Holly Barclay / 13 May 2025 / Categories: Food & Drink, Coffee Shops, Sports & Leisure, Health

The Common Cafe Pilates Studio & New Food Spot Stoneygate Leicester

After Cafe Clo at flannels in Fosse Park shut down, the only place in Leicester I’ve found decent tempura, I was excited to visit The Common in Stoneygate where I heard on the grapevine, it might not true, the staff including the Maitre D’ had moved to.

This area of Leicester has struggled in recent years, with property developers turning some of the massive mansions around in to HMO’s (houses in multiple occupation with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities) which has in turn changed the customer base. A vegan restaurant opened around the corner Wha Gwam Yard, which became known as Gwam Easy on Francis St, but just like its predecessor Toast opened 2017, and then the pub “The Local” a collaboration with Six Hills Cafe, closed in a short time. There just wasn’t the support.

Why I was keen to go and see what The Common, with a great talent pool had to offer.

The location next to George’s Hair salon on Allandale Road has also seen quite a few food businesses try and fail Oakey Smokey the latest so combining a new fitness studio with a cafe space adjacent may just be the answer for longevity in the neighbourhood.

What they offer,

First off it’s a revolver Pilates studio first and foremost with state of the art beds that move as you workout.

Started on the Isle of Man whilst Joseph Pilates was interned during WW1 he made the first reformer bed from hospital bed frames and springs. The original Pilates developed from Yoga he called Contrology.

Reformer Pilates is a dynamic form of Pilates that utilizes a specialized piece of equipment, the Pilates Reformer, to enhance flexibility, core stability and strength. By pushing and pulling the carriage against resistance from springs and body weight, you get a low-impact yet challenging workout. Reformer Pilates is adaptable to all levels, offering modifications and progressions to suit individual needs and gripping socks which can be purchased in studio must be worn.

Classes start at 6am every day. They last 50 minutes and start and finish promptly. The studio is locked between classes so you must be on your bed before class starts. No late entry.

Classes cost £20 a go however you can give the studio a try with their introduction offer for new members only, £30 for three sessions, the terms you must use within 14 days from your first class. The Common club also offer one to one tuition, 5 sessions for £275.

We didn’t check out the studio, we actually thought it was just a new restaurant. The menu is very simple, a great place for breakfast on the go or a quick salad definitely more of a cafe than a restaurant. A place for yogis and fitness gurus to hang out after class.

They also sell exercise athleisurewear, not sure exactly what’s available besides gripping socks, we didn’t get to browse the store.

We popped in for Brunch. It’s not a restaurant with service if that’s what you’re expecting. The food was good, healthy and tasty. The baked goods, muffins, pastries and croissants are available at the counter where you order and pay.

Anyone is welcome in the cafe. The classes after your introduction you have to be a member to book and the minimum membership term is 3 months with a one month cancellation policy. Depending on the number of classes you want to attend will determine which of the three levels of membership is right for you.