Was staying in Manchester following seeing a gig at Gorila. Missed the hotel breakfast so needed some sustenance before heading home - a quick Google and I found this gem in the Northern Quarter. It's on a road with a few other bars / restaurants all of which look very inviting. Common is a cool little place. The coffee is delicious. The service relaxed and chilled. The food awesome. I went for the "small fry" breakfast. It's was £8 and came with three rashers of tasty bacon, fried egg, really delicious sausage, hashbrown, beans and mushrooms, with some crusty sourdough toast. I added black pudding and some more toast to mine as well. Was with out a doubt one of the best breakfasts I've had in a while! Definitely recommend and will be back when in Manchester next! read more

Common - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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. read more

Common - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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I've had a soft space for Common ever since they opened the doors. I know it's hard to find and the lack of signage makes it even trickier but I love the fact it's a neighbourhood bar that's clearly run out of love. In the daytime, they offer soft drinks, coffee and tea and hot vimto as well as cheap daily specials like soup, beans on toast, chilli, nachos, chicken and chorizo stew and toasted sandwiches. In the evening, they offer a full bar with great bottles beers, spirits, pints and long and short cocktails for about £6. The thing I love most about Common however, is the constantly changing decor. In true DIY style, the owners give a different national or international artist free rein every month to completely paint and illustrate the whole inside and outside walls. I can't recall the names of most of the artists but I'm often blown away by the quality and scope of the work. The rest of the interior is occupied by half a dozen wooden booths and a cluster of tables and chairs. With great drinks, tasty food and inspiring art-work, I'd be a fan. Add awesome music and regular deejays to this and you have a devoted regular! read more

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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. read more

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 read more

Common - Uber hipster! - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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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. :) read more

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Nice place for lunch, good spot to get some work done and a decent bar for a few after work pints. I've only eaten at Common twice, the first time I didn't like it, the second it was great, I have however been in several times to work! There's always loads of free spaces to sit down and get your laptop or note book out - and it's not normally too noisy which is great if you need to focus on something and fire through some work. I love the beer menu, I think it changes fairly often and they always have a good mix of ales etc to choose from! A nice hipster spot in the NQ, but then again hipster spots in the NQ are becoming a bit, common... read more

Common - Loads of space to work in the afternoon! Fast wifi also! - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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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. read more

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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. read more

Common - Chicken bacon and avocado sandwich with chips - £6 - December 2015 - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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 decor 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 read more

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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... read more

Common - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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 read more

Common - The view outside notice the absence of walls - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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! read more

Common - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Going to Common is very common for all Northern Quarter hipsters! It is generally where a night begins or where you go on a sunny day to get some work done (yes yes free wi-fi). But don't get carried away by the name because it is quite UN-common and special in its own way. I am shocked that I have not written a review for Common yet (shame on me) because I have had several fun evenings here with friends. I have hogged the fries and cheese burger here a zillion times (yes they are delicious). I have also lost at the quiz night here more than once, I blame that on my stupid friends who did not know half the answers. I have also been for a Yelp UYE here, where i made some really cool new friends and met my fellow Yelpers. Now that I have established my love for common let's get to the most important bit --The Booze! They have a great collection of German beers which is also one of the reasons I frequent this place so much because my best friend Michael happens to be a German. He is forever sitting there in his posh sunglasses and showing off his long legs..So if you spot a tall, lanky dude with a swanky shades sipping on a pint outside in the chair, go say hello to him (he is my friend). The music here is great on a Thursday night as they have some awesome dj's playing and I love to see the tranformation of those people calmly working on their mac-books to dancing like Michael Jackson (ok exaggeration, but you get it right). You can get a pint for 3.50 which is a decent price and you can also get half pints for 2 pounds. Verdict : If in Northern Quarter, you need to come here for a drink at least once! read more

