Creating a Cultural Hub...

By Chris Holland, Common Sense Coffee House and Bar

When I moved to Aberdeen back in the mid-2000s, the city’s live music scene was massive. Local theatre companies were also thriving and the arts across Aberdeen had a real taste of innovation and enthusiasm.

Fast forward 15 years and things are in a different place. The city is still teeming with talented singers for example, but there seem to be less and less venues in which they can perform. Whilst the lockdowns of the past two years haven’t helped that, conversely there seems to be more creative energy than ever. Perhaps those enforced lockdowns unleashed hidden talents? I know of performance groups that have been created over the past couple of years who have some incredible material up their sleeves, but there’s no “stage” available to them.

And it’s for this reason (amongst several others) that I am absolutely buzzing about my new role at Common Sense Coffee House and Bar. Located within the recently revamped Union Terrace Gardens, the whole point of the place is to provide a chilled, friendly venue – designed not just to provide fantastic food and drink but also to act as a cultural hub in the heart of Aberdeen city centre.

The outside space (the terrace) could not be better suited to theatre and other outdoor performances.?It’s a great new spot for up-and-coming performers to get some experience in a more daytime, more early-evening, more relaxed space where live performances can be enjoyed.

The big names have been making their way to TECA, His Majesty’s, the Lemon Tree etc and rightly so, that’s great for the community. However, Common Sense is about providing a platform for talent. We see some superb street performers busking around Aberdeen – that’s the kind of talent I’m talking about. And by giving our customers the chance to listen to them for a bit longer than it takes to walk by on the pavement, who knows what might be discovered? ?

So why has this got me so enthused? Because I am a huge supporter of the local arts and culture scene, who just happens to also be a passionate believer in outstanding customer service. My role at Common Sense Coffee House and Bar allows me to combine both aspects, meaning that we’ll be doing all that we can to make it the Aberdeen destination for a great morning, afternoon, or evening. Dishes from around the world and a real sense of home for the many nationalities, living, working, and studying in Aberdeen.?Great regional produce, beers and drinks or the talent that’s waiting to impress you, chill you out or even introduce you to something entirely new.

More than your average coffee shop or bar ….we think so!