By Marianne David
Twenty-one years since it opened on Flower Road, The Commons Coffee House is moving out in a few days.
The well-loved cozy hangout cafe that has seen generations pass through its doors will open for the last time at Flower Road on 15 September and, after a well-earned two-week break, welcome diners at its new location on 1 October.
“It’s been 21 years! The new Commons is going to be bigger and better but we’re taking the same spirit!” says Founder and MD Harpo Gooneratne, over a quick chat.
It’s a milestone and a bittersweet moment for Harpo, given how The Commons was his very first venture into the restaurant scene – a bold move at a time when the civil war was raging in Sri Lanka.
“The Commons is one of my favourite hangout spots, being the first homegrown coffee shop in Colombo. It was set up during the ethnic conflict in 2004 and people asked me, ‘Are you mad to set up a restaurant now?’ Business was very uncertain, but I thought ‘if there’s a down, there has to be an up somewhere,’ and I took the risk.”
Incidentally it was on the very same day that The Commons first opened its doors that an assassination attempt was carried out on the then Defence Secretary at Piththala Junction. Harpo had driven past the junction minutes before and was preparing to light the pot for the milk to overflow when the explosion had taken place.
Thriving over the years
Despite all the uncertainty, the risk Harpo took at the time certainly paid off in spades. While many new restaurants are a flash in the pan, The Commons has not only survived but thrived for over two decades. Harpo attributes this to the staff and the spirit of The Commons.
“I have people who have been working with me there for 21 years, which is a testament in itself. People look at The Commons as a home; they know the menu inside out and they know the staff by first name. Being opposite Ladies College has been a huge success – lots of LC generations have gone through here and many of them started their love affairs at The Commons! Some have got married and brought their kids here. It’s been one hell of a ride!”
Consistency has also played a big role. “With so many restaurants opening around – every week you see something new coming up – The Commons has stood out because it’s a very strong brand and has been consistent when it comes to food and ambience.”
The vast menu
That The Commons menu is vast is no secret.
I’m pressed for choice every single time I go over – there’s burgers, wraps, rotis, hoppers, pastas, salads, kottu, pittu, stringhoppers, soups, rice, noodles, waffles, melts, and sandwiches, and more – and all come with a selection of meat or veg options too.
Then there’s the extensive drinks menu which has everything from coffee to shakes and juices, while the dessert counter features massive portions and reasonable prices.
“The menu offers a wide variety and there’s something for everyone and anyone – from rotis to hoppers and burgers to the double chocolate milkshake, which is famous,” says Harpo.
Pressed to name a few of his favourite items, he listed these:
- Double chocolate milkshake
- Mulligatawny soup
- Stuffed hoppers
- Wraps
- Crab rolls
- Roast paan with pol sambol and fried egg
“It’s a vast menu, but those are the things I love. I sit and eat there, having long chats with friends and staff who come by.”
That the double chocolate milkshake is a firm favourite is no surprise. It is a decadent and delicious drink that seems to never finish.
I visited The Commons for the last time a few days ago and had it (could not finish it!), along with the mulligatawny soup (warm and comforting), the crab rolls (served hot and crispy!), the roast paan with prawn curry, and the milk hoppers.
The staff and service were outstanding and I left feeling nostalgic – it’s sad to see the end of a chapter that has lasted so very long.
But there is no time for despair; the new chapter ahead promises to be a lot more exciting!
The all-new Commons
“Looking at the feedback I am getting on social media, many people are sad that I am losing the location but many of them are happy as well because we are going into a new place which has many more facilities,” says Harpo.
The all-new Commons will be set in a big house with six rooms, a beautiful garden, and ample parking. The same menu will continue, while some specialty menus will be added on, along with an improved breakfast offering. It will be open through the day from breakfast to late night dinners.
As Harpo affirms: “The next chapter is going to be great, with lots more facilities and offerings. The new location has a lovely outside pavilion where we will serve specialty menus after 5 in the evenings and there’s a beautiful gelato counter coming in as well. Of course all those people who go to the Lionel Wendt will have to travel a little bit more! I’m excited to be able to offer our customers a better Commons and I look forward to seeing everyone.”
Here’s wishing The Commons, its staff, and Harpo the very best as the homegrown cozy hangout spot moves to a new home!
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