At Common, we believe that great coffee is just the beginning. What truly matters is how that coffee brings people together, sparking conversations, forging friendships, and stitching a richer social fabric wherever we go. That belief sits at the heart of everything we do: building community, connecting people, and celebrating the ideas that enrich our lives

In many ways, that ethos echoes the legacy of Tony Elliott, the founder of Time Out magazine, whose life’s work was all about helping people meaningfully connect with culture, creativity, and the pulse of city life.

Tony’s Big Idea: A Guide to Life, Not Just Listings

When Tony launched Time Out in London in 1968, his idea was simple yet profound: make it easy for people to discover the best of the city. He didn’t just list events or restaurants. He told you why they mattered; the stories behind the music, the art, the places, and the people. He cared deeply about connecting individuals to experiences and communities in a way that felt empowering, inclusive, and uplifting.

That resonates with us at Common. We don’t just roast coffee, we believe in creating spaces where stories are shared, where inspiration flows, and where friendships are formed over a cup. If Time Out gave people access to culture, we aim to give people access to connection. Both visions start with curiosity and lead to community.

Connection Through Curiosity and Community

Time Out’s approach is grounded in curiosity; what’s happening, where is it, why does it matter? Time Out became a cultural compass for creatives, explorers, locals, and visitors alike. Whether it is underground art shows or hidden cafés, Time Out’s publications invite people to step outside their comfort zones and discover something new.

At Common, we see that same magic in the simple act of sharing time and space. A late-morning espresso can turn into a conversation about the best exhibitions in town. A lunchtime flat white can spark a new idea between collaborators. It’s the connective thread of community life, an exchange that’s effortless yet meaningful.

Why This Matters More Now

In an age where screens often compete with shared spaces, markets remind us why physical places and real connections matter. To understand that culture doesn’t just happen, it’s experienced together. And those shared experiences make cities feel alive.

At Common we hope to be a guide for human connection. Not in a lofty, abstract way, but through the everyday moments that stitch our communities together; over conversation, over a table, over a coffee.

A Community-First Vision

As Time Out continues to evolve into the future, we at Common could not be more excited to be on a path that sees us in collaboration. Time Out doesn't just catalog culture, it helps create it. By spotlighting inclusive events, advocating for social issues, and celebrating a cities diversity, Time Out became is now more than a magazine - it is a cultural catalyst.

We aspire to the same catalytic energy. As our name derives from ‘The Commons’, Common stands for space where:

• people feel free to explore ideas,

• communities gather and grow,

• conversations turn into collaborations,

• and everyday encounters become something memorable.
  
  

We’re inspired by the way Tony’s vision drew people in, made them feel seen, and helped them connect the dots between culture, place, and experience.

From Time Out to Time Together

Tony once said that the best guide to city life would show you how to live it. That’s exactly the kind of experience Common wants to be a part of, not just for one city but for every community we touch. We could not think of a more exciting city to get started in than the heart of the most diverse city in the world New York at Union Square.

So the next time you find yourself lingering over your coffee, tuning in to someone’s story, or discovering something new with a friend, remember this: that connection you’re making, that unexpected conversation, that spark of curiosity, is the real heart of what both Time Out and Common stand for.

Because connection isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the reason we gather, explore, and build community together.

What’s Next?

Connection thrives when we make space for it; whether that’s in a magazine, a market, or at a café table. We’d love to hear from you: what moment of connection changed your day, your week, or even your life? Drop us a comment, a story, or a coffee memory - we’re listening.