A CAFE and shared space is attracting lots of customers in a converted former bank.

One of Oxford’s newest venues is the Common Ground Café and shared workspace in Little Clarendon Street.

The pop-up shop in the former Barclays Bank is a social enterprise selling coffee and provides an area where people can study and work.

Jake Backus, who co-founded the venture with barista Piotr Drabik, said the cafe was designed to be ‘quirky in nature’.

The 53-year-old father-of-two, who lives in North Oxford with wife Helen, negotiated with Oxford University, the building’s landlords, to allow the pop-up space to be used for the next four months.

Mr Backus said: “Following the launch about a week ago it has been incredibly popular.

Students and shoppers love coming in and mingling and using the space.

“It’s a good idea because the students don’t have to stay in their rooms to study and can share the space with everyone else.

“It would be lovely if the university allowed us to stay for longer than just a few months.”

Mr Backus said the furniture, including sofas, tables and chairs had been donated or made on site.

He added: “As well as being as sustainable as possible, the ethos is a kind and calm space where people can hang out and relax, which also supports student wellness and mental health, which is a growing issue across the country.”

Since opening, the cafe has become a focal point for a number of different community groups and activities.

These include an ancient philosophy discussion group and activity classes are about to start for yoga, performing arts, table tennis, darts and coding.

Members of a writers’ circle have also asked if they can meet at the cafe.

Healthy food for the cafe has been provided by Waste2Taste, which offers a catering service committed to packaging and food waste cuts.

Mr Backus said the cafe also featured the city’s ‘glove repatriation centre’ where people can retrieve lost gloves.

Part of the cafe is designated as an area for bicycles.

Cyclists are being invited to bring their bikes in and park them on a bike rack or carry out simple repairs.

Traders in the street will be hoping the new cafe boosts footfall in the area.

In December staff at Demijohn, a deli selling artisan spirits and liqueurs in Little Clarendon Street, said the reopening of the Westgate Centre has had an adverse effect on trade.

Demijohn opened in 2013, and built up a loyal customer base.

But after the £440m centre reopened on October 24 there was a reduction in footfall and takings, according to owner Angus Ferguson.

He urged customers to ‘shop local’ and to keep using Little Clarendon Street, to retain the existing mix of independents and chains.