You’ve been catching local musicians and DJs, belting out your favourite tunes, creating your own space on the dance floor and enjoying handfuls of truffle popcorn (IYKYK) for 15 years now.
Yes. The Common, a downtown favourite, is 15!
There’s no denying that Edmonton nightlife wouldn’t look the same without it. The well-known and loved establishment opened its doors in 2009 and has since been a mainstay on 109 St., while watching the core change around it.
“It is a huge milestone,” said Rob Clarke, co-owner of The Common. “We are lucky to have been able to see and experience so much change and exciting events in downtown Edmonton. When we began in 2009, downtown was quite a different place. We are excited to see what the next 15 years will look like.”
The Common describes itself as a lounge-style space that prides itself on creating community through music, food and culture. If you ask their local partners, they’re nailing that mission.
“They’re constantly doing something in the community,” said Lachlan Frederickson, sales manager with Alley Kat Brewing Co.
Alley Kat was one of the first local beers to be poured at The Common and owners were thrilled to ask the 29-year-old Edmonton brewery to collaborate on a beer to celebrate this latest milestone.
“Alley Kat has always supported us, and we think they understand us as much as any brewery could,” said Clarke.
Let’s introduce you to Bear Necessities, a tropical ale with mango and pineapple flavours, that was brewed with the celebration of fun and summer in mind.
“Our specialty is fruit beer,” said Frederickson. “That’s what people gravitate towards when they think of Alley Kat, so rather than go off track with something different, I wanted to play to our niche.”
You can get the beer at The Common, Dolly’s, 9910, Fu’s Repair Shop and Double Dragon. Yes, this group of Edmonton favourites is all the same ownership creating a business model that in itself spreads local love.
“Every location is so different that you’re attracting so many different styles and groups of people,” said Sarah Higgs, event manager with Alley Kat. “It’s not just one niche group of people and so it really helps us expand our reach.”
The Common is the catalyst for numerous events and initiatives, but notably the Streetcar Cask Party Series which pours limited edition beers from local breweries on top of the High Level Bridge.
Beyond that, they hold weekly open mic nights for various artists, including jazz musicians, which gives MacEwan University music students a place to practice performing. They regularly bring in local DJs to spin for patrons who want to have a great night on the dance floor.
Make sure you visit The Common to help them celebrate. It is open Tuesday to Saturday every week, with, of course, Bear Necessities on tap to enjoy in a cold glass. You can also find the beer with a jolly juggling bear on the can at select liquor stores throughout downtown.