Zwischen Pizza und Pastries, bei Common in Neukölln geht es um mehr als gutes Essen: Es geht um Gemeinschaft und das Rückberufen aufs Handwerk. Gegründet aus der Sehnsucht nach einem Ort, an dem alles zusammenkommt: a place of common interest.

Im Interview erzählt Maximilian Korrenz Lemke von seiner Zeit in Kopenhagen, von Berliner Nachbarschaft und davon, warum das Team Handwerk und Herzlichkeit über alles stellt.

Erzählt in Berlin, gesprochen in Englisch – weil das Team genauso international ist wie die Stadt selbst.

What’s the story behind Common?

Common was founded when I returned from Copenhagen, where I had been living and working as a chef at Baest. Coming back to Berlin, I felt a little lost. I wasn’t sure about my culinary path, how best to challenge myself, or what the right next step might be.

Creating Common became my answer. It was more than just a product – it was about bringing some of the Danish ethos to the forefront: simplicity, togetherness, over food experiences. “A place of common interest” became our guiding phrase, and we return to it constantly in our dynamic offerings. Everything we create is meant to feel familiar, approachable, and timeless – whether it’s a pizza, a good cup of coffee, or a fresh pastry.

At its heart, Common is about a shared love for a particular space, for collective experiences, and for holding onto values like quality, care, and community. This is the essence of what we want Common to represent.

How would you describe your concept in three words and why those?

1. Artisanal 2. Local 3. Warm

Artisanal, because we take our craftsmanship seriously. From welcoming and hosting you with intention & care, to using the best of equipment – like our LM KB90, which allows us to stay consistent while still preparing espresso in our own unique way – to baking our pastries fresh throughout the day, so that you always have something just out of the oven, even in the afternoon.

Warm, because we aim to create a space where you feel truly welcome. It might be your first stop after leaving the house, so we want the experience of entering our space to feel as close as possible to stepping out of your own safe space and into ours.

Local, because we source our coffee beans from Ken, who roasts just around the corner from us. We work with Blutwurstmanufaktur – our butcher, just a two-minute walk away, serving the community for decades. The same goes for our dairy products, which come directly from Brandenburg.

How would you describe the vibe of your neighborhood in Neukölln what makes this location special for you?

The vibrancy of Neukölln’s multicultural community is unmatched. It’s funny because I first fell in love with Berlin just down the street at a Turkish market 12 years ago. It was my very first visit to the city, and at the time I had no idea how much that trip would shape my future – a full-circle moment.

Who is your coffee roasting partner and why did you choose them?

Our coffee supplier is Ken from August63. I first met him at a birthday party 10 years ago – he had just moved to Berlin to study marketing, and I was still working in finance. Over the years, we both found our way into the gastronomy scene in the best possible way. I truly admire his perspective on coffee: his clear flavor profiles, exciting filter selections that never feel pretentiously funky, and his dedication and deep knowledge of the industry.

Usually you don’t see this mix of pastries and pizza, how do you curate your menu what inspires your selection of food, drinks, and products?

Pizza has always been my number one love, and it always will be. But working in Copenhagen opened my eyes to the world of exceptional pastries and warm, hearty filter coffees – a guilty pleasure I can’t let go.

One of my friends opened a bakery on the other side of Denmark called “Duo Bageri,” near Aarhus. The time, dedication, and natural ease with which they bring the best pastries and breads to life, day after day, is truly inspiring.

The same goes for our wines. I’m inspired by people and their dedication. Our wine supplier was one of the best sommeliers I’ve ever met before he started sourcing and building his business. His immense knowledge, coupled with the way he talks about wine casually and down-to-earth, makes it easy to understand and leaves you feeling inspired at the same time.

What’s your view on the specialty coffee scene in Berlin, how does Common fit in?

I wouldn’t say I’m deeply immersed in the specialty coffee scene. I have a good overview and a few favorite places that I admire for different reasons. Akkurat Café has, for me, the best baristas. Bonanza impresses with its design approach, and at Townhouse, you feel completely at home and welcomed. We tried to bring those qualities into Common and we aim to grow into the scene.

 

Common Berlin, Karl-Marx-Straße 176, 12043 Berlin

Fotos: Clemens Poloczek