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Common is one of the original NQ bars that has stood the test of time since I moved to Manchester 7 years ago. It may have expanded in size 3 times and become more and more hipster over the years (hasn't everyone and everything...) but it's still one of those places that keeps its soul and core by offering a cosy experience, friendly staff and concentrating on the core ingredients of why people go out: Food, Music and Drinks (oh year, maybe for conversation and to meet friends to but you have to do that in a setting you enjoy...) First off the food is what I'd describe as offering exciting takes on a core range of classics. So expect sandwiches with falafel and halloumi; and lamb kofta while their burger range offers up such treats as the maple syrup and bacon one, although my fave is the Reuben burger (salt beef and gherkins on top) - don't even think of having any other burger! I haven't had it but I hear the chilli on offer is suberb as well. The drinks consist of premium lagers, great craft beers and a rotating selection of guest beers from UK breweries - all around what you'd expect to pay at city centre prices. With loads of great regular DJ nights on such as the Saturday night "friends of Common" and "stop making sense" on a Thursday night, most nights consist of great tunes and the people who are into them. Just beware that it's £2 entry on a Friday or Saturday night after 10pm. Common is run by the same guys as Port Street Beer House and Chorlton's The Beagle - plus they run October's annual Indy man Beer Con. They're great guys with innovative ideas who are offering something pleasantly alternative to the mainstream so deserve to do well. I'd highly recommend visiting Common, it's my go to place for a beer if on the way somewhere too! read more

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! read more

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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. read more

Common - Not exactly packed - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Compulsory update klaxon! Having lived in Manchester for six years now, Common is basically a weekly feature in my life. My lack of recent reviews in no way reflects how I feel about the place; instead it's a familiar face in my bar / restaurant rotation. After the refurbishment I wasn't sure it would have the same feel as the grungy, almost student-esque original, but I've really come around. They've settled in now and have put their personal stamp back on it, with exhibitions such as Donut Boy by David Bailey covering the walls and removing the Scandinavian edge it had for a short while. I personally love the menu and we often eat here, especially before one of their many themed quizzes. The Korean Fried Chicken, whether it's as a small plate or in the burger, is simply excellent, as are the chilli cheese fries. Despite those two favourites, you can eat quite healthily here - the halloumi and falafel flatbread is lovely - with a number of salads on offer. Speaking of quizzes, these are some of the best in Manchester. Goodbye irrelevant sport round and frustratingly specific music questions - hello themed quizzes. We've attended both The Simpsons (third place!) and Peep Show (didn't place!) events; despite the varying results, the guys who run it are excellent and it's always totally oversubscribed. If you want to join in, especially if there are a number of you, get here early. And I mean early. If you're a frequent visitor like me, get a Common 'loyalty card' for some special treats and offers throughout the week, and to be kept up to date with what they've got going on. Special shout out to the free fries if you spend over £10 on a Wednesday. Winner. read more

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Sadly enough, aside from the cool and relaxed atmosphere/good jams, Common is an easily forgettable destination. Definitely not the spot for spectacular service - the staff seems careless and dazed, server lost my credit card and didn't have a pen, which took ages to find. There were dirty dishes left at many of the tables and I was given a dirty napkin with my food. The food is nothing to rave about, average at best- I was given a lukewarm coffee and a brownie that had been sitting out all day. (Don't let the photo fool you, great presentation, not so great taste) Overall, the "hipster" ambience made it a comfortable hangout spot, but no reason to make it a regular go-to joint. read more

Common - A somewhat tasty (however not so fresh) brownie and a lukewarm coffee, Common, you almost had it! - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

