We had a fantastic brunch at Common on our recent trip to Manchester. We had been recommended a visit here and we're really glad we did! We both opted for the Small Fry breakfast and when it came out we were pleasantly surprised by the size of it. There was a slight delay with food which we weren't told about, we just overheard, so there was quite a wait but it was worth it in the end :) read more

One thing must ye know about Common: the quiz (every other Wednesday 8pm) is legendary. And I reached legendary status amongst my friends when I knew that Neon Neon's album Stainless Style was inspired by car manufacturer DeLorean. OK, perhaps legendary music nerd status, but status nontheless. Common is great. Every time I go to Common, I find it impossible to find, and end up wandering the streets, lost, until I finally give in and ask for directions. Unfortunately, it appears I am the only person who finds it hard to, er, find, as it is always pretty much rammed. The seating, especially in the main part, is conducive to the crowdedness, and it's quite easy to share a booth-thing with a couple of other groups if need be. DJs play here most nights, expect to hear anything from Sebastian Tellier to Girls Aloud, from Daft Punk to the Supremes. The food here is OK, though I wouldn't recommend it for a meal. However, if you're hankering after a bar snack, their nachos go down a treat, and the olives are OK too. There's a deal on house wine, too: £8 before 7pm, and all day Thursday. The house red is OK, but I've heard the white described in less-than-favourable terms. As well as offering tasty snacks, tasty tunes and tasty drinks, Common is a gallery space, showcasing works by local artists on a rotating basis. Because of this, the interior is always changing, which keeps the place feeling fresh. There's a great atmosphere here; it's definitely a great place to catch up with friends, have some quizzy fun and abuse the happy hour... read more

On my first visit to Common I was keen to try the passionfruit caipirinha, however they were out of brown sugar so I had to settle was a gin and chili cocktail instead. My friend had a gin and tonic, but they only had light tonic water. I found my drink a little underwhelming. Despite the jalapeno on top, I couldn't really taste any chili. Maybe this was just an off night. They also do food including burgers, cakes, and some very tasty looking doughnuts. read more

I have been to Common a few times now at the weekend, I love the fact that rising above the shabby surrounds is the artwork adorning the walls, I appreciate that the effort put into this has been placed above attracting the type of characters who would be more at home in chain bars.... DO NOT come here if your mind is accepting of the uniform PC madness that threatens our future, and you would see your own arse labelled No 2 just to adhere to "the rules" ! The music here at the weekend is fantastic... you do have to pay a small fee to get in, but the DJ's are worth it! There is a well stocked bar and food is served at lunchtimes, mainly sandwiches, soups and pretty good nachos! read more

I've known about Common for years, but last year has shown a marked difference in the crowd and behaviour, compared to 2006 when I went there for the first time. I have to agree with those who say the place is at its best during the day. They do great sandwiches, so lunchtime is a great time to visit. The problem with the evening is not even about music, as far as I am concerned. It's the crowd. I pride myself on being independent enough to visit a bar on my own, just for myself, not to pull anyone. But on a Saturday night the place looks and feels intimidating even for someone like me. Having said so, they do great DJ sets, particularly over the weekend, and are regular hosts to some of FutureEverything (formerly Futuresonic) EVNTS. And over the years I've seen massive changes in the inside and outside decor, which nonetheless always remains quirky and entirely unique. Add to it a few graffiti that grace the walls and doors of buildings in Edge St. Do mark this place on your map of Manchester, but make sure you go there with a few friends. read more

So this is counter service - totally fine - doesn't mean people should be sitting at dirty tables for the duration of their meal. Nando's does a better job cleaning and bussing tables. Food and drink was fine and reasonably priced but overall wouldn't recommend. read more

Common is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I love it during the day. It's perfect for an afternoon drink or five. The food is cheap, homely and ultimately really satisfying. I also love that fact they serve hot Vimto in a mug. Sometimes hot Vimto is the only thing that can save you. I've spent many a happy afternoon slumped in one of the booths, mug in hand. But then night falls and, meh, I lose interest a bit. 1) It's too busy. 2) It's humungously noisy. The music is generally ace on a Saturday night but there's just too much volume. I may be getting old but I kind of like being able to hear what my friends are saying. On the plus side, the staff are lovely. read more

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

Common - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Went for the first time on a Saturday day. Another place with a limited menu, and the burger I got had been done in a sandwich grill by the look of it? First time I have ever seen that before. The food was ok good though, best fries I've had all year. Could of done with options on the burger. Not everyone likes exactly what you put on the menu by gospel. The metal chairs need to be rid of. read more

My friend and I came in for lunch today. They brought out our delicious cocktails immediately, but we sat over half an hour waiting for a burger and sandwich while other tables got their orders. After we asked about ours, they said the kitchen lost it, and our food would be out shortly. When it did come, it was good, but not excellent. I want to chalk up our poor experience to teething problems, because at the end, the manager offered to comp our meals and a around of drinks. I'd recommend the place again. Just a word of warning I got stuck in the men's toilet and the automatic lights went out. read more

