‘LGBTQ+ driven’ East London bar Common Counter sets January launch date

Common Counter will provide ‘a safe space for creativity to flourish and like-minded people to collaborate’ alongside a bar menu that celebrates queer history. 

Designed by the bar's general manager Oliver Tomlinson, the drinks reference iconic queer figures, events, or folklore. 

For example, Dance of the Forty One (Ilegal mezcal, Sacred Sweet vermouth, nitro cold brew, xocolatl syrup and mole bitters) is inspired by a 1901 police raid in Mexico City, where 42 high society men were arrested for wearing lavish ballgowns and engaging in what was seen to be an illicit, opulent affair. 

The event has become a symbol of defiance and defining moment in the culture of queer Mexicans, and its inclusion on the menu reflects Common Counter’s core message.

A rotating beer bottle bar will work with The Queer Brewing project, who focus on small, ethical, queer-led brewers in the UK, and wines will be provided by GRAFT. 

Spirits will be locally-sourced - from Cold & Blac Coffee Liqueur Dalston, East London Liquor, Victory London Distillery - with the exception of Ilegal Mezcal, which is from Oaxaca, Mexico.

There will also be a non- alcoholic cocktail list that includes the likes of Failure may be your style (Seedlip Spice, grapefruit juice and nitro cold brew) inspired by writer and raconteur Quentin Crisp. 

An events schedule will run alongside the bar, featuring events including weekly ‘Voguing’ dance classes, LGBTQ+ fundraisers, book club-style discussions, Bollywood dance classes, and poetry nights.