If you're looking for a substantial feed (as I was) don't bother coming here. When you try and get an impromptu table somewhere on a Saturday night, you'll end up somewhere sub par as it's impossible to get a table at the good places. As such, we ended up eating in Common - on the plus side it has a chilled atmosphere with plenty of space to sprawl out, it's actually a good spot for a quiet drink. Unfortunately the food is a bit of a let down. When you pay £9 for a burger (chips not included) you expect to be given something which constitutes more than one mouthful. No word of a lie, one of the guys at our table had finished the burger before I'd even taken this picture! To be fair the chicken on the burger was really nice - it was just the smallest thing I'd ever eaten. Apologies to Common because this gripe is aimed at all places that do this, but when someone asks for ketchup, just bring the bloody bottle!!! Do not hand over a thimbles worth of sauce in a jäger glass, it's not hipster, it's not cool, it's just frustrating. All I want is enough sauce to accompany my meal - please can I be the judge of how much that is? Moral of the story - don't come here if you're hungry. read more

Common - Korean BBQ Chicken burger. - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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The first time I found Common, after being pointed here then and everywhere, I was confronted by the masses of some type of Northern Quarter massive cheering on a full live orchestra taking up half of the then bar. It was quite a pivotal time in my Northern Quarter drinking career as I had realised I had found my place. This is because my favourites Hoegarden and Leffe were on tap and I'd been told this shiny Orange card will make me an official super special member. I wanted in. Common has since had its make over. It's got those amazing blasty dyson hand dryers, toilets that haven't got profanities scrawled all over it any more new tables and chairs and it's like lime green. It's got a whole lot bigger too, picking up a whole new room. I quite liked its lick of dirt before and the odd changing of the artsy pictures on the wall, that was a good enough of a make over for me. I'm a fan of Freitags in particular, love the music, the crowd, the beer. The white mojitos are amaaazing. And now I finally never get lost finding it. Good job this place called Common.. read more

Common - businesss logo - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I found this bar by default really, I was looking for somewhere entirely different but there was something about the place that drew me in. It's a small, independent establishment that is clearly aiming at a crowd that want to get away from the more corporate hangouts in town. Large murals and decal artwork adorn the walls and decent, alternative music give this place a fresh feel. I really don't think they were trying to be pretentious when they came up with the concept but that's not to say it won't attract a pretentious crowd though. The prices don't really reflect the anti-corporate sentiment but I'll let this one slide and go back for the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that during the week you can have an intimate night with friends in one of the booth seats. read more

Common - From Website - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Hipster Hotspot of the Northern Quarter with portions so big you better loosen the top button on your skinny jeans. Common Bar, located on Edge Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter is the perfect place for to go for a quick drink or some major comfort food to stave off that hangover. They have a good selection of bottled beers and a menu full of stodge-a-licious treats like burgers and club sandwiches, served with home made 'slaw and fries. They also have an ever changing selection of inventive specials. Common is definitely one of the trendiest places in the NQ, full of Doc Martens and duffle coats - however this is no bad thing as it breeds creativity and a great mix of people. The walls are filled with original artwork, which changes nearly as often as the specials. On previous visits to Common I have never been disappointed with the food or the service, the only reason I've not given it 5 stars is because it's always so busy that you often have to wait for table (unless you're lucky enough to swoop in at just the right time). On this occasion (a Tuesday lunch time) it wasn't too busy and we bagged a huge booth straight away. I had Vegetable chilli nachos and an apple juice, setting me back a fair £7.45 for a hefty portion. My friend Jemma had a equally ginormous portion of mozarella melt, fries and coleslaw and I instantly had food envy. Overall Common is definitely worth checking out, to eat or drink in - and they often host music nights or have live Dj's, as well as the infamous 'Common Knowledge' quiz twice a month. read more

Common - Veg Chilli Nachos, Common, Manchester - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Came here on New Years as most places was closed and it's been a while since we sat for coffee here. While it took half an hour to wait for the burgers... we ate and scoff down the burgers In ten minutes. The burger was alright but it didn't exactly wow unfortunately. read more

Common - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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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! read more

