Crowds have been flocking to Common Grounds Terra on Surabaya Street, but it’s not just the brand’s signature café experience that’s drawing them in. With the simultaneous debut of Menteng Tennis Club—Common Grounds’ latest venture—a visit to the newly opened space now comes with the added excitement of playing on the sleek tennis court attached to the café.
“Every Common Grounds outlet has a story to tell, and [Common Grounds Terra] is the first one where visitors can enjoy sports activities with our coffee and food offerings under one roof,” remarked co-founder and CEO Aston Utan.
Inspired by the ambience of courts and country clubs prominent in Palm Springs, Southern California, every corner of the space is infused with design elements that tie back to the growingly popular sport. From the earthy terracotta hues that echo the red clay courts popular in Latin America, the hallway-slash-gallery that showcases vintage racquets and photos of legends like Roger Federer, to a wall-to-wall cabinet made of hundreds of tennis balls that can be found adorning the provided locker room (which looks more like a lounge than your gym’s changing room).
Down the hall is the tennis court itself, where a variety of players can be glimpsed testing their mettle through the glass windows and doors. Early comers may find hobbyists clad in crisp polos and sneakers in an intense match before going about their daily routine. Meanwhile, later in the day, light conversations are interspersed between a more leisurely game among mature women just starting to pick up the sport. But regardless of experience and expertise, the allotted two-hour session that starts as early as 6 AM no doubt works out an appetite.
If you’re looking for the crowd favourite, the Spaghetti with Cream Sauce is the way to go, where fresh mushrooms lend a woody flavour to the creamy yet light pasta, topped with chicken for that extra protein. Alternatively, try Common Grounds’ take on the British staple Bangers and Mash, with smoky house-made sausages sitting atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, adorned with crispy kale and a helping of sweet roasted peppers and onions on top.
For coffee, currently exclusive to Common Grounds Terra is the third iteration of their signature Major Tom blend, newly released to mark the coffee house’s 10th anniversary. It’s a marriage between the Colombian Aji Bourbon beans with Aceh’s Pantan Musara, fruity and floral on the palate with a touch of bourbon notes, ideal for a classic cup of latte.
The addition of Menteng Tennis Club no doubt offers a fresh experience for Common Grounds’ roster of customers, whether they’re part of the sporty crowd or simply there for the signature coffee and brunch. Patrons will also soon find an omakase-style coffee bar lodged inside Terra’s second-floor trophy room, where they can explore the brand’s curation of beans within view of the barista awards the team has won over the years. “This marks an exciting evolution of Common Grounds, expanding our brand beyond food and beverage into a community and lifestyle destination,” closed Aston.
