The Common E2 The Common E2 is a contemporary café and architecture studio located in East London, just a 10-minute walk from Bethnal Green station at 53 Old Bethnal Green Road. Established to complement the growing community of young professionals in the area, The Common serves as both an independent café and a collaborative workspace that encourages creativity and social interaction.

As a gathering spot, The Common prioritizes quality coffee and healthy food within a comfortable environment where patrons feel at home. It also functions as a venue for designers and professionals who wish to collaborate or hold meetings in an inspiring public setting. The establishment thrives on fostering friendly relationships, sharing ideas, and promoting a vibrant atmosphere enriched by architecture, art, and design.

With a dedicated team of hospitable baristas and staff who are enthusiastic about exceptional customer service, The Common aims to be more than just a café; it seeks to create an inviting space for both work and leisure.

Recent social media posts

Good morning!  We have our backspace and garden open today! So if you’re after a shady spot to get some work done, or ju...
25/06/2026

Good morning! We have our backspace and garden open today!

So if you’re after a shady spot to get some work done, or just need a break from a London flat on a 35degree day then come chill out with us 🌅

Cowabunga, dudes!! 🏄‍♂️ Sam has returned from his surfing holiday in Morocco, and he’s brought his cold brew making prow...
17/06/2026

Cowabunga, dudes!! 🏄‍♂️ Sam has returned from his surfing holiday in Morocco, and he’s brought his cold brew making prowess with him!

This week’s brew? ‘Summer Brü’, a mixed origin Guatemalan, Rwandan, Costa Rican blend bursting with flavours of apricot, blood orange, and almond. 🌅🏄‍♂️♥️

♥️

Name a more iconic duo…I’ll wait!!
11/06/2026

Name a more iconic duo…I’ll wait!!

£6 Breakfast ? 🍳 💸 yessss please Try our Sausage & Egg bap!  A homemade herby sausage patty, fried egg, and lots of spic...
10/06/2026

£6 Breakfast ? 🍳 💸 yessss please

Try our Sausage & Egg bap! A homemade herby sausage patty, fried egg, and lots of spicy slaw. All in an amazing homemade bread roll 😍📣

The Common E2 has been in operation for 12 years and we have pushed through recessions, through a pandemic, through ever...
10/06/2026

The Common E2 has been in operation for 12 years and we have pushed through recessions, through a pandemic, through every storm this city has thrown at us we’ve kept the doors open because this community has kept us going.

But right now, we need your help.

The UK’s 20% VAT rate on hospitality is one of the highest in Europe and for small independent cafés like ours, it is becoming impossible to absorb. Over the past two years we have faced:

- Rising costs of coffee, ingredients and raw materials
- Increased employer National Insurance contributions
- An increase in the London Living Wage
- Higher business rates hitting again this April

Every single one of these has landed at the same time. And with 20% VAT on top, the numbers simply don’t add up anymore. We echo the same operation stress and fiscal decline as all of our community of hospitality businesses in the country.

We are not a chain. We have no corporate backing. Every pound you spend here goes back into paying our team, sourcing quality ingredients and keeping this little corner of Bethnal Green alive.

There is a government petition calling for VAT on hospitality to be reduced from 20% to 10%. Countries across Europe already have a lower VAT rate and as a result, you see a greater influence of independent makers and operators that all employ a greater number of motivated people. It would give independent businesses like ours a chance to stay open and grow — not just to survive, but to thrive and reinvest back into the places and people we love.

Please take 2 minutes to sign. The link is in our bio.

Share this with anyone who loves their local. Because if we lose the independents, we lose the soul of our neighbourhoods and that would be a very sad day for all of us. 💙

🥧 It’s a good day to be a vegetarian here at the Common! Freshly baked mushroom pies, and red pepper quiche. Homemade, a...
09/06/2026

🥧 It’s a good day to be a vegetarian here at the Common!

Freshly baked mushroom pies, and red pepper quiche. Homemade, always!

(Also available in chicken versions)

03/06/2026

£5? Not at the common!

With coffee prices at an all time high and £5 coffee becoming the new normal we at the common are keeping our prices the same!

So if you fancy an affordable coffee in east London you know where to come! ☕️

03/06/2026

£5 coffee? Not at the common!

Coffee prices may be at an all-time high, but we’re keeping our prices the same. Quality coffee shouldn’t cost an arm & a leg!

So if you fancy an affordable coffee in east London you know where to come! ☕️

20/05/2026

Now you can’t buy one of these but we thought we’d show you what we’re drinking! Iced pour-over with

Not to brag but it’s really good 👌

15/05/2026

We aren’t that hard to find!!

Just go to Old Bethnal Road!

A few snaps from behind the scenes of Amandaland filming at the common! And one of the original p***s designs that didn’...
11/05/2026

A few snaps from behind the scenes of Amandaland filming at the common!

And one of the original p***s designs that didn’t make the cut… 😅

Address

53 Old Bethnal Green Rd, London E26QA, United Kingdom
London
E2 6QA

**Travel Directions to 53 Old Bethnal Green Rd, London E26QA, United Kingdom**

**Public Transport:**

1. **Underground:**
- Take the Central Line to Bethnal Green Station.
- Exit the station and head southeast on Cambridge Heath Road.
- Turn left onto Old Bethnal Green Road, and you will reach your destination in about 10 minutes.

2. **Bus:**
- Several bus routes serve the area, including routes 8, 388, and D6.
- Alight at the nearest stop on Old Bethnal Green Road or nearby stops like Cambridge Heath or Bethnal Green.
- Walk a short distance to reach your destination.

**Driving/Parking:**

- If driving, head towards Old Bethnal Green Road via major roads such as the A11 or A1209.
- There may be limited street parking available in the vicinity; check local signage for restrictions and payment options.
- Alternatively, consider using nearby public car parks for more secure parking options.

Always check for any travel disruptions or road closures before setting out!

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

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What people say

The Common E2 is a delightful addition to East London's vibrant landscape, perfectly situated just a short stroll from Bethnal Green station. This independent café embodies a local spirit, creating an inviting atmosphere where patrons can enjoy exceptional coffee and healthy food while relaxing in comfort.

With its unique blend of café culture and architectural creativity, The Common serves as both a social hub and a collaborative workspace. It’s an ideal spot for designers and professionals looking to connect, brainstorm, or simply enjoy a productive day out of the office. The ambiance encourages interaction and idea-sharing, making it a favorite among the local community.

The team at The Common is passionate about delivering outstanding customer service, ensuring that every visit feels personal and welcoming. Their commitment to quality extends beyond just food and drink; it encompasses the entire experience of being in this thoughtfully designed space.

Whether you're stopping by for breakfast or brunch, or seeking a cozy corner to work on your next big project, The Common E2 offers an inspiring environment that caters to both relaxation and productivity.

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