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! read more

Common - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I think Common is the coolest bar in the Northern Quarter. Its got a vibrant and cool atmosphere, and its always got the right number of people in it. This could be because the place is quite hard to find, located a little out of the way towards the old fish market. Its still only a few paces from the main street of Northern Quarter fun, but these paces are complicated. Its got a selection of tables and booths, which are great for groups of moderate size. The décor is really nice as well, up to the trendy urban style of the Northern Quarter. It does a great pint of Hoegaarden, and though beers are a good three quid, they're crisp and tasty. They do wine deals before a certain time so keep your eye on that. And the quiz is really highly rated so check that out. They also do good food, including some great really really cheap deals for standard shiz like beans on toast. So COMMON its cool. read more

This place is chilled out and has a great relaxed vibe to it. I like the decoration, especially the walls adorned with posters of cartoons. The food is decent and won't necessarily knock your socks off but the meals are always well cooked, well seasoned and hot when they arrive at your table. My partners favourite is the Korean fried chicken burger. Their burgers are gluten free and they have glutenless buns which means I can eat here too :) happy days! They have a good beer selection both locally and internationally sourced. I love their bottled sodas. read more

I was meeting a group of mates who are part of a tech meetup group for a bit of a social new year beer. Thought I'd just have a couple of beers when planning to meet everyone, and then someone mentioned food. Instantly my thought turned to Common's great burgers! Whilst it isn't cheap, it is greay quality, and I liked that you could order it 'slightly pink' and that there was a meal deal available with a very nice ale, this made up for fries being an extra now. The food was really tasty, as expected, and made everyone else at the table jealous! The Schneider Weisse half litre pots were loved by those on the Wiess bier, whilst I found the choice of a couple of good quality ales. As the evening progressed it did get a bit loud, making it harder to chat, but it was a lively atmosphere, made more fun by the attendees of a arts launch turning up. Pretty busy for a Thursday night! Common is still a great place. I guess their typical clientele is more mid/late twenties, but we didn't feel out of place like you do in some more studenty bars, despite us all being in our 30s. Don't forget your membership card. It's a hideously awesome bright orange, that gets you 10% off a lot of what they sell. Ask at the bar for details. I'm now on my second card as of last night! read more

Do you know what? I'm going to be controversial...I don't like Common. Or 'A Place Called Common' as I think it's full name is. Am I mad?! Well no, not really. First of all, this place is stupidly silly to find. Like most the Northern Quarter bars, when you're first walking to it you are bewildered at the state of the area, how on earth is this 'the place to be' in town?! It's so run down! It looks even worse during the day. I actually went to Common for a job interview, a bit informal but I think that's the approach they were going for. I was not overly impressed. First of all, I couldn't see a sign. What sort of place doesn't have a sign?!!! Oh that's right, I'm in the Northern Quarter, the place that gives the finger to everything chain-bar related and we're all supposed to think it's amazing. Well I like it when places have signs, I know where I am and I don't have to ask people who in turn make me feel stupid for not knowing. Anyway, I eventually found it and stumbled in to find myself in a bar where I automatically felt uneasy. I was the most dressed up in the room...I had dressed for a casual interview but I think I still would have been the most dressed up if I dressed for the gym! I bought an orange juice from a bartender who was on his mobile phone at the same time as serving me, talking to his mate about the 'bird' he pulled the night before. Lovely. I suddenly found myself craving chain bars and their rigid management! Or at least Trof where they have the right balance of being laid-back and yet still being professional! Anyway so Common, if you hate rules, enjoy. If you like service and a nice bar, don't go. Ever. read more

Common makes negronis. In fact, this appeared to be the only special cocktail proposed by Common. But this is enough, as a negroni is one of the best of all cocktails. To be honest I had expected something slightly more impressive than Common's rather low key decor and vibe (although the ceiling ornamentation is very cool) and I'm not a major fan of its goldfish bowl style windows, but overall it's a good bar and it's great for groups because they have big tables with wraparound comfy leather seats. Definitely somewhere to stop off on an NQ crawl, although I wouldn't stay here for more than 1 or 2. read more

