The Commons Community Kitchen & Café at The Minories

74 High St, Colchester CO1 1UE, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe , Museum
(89 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Commons Community Kitchen & Café at The Minories, a cozy haven nestled in the heart of Colchester. This charming café, located at 74 High St, invites you to indulge in a unique dining experience that is not just about food, but about community and sustainability.

The Commons serves an array of delightful offerings, ranging from freshly baked goods to wholesome lunch options. Start your day with one of their scrumptious baked items such as the rich blondies and fudge-like brownies, each priced at just £3.50. For those craving something savory, the cheese & chive scone at £3.25 or a traditional scone at £2.50 are excellent choices. During lunch hours from 12-3, you can enjoy the nourishing BLT for £6.50, or warm your soul with a bowl of their seasonal soup for just £4.00. And let's not forget the beverages—whether it’s a beautifully crafted flat white at £3.30 or a spicy turmeric latte at £3.50, each sip is a celebration of flavors crafted with care.

The ambiance at The Commons is just as extraordinary as its menu. This community-owned café is adored for its spacious, well-lit interior and the picturesque urban garden that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As you sit outside, soaking up the sun in the lovely garden, you may hear the laughter of friends catching up or see shoppers pausing for a refreshing break. It's clear from customer reviews that this café is a cherished spot for both locals and visitors alike.

James Cumbers describes it as a "delightful cafe" with "delicious food," calling particular attention to the ambiance and delicious curry. Meanwhile, Marc De'ath appreciates its unique community ownership and sustainable practices. The café has received remarkable praise for its friendly and attentive staff. Cristoffer Sevilla notes the customer service as "probably the best in town," paired with stunning views of The Minories' beautiful walled garden. For vegan enthusiasts like Karen Warbis, the experience is equally satisfying, basking in glorious weather while enjoying the vegan offerings outside.

For a calm respite before venturing back into the city or an intimate gathering with friends, The Commons Community Kitchen & Café is the perfect spot. The café's dedication to quality, sustainability, and community sets it apart, making every visit a meaningful one. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or a leisurely lunch, this charming spot promises a delightful experience for all who enter.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair accessible entrance
Has wheelchair accessible restroom
Has wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeout
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has live music
Has live performances
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar onsite
Has restroom
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Historic
Crowd
Family-friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

89 Reviews
James Cumbers

17 Sep 2025

Delightful cafe, delicious food. Lovely sunny spot. We will be returning soon I am sure of it. The curry was delicious.

Mark Godson

02 Sep 2025

A great place to relax and have a coffee or snack. Lovely urban garden to sit in and handy for the city centre. Coffee very good. Would be five stars if they offered any gluten-free savoury snack/lunch and a second gluten- free cake option.

Marc De'ath

27 Aug 2025

Unique, community owned cafe cafe next to Minories Art Gallery and infront of Firstsite. Best garden in town to sit and eat. Sustainable, ethically sourced goods too.

Cristoffer Sevilla

20 Jul 2025

It is a lovely community café with probably the best customer service in town and a lovely view of the beautiful walled garden of The Minories. It's great when you need some quiet time, a little treat before shopping or just a proper catch up with a friend. I couldn't recommend more their Turmeric latte and the sausage roll.

Karen Warbis

13 Jul 2025

Great vegan cafe. The weather was glorious so I sat outside in the beautiful garden. I had a lovely time. Thank you.

Denny

03 Jul 2025

Super duper staff, who really want to please, a fabulous venue with well lit spacious area inside and beautiful gardens in which to relax with friends or your laptop...

Loui Mitchell

09 Jun 2025

Great selection of food which was all plant based and looks homemade! The coffee was delicious and our rolls were lovely too. Lovely and quiet when we went, but still felt like a great atmosphere- would highly recommend this little gem

Join the The Commons Community Kitchen & Café at The Minories Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.