Common Ground

Leeds University Union, 2 Lifton Pl, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JZ, United Kingdom
+44 113 380 1454
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop
(45 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you're wandering around the bustling Leeds University Union, make sure to stop by Common Ground, a charming café that perfectly encapsulates the essence of campus life. Located at 2 Lifton Place, this café is not just a pit-stop for coffee; it’s a vibrant meeting space for students, friends, and faculty alike. With a welcoming atmosphere and a mantra of inclusivity, Common Ground has something for everyone.

As you step inside, you'll be enveloped by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the enticing scent of delectable pastries. The warm, friendly staff greet you with genuine smiles, making you feel right at home. From the moment you enter, you know you’re in a place where good food meets good company.

The café boasts an impressive selection of food and drinks, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch, you’ll find quality options at price points ideal for student budgets. Many patrons rave about the café’s versatility in accommodating vegan diets—so whether you’re a meat-lover or a plant enthusiast, you’ll leave satisfied.

Customer reviews reflect the warm experiences that many have enjoyed at Common Ground. Laura Brownlie notes the friendly staff and great prices, in addition to the café’s ability to make meals and drinks vegan. Paul Thornton emphasizes the reasonable prices paired with exceptional service, highlighting the café's commitment to customer satisfaction. If you’re looking for a cozy corner to relax or catch up with friends, the seating area is inviting, though be prepared for a lively buzz during lunchtime, as noted by customer udabow.

Whether you're grabbing a coffee on the go or taking the time to study in their comfortable ambiance, Common Ground offers an abundance of seating options. Daniela Calderon Napoles appreciates the café’s chill vibes for both socializing and studying, even lending out games for a spot of fun. With ‘the best hot chocolate on campus’, as she puts it, this café is a delightful retreat from university life.

While the café can become crowded, especially during peak hours, many find it an ideal place to catch up with mates or unwind with a book. Deciding between a classic coffee or a rich hot chocolate can be the toughest decision of your day here! Come experience why, as Sam Bradley humorously reviews, Common Ground remains a top contender among university cafés.

Immerse yourself in the lively student culture of Leeds at Common Ground—where connections brew as beautifully as the coffee. It’s more than just a café; it’s a communal hub that enriches your university experience.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
University students
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

45 Reviews
Laura Brownlie

16 Sep 2025

Much as we all miss the hidden café, I have to admit that common ground is growing on me. Friendly staff, good prices and quality food and drinks which can be made vegan.

Paul Thornton

25 Aug 2025

Great coffee that is reasonably priced. Very friendly staff and excellent service

udabow

28 Jul 2025

Good place to grab your coffee and sit for a while or chit-chat with your mate. Prices are reasonable. It is a little bit crowded at lunch-time.

Matt H

20 Jul 2025

A really nice cafe in the heart of the university student union. There is a great selection of food and drinks at a reasonable price. There is a good amount of seating but it can get very busy here.

Daniela Calderon Napoles

18 Jul 2025

Nice place to chill or study, they have a nice seating area and they lend you games to play with friends. Good prices in food and drinks. Best hot chocolate in campus!

Sam Bradley

26 May 2025

Of all the coffee shops in all the student unions in all the universities in all the world that I have ever been to, this is by far and away the third of them.

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