An Aberdeen-headquartered hospitality venue and catering service company has announced the strategy behind the investment in its latest city centre venture.

Celera expects to open the doors of the Common Sense Coffee House and Bar in the new Union Terrace Garden in late August/early September 2022, with the Common Sense terrace becoming the first space in the Gardens to be open to visitors.

The company is making a six-figure investment in the project, which includes a custom fit-out of the interior, equipment and terrace furniture. The venue, which will open from 8am to 8pm plans to operate across three Acts; Act 1 - drop-in and takeaway in the morning, Act 2 - indoor and al fresco grazing food and drinks later in the day, and the Finale – evening drinks, food for pre-theatre goers and the opportunity to simply enjoy the terrace.

With the management team already in place, Common Sense is set to create a total of 15 new hospitality roles, including five full-time and 10 part-time positions.

Driven by an ethos inspired by the 18th century Scottish School of Common Sense, founded by Aberdeen-born enlightenment Philosopher, Thomas Reid, the venue will be showcasing North-east produce on its menu, with suppliers including the city’s Two Raccoons Winery, as well as the Shire’s Burnside Brewery and Wark Farm Pies.

Keen to extend this culture of regional commitment by working with local contractors where possible, Common Sense’s central interior feature - a bespoke bookcase waiting to house over 1,000 second-hand books – will be crafted by Aberdeenshire-based SIR Specialist Joinery.

Patrons who take a book from the shelves may choose to make a donation, which will in turn be returned by Common Sense to Aberdeen City Libraries. This reflects the vision director, John Wigglesworth has for the venue:

“We want Common Sense to mean what it says. By providing regional produce, live music, spoken word performances and free books to explore, we’re creating a cultural hub – an inclusive space which will brighten the day and create a ‘Sense of Home’ for all those living, studying and working in Aberdeen city centre, including our own growing team.

“In doing so, we’re demonstrating Celera’s ongoing commitment to doing our bit to support the revitalisation of the city centre; it’s just Common Sense.”

As it begins to fill its bookcase, Common Sense Coffee House and Bar is particularly keen to receive donations of books about the North-east of Scotland, history, politics and well-being. Arrangements to donate can be made via messages to its Facebook page, @commonsensecoffeehouseandbar and info@common-sense.co.uk.

More like this…

View all