an option for filter coffee as well as Americano — coffee is now served on a dinky wooden tray with a glass of iced sparkling mineral water, nice touch.
Annoyingly by the time we arrived on Sunday we’d just missed breakfast so we had to choose from the lunch menu. I opted for the ‘Fried chicken sandwich’ and my friend had the ‘Chicken, bacon & avocado sandwich’. Sides are now no longer included, which made my £8.00 chicken burger very expensive compared to what was available at the old Common. My fried chicken sandwich was very tasty, dark meat with panko style breadcrumbs, ¼ dill pickle on the side and a toasted brioche bun. The chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich looked great too, though a bit larger than my burger for a quid less.
The service was pretty good, if a little hipster at times, but I feel the new Common is now out of my regular dining price range. A basic burger and fries will set you back £10, and the three little plates for £12 I saw on the table next to me looked good, but ‘little’ was the operative word. The coffee is really good, but overpriced for the size of cup, Teacup and Oklahoma are much better value for a standard cup’o’joe.
Also after getting home I found that Common’s website says breakfast is served 9am-​2pm, shame we weren’t offered a choice of menu when we walked in at 11:55am.

I went to Common yesterday, my first meal out in Manchester!
Have to say with its cool décor and hipster vibe, it felt very Brighton-​esque. A home away from home!
I ordered a pulled pork burger, which came with a gherkin on the side, and my group all had fries to share, which I have to say were very delicious. The pulled port was to die for, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone eating here.
My only qualm with this place is that the music got really off putting at one point, incessant droning which was incredibly distracting and off-​putting! However, one of my group politely asked a member of staff if they could change the music, which they happily did so, so thumbs up to them!
I’d come by here again if I go to Manchester.

With this being in the Northern Quarter of Manchester I should have known this place would be too cool for school (or too cool for me at least). Barbie pink walls with canine themed murals? But of course!
My ‘hipster alert’ alarm went off even more when I tuned into the music — some bizarre droning that would have sounded more at home in a hot yoga studio — but by this time I was distracted by the fun and delicious looking menu. Not having long for lunch I decided not to peruse for too long and just went for the first thing that caught my eye — the ‘Reuben’, a salt beef, gerkhin and ‘Russian dressing’ open sandwich and I was very glad I did. Absolutely delicious. And the side order of fries I shared with my companions was distressingly moorish (I ate most of them).
Add to this the fact that when I asked the waiter to change the music and some old school soul replaced the droning and I ended up being rather taken with Common all in all… against all the hipster odds

My first meal in Manchester… and it’s a sure win.
I may have had some doubts when my group was ordering beef brisket, pulled pork, rubens, et al – (hello halloumi and falafel SALAD, whatsup?) I needn’t have worried as that salad was hearty and filling. Don’t think I’ll even need dinner!
The service was prompt (order at the counter) and they cheekily had signs up that no football colors would be tolerated! (there’s a big match today and I assume many other days!) so this will keep the vibe chill and available for folks wanting good food without all the fuss.
Also, made my Michigander Girl heart proud that they are serving Founders Beer on tap! Give it a go.