Common Ground Colchester

07/06/2026

Meanwhile, back at the cafe garden, we were busy at lunchtime, but by 3 o'clock at least the lower area, near the Folly, was beautiful, warm and not too crowded. I even wondered whether I should pledge again to buy more community shares in our coop cafe... some experiences are almost priceless? (Open Weds-Sunday 10-4)

07/06/2026

Our roving reporter Nathalie was at the Bennisons Farm Open Day today, eating, networking, immersing herself in nature and signing up members and community share investors! Bennisons are the incredible local organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm behind our seasonal menus and daily specials, and a proud partner of Common Ground Colchester.
Our weekly produce comes straight from their farm to our kitchen — they're a huge part of what makes The Commons what it is and we're so proud to support them. Good to know exactly where your lunch comes from? (Is that Gaby on our stall?)

05/06/2026

Thanks to your brilliant generosity, we're half way to £10,000 minimum investment! There are 10 days left for our Community Members Shares offer. It’s a members-only investment in the future of The Commons, specifically helping us persuade The Minories charity to accept our bid to continue to run the café and community space, and to improve and develop everything we do. Meet the challenge from Marley in the previous post? Please show your commitment by investing, thank you. Please see link to Pledge Form in comment below.

05/06/2026

We’re half way there! The latest update from our secretary is that our members have pledged to purchase £5370 of community shares to date, thats doubled since this time last week & now needs to double again in the next 10 days if we’re to hit our minimum target & continue doing what we do in service to our community!

Almost 3 years of growing this together as a grassroots project - we’re a democratically owned & managed, member led cooperative organisation who’s members have the same say, power & influence (1 member, 1 vote) regardless of whether you’re a customer, a volunteer, a director, staff or an event organiser… each member of the community is valued equally & we named our venue ‘The Commons’ because The Commons belong to the people of that community.

If you’re not a member & you thought we were simply all about coffee & cake, if you were a member but your £15 annual renewal has lapsed & you’re waiting to renew - now is the time to join this collective movement & stand with us on this mission of shared ownership.

Both links to the membership signup & community shares on our socials weren’t working so we’ll look to fix that ASAP. In the meantime dont hesitate to message here on instagram or Facebook, send us an email or pop into the café to chat face to face - we’ll answer any questions & point you in the right direction to join, renew & then purchase community shares if you wish / are able to. Remember that your £15 membership fee automatically includes x 1 share in the organisation 😊

Tell a friend who loves The Commons & let’s give it a good push for these next 10 days!!

P.s. pledging to purchase shares does not result in you being charged right away & is not a legally binding commitment.

02/06/2026

Brilliant range of events this month at The Minories - our complimentary offerings include: The Constant State of Coffeeing and "Shapeshifting- how to make cakes disappear". Also featuring A Midsummer Day's Lunch Menu and "Own this cafe- join and buy shares" (see earlier posts). All-in-all a Smorgasbord of Garden Variety Show? Hope meet you there Weds-Sunday 10-4 😎

30/05/2026

Now serving matcha. Hot or iced, how will you be trying it?

30/05/2026

Exhibit A. We're grateful to an eagle-eyed lunch guest at The Minories gallery who spotted the ample rear of a man leaving the premises on Friday. Elite armed Essex Police were scrambled, deploying at key exits from Castle Park. At interview the suspect claimed "I've learned to get my own cutlery, but the waiter brought some. It was a lovely lunch and convinced me to invest in their community shares. But then I thought, as a shareholder, maybe surplus cutlery might be...." His solicitor advised him to revert to "no comment". A source close to a director said: "Some people will stop at nothing to fulfill their cravings at our cafe. This "gentleman" has pledged to buy £100 in community shares and despite his recent notoriety, the Board is minded to accept. In answer to one FAQ: yes, crypto-currency billionaires living abroad are welcome to invest."

28/05/2026

Help keep The Commons a Community space with Community Members Shares.

A members-only initiative to invest in the future of The Commons, part of our viable bid to stay at The Minories. A unique opportunity to keep this vital cafe/space cooperative, plant-based and democratic with your support! Invest now and/or come to the meeting tomorrow (Friday 29th) to find out more.
(Its never too late to become a member, see comments below)

27/05/2026

27/05/2026

In this weather it can be cooler inside, but if you want the biggest cafe garden (with lots of lovely shade) in the city centre, then come and relax in The Minories garden. Ice in your apple juice, iced coffees, even iced chocolate (can vouch for that one!) cakes and your supremely healthy veggie lunch... what a gem! (and still mostly unknown). Open Weds-Sunday 10-4.