Been here a couple of times now and it's not a bad place. I lived in Tokyo for a few years and it reminds me of some of the bars there - quirky, well designed and hidden away down a back street. As people have mentioned the music there is fantastic but does seem to get cacophonous after a certain time, to the point where it becomes difficult to speak to your friends. Even still, it's worth a visit and I get the sneaky feeling most people would go back more than once read more

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!! read more

It's really, heinously, shockingly terrible that I've lived in Manchester for nigh on a decade, been a Yelp Scout for months, been the Yelp Manchester community manager for almost two years, lived next door to the Northern Quarter since May... and I've not yet enjoyed a drink or some food in Common. What the hell's wrong with me?! Well, firstly I encountered Home Sweet Home first, and as I usually see that before seeing Common, I've always ended up sauntering in there. However since accidentally viewing the burger special menu (damn/bless you social media!) I've been determined to munch something off its menu, and the perfect excuse greeted us today when a friend called from there and said he was having lunch with a group of mates. Away we went on a pleasant sunny afternoon! The place is the ultimate in Northern Quarter hip. You could take it out of Manchester, plonk it in Portland, film a sketch from Portlandia in there and nothing would look out of place. It's very laid back and has a ridiculous amount of places to sit, so I imagine that when it's even busier, it's still pretty chill. The food is insanely reasonable as prices go. We had a falafel burger, maple bacon burger and chicken wings between us and it only came to about £23. And it's really good food too! The hot and spicy wings were more crispy crumb southern fried than spicy or hot, but that worked for me, and the cheese dip they came with was moreish. Generous portion too. Our companion thoroughly enjoyed his falafel and halloumi burger and the maple bacon beefburger was all kinds of incredible. Brioche bun - check. Snappable streaky bacon - check. Delicious caramelised sweet maple relish - check. Smoked cheddar - check, and double-check. In fact the other half mentioned said burger could have benefitted from having a very thin slice of cheese rather than chunks of it, so next time we'll probably ask for it that way (perhaps at the risk of sounding like Americans, but ho-hum). The fries are epic and the homemade coleslaw's great too, plus you get to grab your own condiments so you can drown your food in French's mustard, tomato ketchup, HP, vinegar and the like. Yay! Great music selection too. Bloody good. I'd have that all again, tomorrow. read more

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. read more

Oh I don't want to be awful about Common, I used to love Common. This is based on the last few visits I have paid to Common. And It's nothing to do with the refurb, I still really like the refurb despite some reviewers opinions. It's actually to do with the staff's attitude. I went with some friend's at the weekend, the same as the past few times I have been actually, and I wasn't treated very well. I mean, I'm a good customer, I went up to the bar to order, and I helped clear the table we were on and took it up to the bar where the empties were - but the staff just didn't seem bothered. When we were ordering, the waiter wouldn't look at us, and kept sighing as he took our order, which didn't make us feel very welcome. The whole experience was just a bit of a let down. I'd love to come back and try it again, it wouldn't put me off returning. Also, another little thing, they've changed the menu, so there are only 3 mains on the menu now other than Burgers and Sandwiches. I used to really love the Dahl they had on the menu, now it has been replaced with countless unhealthy burger options. I thought the old menu was more diverse and unique to the NQ. Burgers are ten to the dozen these days on NQ soil. Bring back the Dhal! read more

The Yelp meeting that took place there was really fun but the place was not my favorite. Ok I know I am not the person to judge pubs-bars (because they were never my favorite place to be) but this one had nothing special... I guess I need more than sofas and tables to get satisfied from a place..Sorry guys.... read more

We use to come here quite often, but not for a while . Thought we would come to the quarter tonight seeing as we haven't been for a While and common used to be a fave of ours but we were very disappointed at how it is now, the place has lose all its charm and is more like a chain the best thing about it wS I couldn't fault the bar staff try b4 I buy approach we would of made s major mistake and for this I thank you read more

I've only been there once but I loved it. I went on a Sunday and they had a dj playing during the evening. Nice relaxed atmosphere. What else do you need read more

The problem I find with common is the bar staff, I've yet to be served by one which isn't up their own arse. The drinks they serve are varied and they usually have quite a few good beers on, the atmosphere is usually good but I don't enjoy being treated badly by bar staff, also the prices seem artificially high. I generally avoid this place now as if I'm paying high prices I want to be treated well by the staff. read more

My boyfriend and I go there for lunch at least once a month and the staff are always helpful and the food is without fail, extremely good. Love the brie and cranberry sandwich on foccacia, and chips. Cool atmosphere and cozy, comfy booths. It's great to find a place that you can count on for a tasty lunch and pleasant service. Common never disappoints! read more

