The operator behind the new cafe opening in Union Terrace Gardens (UTG), Aberdeen, has revealed 15 new jobs are to be created.
Celera – run by the owner of popular Aberdeen eatery Books & Beans, John Wigglesworth – has invested a six-figure sum in the Common Sense Coffee House and Bar, which is due to open later this month or early September.
The Rosemount Pavilion venue will be the first space to open after the £28 million UTG refurbishment.
Mix of full and part-time roles
With the management team already in place, Common Sense is now looking to fill a range of hospitality roles, including five full-time and 10 part-time positions.
Taking inspiration from the 18th century Scottish School of Common Sense, founded by Aberdeen-born enlightenment philosopher Thomas Reid, the new cafe will be showcasing north-east produce on its menu.
Suppliers on board include the city’s Two Raccoons Winery and Aberdeenshire businesses Burnside Brewery and Wark Farm Pies.
Open from 8am to 8pm, the venue will offer drop-in and takeaway in the morning, indoor and al fresco grazing food and drinks later in the day, and evening drinks and food for pre-theatre goers.
‘Cultural hub’ for the city
The regional commitment extends to the new business working with local contractors, wherever possible, on fixtures and fittings.
Its central interior feature – a bespoke bookcase waiting to house more than 1,000 second-hand books – will be crafted by Aberdeenshire-based SIR Specialist Joinery.
Visitors who take a book from the shelves may choose to make a donation, which will in turn be returned by Common Sense to Aberdeen City Libraries.
Mr Wigglesworth said: “We want Common Sense to mean what it says.
“By providing regional produce, live music, spoken word performances and free books to explore, we’re creating a cultural hub – an inclusive space which will brighten the day and create a ‘Sense of Home’ for all those living, studying and working in Aberdeen city centre, including our own growing team.
“In doing so, we’re demonstrating Celera’s ongoing commitment to doing our bit to support the revitalisation of the city centre; it’s just common sense.”
As it begins to fill its bookcase, Common Sense Coffee House and Bar is particularly keen to receive donations of books about the north-east, history, politics and well-being.
Arrangements to donate can be made via the cafe’s Facebook page, @commonsensecoffeehouseandbar, or by emailing info@common-sense.co.uk
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