The modern Lebanese bakery Common Breads in Belgravia, brings the street food classics of Beirut to West London.
Common Breads offers a concise made-to-order menu showcasing two of Lebanon’s most popular bakes: purse-shaped ka’ak and manouche flatbreads, served alongside fresh Middle Eastern salads, snacks and desserts.
A widely-beloved Lebanese snack, ka’ak is made by shaping dough into a purse-like shape before topping with sesame (classic), nigella, or ‘everything’ seasoning.
The bakers at Common Breads transfer their ka’ak to hooks in the kitchen window for cooling – displaying them the way street vendors would traditionally on their bicycles in Beirut. Visitors can purchase the bread to enjoy on its own, or as a sandwich with fillings including: Lebanese ‘makanek’ sausage with green tahini and chilli jam, Mushroom shawarma with seven spice and pickles, and Omelette ‘ejjeh’ with green tomato chutney and garlic toum.
As for manouche, the flatbread staples are baked to order, with classic breakfast toppings of Za’atar and akkawi cheese available alongside more creative combinations, like Courgette, halloumi and chilli honey, Chicken Musakhan with caramelised onion, cumin and green salsa, and Beef kafta with lemon aioli and parsley.
Alongside its speciality bakes, Common Breads serves a selection of snacks, salads and desserts from its counter. Available for eat-in or takeaway, these include small bites like Pumpkin kibbeh and Spinach fatayer – as well as a Bulgur wheat and chickpea tabbouleh, Harissa and tahini slaw with carrots and dried apricots, and Roasted butternut squash with shanklish (Middle Eastern blue cheese) and red cabbage.
Best enjoyed with coffee and tea supplied by Ozone and Good and Proper, sweet treats include Knafeh (kataifi pastry with ricotta, nuts and orange blossom), Chocolate tahini brownies, and Date and peanut butter cheesecake on a ka’ak crumb.
The 10-cover bakery was designed by MA Studio, inspired by the classic features of Lebanese architecture. Two perpendicular counters form the centrepiece, tiled with backgammon-inspired checkers in honour of one of Lebanon’s favourite pastimes. Set against the glass-walled kitchen, these frame the bakers at work and contrast the industrial flooring, chosen to mimic the look of sesame seeds used across the menu.
Common Breads is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday – Sunday.
Ka’ak can be purchased from £2.50 while manouches are on offer from £4.50.
Address: 110 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9SA
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday | 8am – 6pm