The food here is really great, I had the lamb wrap and was happy with my choice. The music and vibe is awesome and makes for a great place to hang out on the weekend. They have great taps and a knowledgeable staff. read more

Dived in here for a bite to eat on Sunday lunchtime and was very impressed. It's a nice relaxed kinda place with some rough and ready decor giving it an indie bar vibe, but the food was much better than you might expect for such a place. We both had what were basically jazzed up sandwiches (chicken bacon and avocado for me, chorizo, prawn and avocado for Sparky) but they were absolutely awesome. Incredibly tasty - we also had a side of very nice, if salty, chips. The one downside is that it took about half an hour for our food to come, but when it arrived it was definitely worth it. read more

I agree with everything robbie says but I do have 1 negative comment to make around 8 or 9pm they turn up the volume on the music to a point where you are shouting at the person sitting next to you! This bar gives off the impression of somewhere to go and just hang out with your friends which is great, however I also quiet like talking to my mates as well. read more

Seems unfinished in lots of ways this bar, just could quite frankly be so much better. The guy behind the bar tried, but was really lacking in knowledge and for the price they charge, a bit embarrassing really. I always support independants and expect to pay more, but then you should be getting better service than from the faceless corporates. They have a good music policy, but other than that it's just a bit bland really. read more

great relaxed mellow bar tucked away off thomas street getting v soho boho fashionable darlings button pressing on their wifi ipad iphone blackberry laptop doohickeys like there s no tomorrow (i cant even spell it) makes it if anything more positive as i and my cronies relax knowing our future is in there hands. such a great area too and i think trumps soho hands down. common itself has great staff and has never given in to pretentiousness (as another reviewer said-im looking at bluu bar,s bar staff). great nights and would go anytime day or night and look forward to next trip (or pint) best sishes common. read more

Great place for brunch. We walked in and were met warmly with a smile. The food offering was wide and varied which is what we were looking for along with a veggie twist - we were not disappointed the food and coffee was really good - so much so I had a bother coffee as j had inhaled the first. Definitely recommend you search this one out !! read more

The kimchi fried rice is really good. A bit of a chic vibe. It seems clean and has a nice young crowd. I think the music in the dining area is a bit loud for conversation so early in the evening. read more

Sarah-Anne M - good lord girl. Get google maps on your phone or do your research before a job interview at least! Maybe Wetherspoons will take you back, eh?! I love the chilled out atmosphere at this place. Real ales are plenty and the artwork is fab!! I love how they get local artists to come in and paint the murals on the walls/hang their artwork. They also have great DJ's that come in frequently during the night, as well as hosting some pretty cool events. Now, the food is also to die for. Common are pretty laid back which is great because what I order isn't really on the menu... I get the humus and chicken flatbread. It doesn't exist, yet every time I order they make it for me. Why? Because they are bloody great thats why, and its my hungover cure. You get pure bliss on a plate too, because it comes with a massive portion of the best fries ever, with a nice side of coleslaw slow with two flatbreads, all pretty cheap!! Always guaranteed to be stuffed to your hearts content. Yummm. read more

This is a proper burger place :D Had a go at the maple burger which was awesome! The selection of craft beer was small but really good. Had quite a few excellent ones on tap as well :D Highly recommend! read more

Enjoyed a lovely evening at common last night, the new look of the place is pretty cool and much of an improvement. There's a great vibe in this place too! We ordered a bottle of wine and just chilled, enjoying the atmosphere before deciding to order food there. We both went for burgers - I got maple & bacon burger which comes with cheese and my friend opted for the falafel burger. I always get any sauce to come on the side just incase it's a terrible sauce and ruins the burger (this seems to happen a lot, imo) and I opted for the same this time, but the chipotle mayo served with my burger was pretty decent actually! My burger was cooked perfectly; pink and nice and juicy. The bacon - with sweet maple goodness - was delicious, but the juices seem to soak through the bun and I did find the whole burger a tad on the sweet side for me, but it was still very enjoyable! I will definitely be back to try the other burgers on the menu! read more

Common is a very small bar that is tucked away in the Northern Quarter, to be honest this is not normally one of the bars that I go to, it has actually been a while since I have been there. The bar itself is surprisingly different from the vast majority of metro bars that are spread all over the Northern Quarter. This bar is not so modern and chic it is more arty and individual. Although the bar is tiny and I don't believe it can hold that many people its décor does make it sort of unique. There are huge pieces of art work and designs on the wall; someone has obviously taken a lot of time to make sure it stands out. Strangely this place works in the Northern Quarter, it has always been reliably busy when I have been there, again this could just be because it is so small. The bar itself has its on deejays that play at the weekend; they dent to play more house music than anything else. If you like the Northern Quarter you should have a look it, if only just for one drink it's worth a look read more