Cover (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
(Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
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A sanctuary for the perfect cup of coffee, cosy meals, and moments of tranquillity has opened at the heart of Makati
You could spend an entire, picture-perfect day at Ayala Triangle Gardens. With its array of dining and shopping options, it is one of the dynamic Makati crowd’s favourite spots for unhurried strolls, midday pick-me-ups, and comforting after-work scenes in the city from morning to night. Adding to the fervent buzz, foodies and coffee enthusiasts recently flocked to the opening of its newest café and brunch concept from the Lion City—Common Man Coffee Roasters.
The outlet at Ayala Triangle swung open its doors on January 10, marking the Singaporean brand’s highly awaited entry into the local dining and drinks scene. “We are really excited to launch the brand in the Philippines,” said Michael Bovell, general manager of Singapore’s Spa Esprit Group, at the opening event. “We see that Filipinos are becoming very educated with food globally, and we’re proud to bring some of that to Manila.”
Read more: Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines: How will they elevate coffee and brunch culture?
Set-up for the official launch (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
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Beyond their quality brews and hearty dishes—both of which guests at the launch thoroughly relished—the upscale interiors of Common Man are a refreshing highlight. With a view of the park’s greenery and ample natural light, the café exudes an airy and homey feel through the combination of bright and wooden accents. The store enhances this experience with a generously sized window that can be folded, which opens and extends the space while providing both indoor and al fresco seating options.
“In each one of our stores, we do a custom design. We start with a blank page and think about the local community, then we try to incorporate that in different ways,” Bovell mentioned. Talking about the Makati branch, he shared, “I think this one was quite easy for us because the building itself is already very unique and quirky, so we tried to bring out the natural bones of the building itself. We really wanted to open the space, and we brought in some Filipino elements, such as woven fabric patterns and locally crafted tableware.”
Above Storefront (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
Above Expertly crafted drinks (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
Storefront (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
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Ultimately, he says that the goal was to create a warm and welcoming space where people from all over Manila could come and relax together, embodying Common Man’s ethos of “serving the community”. He added, “It's not about creating a cookie-cutter brand. I think it's important that our stores give a different view or vibe when you go, but the quality of our coffee and food stays the same.”
See also: January 2024 Dining Radar: Inatô, Steak & Frice, Tsumura, and more
In Bovell’s words, they take their coffee very seriously at Common Man—but do not let this intimidate you. Their wide selection of expertly crafted brews guarantees a delectable option for every customer, whether one prefers nutty, fruity, or even chocolate-infused notes. Committed to sustainability, the café consequently sources its speciality coffee beans responsibly and roasts them in-house. Be sure to take a peek at the store’s roastery and catch a whiff of freshness when you drop by.
Above At the bar (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
Above Nitro Honey Oat Latte (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
At the bar (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
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Indeed, whether you are new to speciality coffee or not, you are free to discover, or re-discover, coffee at Common Man. Coffee purists will undoubtedly enjoy their single-origin brews and espresso, while those who prefer milky or sweeter blends must simply try offerings like the nitro honey oat latte.
Complementing these signature drinks is a menu of comforting all-day brunch recipes that are enough reason to run down for lunchtime. There are savoury classics like the Common Man full breakfast for those craving a quintessential English feast, as well as elevated takes on brunch like the "not your common" pancakes. This Manila-exclusive menu item consists of wheat pancakes cooked in an iron cast skillet and topped with caramelised bananas and walnut crumble, salted caramel sauce, and berry coulis.
Above Common Man Full Breakfast (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
Above Not Your Common Pancakes (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
Common Man Full Breakfast (Photo: Courtesy of Common Man Coffee Roasters)
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So, the next time you’re looking to slow down and enjoy a breather somewhere close, head to Common Man Coffee Roasters at Ayala Triangle Gardens. You are surely in for a treat.
Common Man Coffee Roasters Philippines is located at The Restaurants, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala and Paseo de Roxas Avenue, Makati City.
To know more about them, visit commonmancoffeeroasters.com.ph and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
