Since dropping by for a chat with Common Circus founder, Lauren Henry in November last year, we haven’t been able to contain our excitement about the Lake Mac lifestyle store coming to town and the best news has just come in – they’re officially open!

The excitement doesn’t stop there. Just pulling into the carpark got me jumping like a little kid waiting for their fairy floss – this place is blooming fabulous. It’s more than twice the size of the Belmont space, is filled with all the usual Common Circus plus much more, the café dining space is so Instaworthy as is the food and drink offerings, there’s a dedicated gelato counter and for the creatives out there; they’ve got an upstairs community space available for hire!

Whilst you process all of that information, let me take you on a bit of tour of the last few months of renos for Common Circus and how what we’re all able to enjoy came to life right here in the community-focussed suburb of Hamilton.

Since opening in Belmont, Lauren has always been on the lookout for the perfect spot for space number two; that’s four years of searching for this beauty of a venue. Finally getting their hands on the space has seen the Common Circus team alongside their hard-working tradies work their absolute butts off to bring this space to life.

“This has been the hardest thing I think I’ve ever done. The detail and the layers of work that has gone into it is insane.

“I had such an amazing team. My builder, my sparky and my plumber are all long-time customers from out at Belmont. The relationship we had was great. A lot of the days we would just be in here all day and we literally would live on Antojitos. No one can be angry once they’ve got a burrito,” Lauren said.

The emotional rollercoaster of the past few months has delightful culminated with shoppers and diners alike flocking to the new space once the doors flung on open on Monday 22^nd March.

In terms of the retail side of things, you can expect all your usual favourites with a number of new brands hitting the shelves. With a huge range of Robert Gordon ceramics, artisanal ceramics by ben david by kas, all the usual goodies from Kip & Co, natural cleaning products by Koala Eco and a booming baby and children corner with the likes of clothing from Baby Bird Studio, children toys from Astrup, and swaddles by Banabae amongst the favourites gracing the Common Circus shelves.

“I’ve brought a few new brands in here because I wanted a point of difference, but I think now the real challenge for me is to create two stores that feel the same but are different and have different offerings. You’ll have a reason for a Lake Macquarie trip, or you’ll have a reason to come here.

“I’m such a believer that spaces evolve, and you should always live in a space before you make any big decisions and I think that is going to be a big part of this space. We’re open and it’s exciting. But I think it’s just going to constantly evolve and grow as is Belmont with us as a company and what our community’s needs.

“Coming into a new community, we need to figure out their lifestyle and how they live and then adapting around that. We’re trying to figure out a way to do that but still with the same Common Circus feel.”

When it comes to dining in at Common Circus at Hamilton, you can expect the food to be somewhat similar to the offerings at Belmont but just with a few more additions. The all-day menu features all the delicious goods including Banana Bread and Granola, Smoked Salmon Bagel, Avo on Toast, as well as a range of toasties and salads.

Wash it all down with a cup of joe made with Common Circus’ go-to coffee roaster, Glee, made from their brand-new custom-painted blue coffee machine. Or treat yourself to a juice by HRVST or the Hamilton’s space experimental shakes!

Whether it’s a hot day or you’re just a mad gelato lover, the Hamilton space is also now home to a dedicated gelato bar, perfect for the after-school treat.

“Our gelato is made by The Hood. I just live for ice-cream.”

In addition to all the great things happening downstairs at the Hamilton venue, you’ll all be excited to know there’s a whole upstairs to the building that is up for use by the community!

“Upstairs we have a communal space available for hire. We’ll definitely be moving towards leasing that out as a studio space for photographers and workshops. Even just company meetings! I’d also love to do some art exhibitions up there so that people can see the space.

“I think eventually, it will just be its own little thing where we possible cater and stuff, but for the moment, we’re just starting small.”

For those of you still a big fan of the original Lake Mac space, never fear! Common Circus in Belmont is here to stay so you’ll always have your coffee and homewares fix on the lake’s shores.

Get into Common Circus in Hamilton and get supporting this local business that has community at its core and bringing customers beautiful and inspiring pieces to fill your home.