Elliot Brooker opened Common Grind, Royston’s co-working space in Upton House in the centre of Royston, earlier this year, offering individual desk spaces to people of all professional backgrounds in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Elliot and his wife Emily Driscoll bought their first house in Royston in 2019. They admittedly did little research about the town, but they liked its feel and have not looked back since!
Tell us about Common Grind and the inspiration behind the idea
As a freelancer, I’ve worked in co-working spaces in Cambridge and Hitchin in the past but recently decided to create my own space closer to home. Its my ambition to create a friendly & warm space for people to come together to work and, in turn, to boost footfall in the town centre. 
What’s your favourite shop in Royston, and why?
We often pop into R.E. Rolph Garden & Pet Supplies to stock up on treats for our dog Murphy. It’s a great little local, independent shop, and Richard, the owner, is always very chatty and welcoming.
What’s your favorite local spot for food, drinks, or entertainment?
We’ve been known to devour a Turkish sharing plate or two from No. 41, and we also enjoy walking down to the Fox and Duck in Therfield for a pint on the green.
How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not working?
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking. Ever since I travelled to Mexico a few years back, I’ve been perfecting my taco technique, though they’ll never be as good as Mr Taco’s on the market!
What’s your proudest accomplishment, either personally or professionally?
We’ve spent several years training our sprocker spaniel Murphy in agility. In competitions, he’s shown so much potential but has always fallen (literally) at the final hurdle, until this summer when, at long last, he finally scooped a first-place rosette! That was my proudest achievement, at least in recent times.
What is the last book you read?
I’m currently reading a book called ‘The Sandcastle’, which I recently bought from Bow Books on Angel Pavement. I would recommend visiting if you haven’t been in already — it has an excellent selection of new and second-hand books.
Talk us through a typical day at Common Grind
I like to start the day with a chat/catch-up with my visitors over a cup of tea before we settle in for a morning’s work. At lunchtime, I’ll take a stroll through the town centre and perhaps pick up a coffee from Kooky’s, The Nest or the Horsebox Coffee Shop with our exclusive discount. Afterward, it’s back to work till around 5 or 6.
What advice would you give to someone new to the area or visiting for the first time?
I would advise you to take whatever negative things people have to say about Royston with a pinch of salt and go out and experience the town yourself. Royston is a lovely place to live – we are lucky to have an abundance of thriving local businesses, access to plenty of green, open spaces, and an excellent local magazine in The Listing that celebrates all the town has to offer.
Common Grind, Upton House,
4 Baldock Street, Royston, SG8 5AY
www.commongrind.space
hello@commongrind.space
Follow Common Grind on Facebook & Instagram