I visited here for a burger after my friend had recommended it to me.mmhe claimed it was delicious and £5 and he was absolutely right - cooked just right with a nice fresh bun and nice sauce and salad. I definitely will visit again. read more

Common is my favourite hang out in the NQ. The DJs are brilliant, the quiz nights are fun (and you get free beer and quirky prizes), and the food is tasty. They always seem to have a creative menu and are always trying new things. The specials are always just out there enough to make you feel like you're in a gourmet restaurant, but the standards like burgers and their sandwiches are steady go-to choices when you're in need of some comfort food. I do wish they would bring back the ciabatta bread that had a bit of herbs in it though... and they no longer have the jerk chicken and cheese panini that was definitely my favourite. The people who work there range from the very friendly (when I was moving back to Texas, one of the guys there gave me a mug for free!) to the kinda snooty, but overall, it's one of the better places in the NQ in terms of annoying hipster-ness. Also, STOP MAKING SENSE. One of the best nights around! read more

A great little eatery in the NQ. Hints of hipster, great food, and great beer. We booked in here after SoLita was full up one evening before a gig. We weren't let down either. A similar vein with the food of SoLita, some great grills and burgers. Their falafel is also very tasty for the veggie option. Decor is real informal, nice and laid back atmosphere, just watch the queue at the bar for hoppers. Great restaurant - never stayed late enough for the music but I hear it's good. read more

I went to Common yesterday, my first meal out in Manchester! Have to say with its cool decor 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. read more

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Common is part of the Port Street Beer House crew and it seems everything they touch is to the T for me. I love the down to earth yet very NQ and grungy artsy atmosphere. The beers are great, location is great, there's plenty of space about although it's often very busy. I have eaten there previously and the food is really good, original but not unnecessarily sophisticated. Love it... read more

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 Bon Bon, 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. read more

Common is a difficult Beery place to judge. The beers fine don't get me wrong, it's the kinda beer I look for. The look of the place confuses me however, I can't work out whether it's a bit run down and tired, or if that's the look they're going for. I wouldn't turn it down if I was walking past the door, but 9 times out of 10, you'd be actively choosing to go out of your way to get to common and well to get to it, there are 'preferred' drinking holes between you and Common from most directions read more

Common's been around so long, and such an anchor of the Northern Quarter, it's almost become that dreaded thing: an institution. For hipsters. How this hasn't resulted in some kind of horrible self-aware beard-implosion, I don't know, but let's for now be glad that Common is still around. The food hasn't really changed or improved much over the years, other than getting more expensive. The nachos/chilli are a good fallback, but don't expect gourmet food here. The beer selection, upon first opening incredible, is now merely average in comparison with other craft beer places in the Northern Quarter as time's passed, especially with sister bar PSBH opening up. I still have a soft spot for Common, though: for a start, a Friends of Common card will get you 10% off food and drink, which makes it excellent value. And the ever-changing art installations (and walls, for that matter) always keep Common fresh (if dingy). Staff have never been anything but friendly and helpful. Yes, it's hipster ground-zero, but it's safe and comforting, and really helped kick-start a revival/revolution/insert other buzzword here in the Northern Quarter, and for that I'm grateful. Common, we've grown apart, but I'll always love you. read more

I ended up here yesterday after an emotional and teary eyed event at Kyoto Lounge (Goodnight sweet prince) after being advised by a stranger on the street that I should check it out. Our main goal at this point was to find a place where we can sit and actually talk while being able to hear the person next to me without screaming my lungs out. On entry the place gave that instant hipster feel that you would expect from the Northern Quarter. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and additionally the option to sit down (THANK YOU!) the place was interestingly decorated, and I loved the hand painted artwork (I presume it was hand painted) sprawled across the place. The drinks were both reasonable, and wide in variety. Roughly what you would expect in Manchester. In short, I enjoyed my stay, had a lot of laughs and a great conversation with my mates, while enjoying the atmosphere of an amazing bar. We may have to make this a possible replacement for Kyoto.... Emphasis on the "may". read more