Tripadvisor’s new YouTube series Common Ground brings British personalities together for candid conversations on food, travel and empathy

Tripadvisor has launched a new YouTube series titled Common Ground, which brings together well-known British personalities from different walks of life for unscripted conversations centred around food, travel, music and shared human experiences. The three pilot episodes, released on 30^th October, were filmed in Shoreditch, East London, and aim to explore themes of connection and empathy through candid dialogue and local exploration.

Produced by Tripadvisor’s in-house creative studio Wanderlab, Common Ground features pairings such as Michelin-starred chef Monica Galetti with comedian Daisy May Cooper, musician and mental health advocate Professor Green with farmer and television presenter Jimmy Doherty, and rapper and chef Big Zuu with motivational speaker Tilly Lockey. Each duo spends a day in Shoreditch, engaging in activities and discussions that highlight both their differences and shared values.

In the first episode, Galetti and Cooper navigate Redchurch Street and participate in a pottery class, bonding over their working-class upbringings and personal resilience. Over dinner at Legado, Galetti reflects on the role of food in human connection, stating, “Food is the biggest connector – it breaks walls.”

The second episode sees Professor Green introducing Doherty to his East London roots, from music studios to a city farm. Their conversation moves beyond urban versus rural life to cover sustainability and mental health, concluding with a meal at Blacklock Shoreditch, where the pair reflect on the importance of empathy.

In the final episode so far, Big Zuu and Tilly Lockey explore Brick Lane and other local landmarks, discussing faith, disability and gratitude. Lockey, a double amputee and motivational speaker, shares her perspective: “I wasn’t meant to be alive, so every day is something to be grateful for.”

Adam Ochman, global head of Wanderlab, described the project as an attempt to shift the focus of travel storytelling. “We’re reimagining the way stories about travel are told. It’s less about distance, more about discovery. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to go far to find beauty, kindness and common ground,” he said.

Common Ground is now available to watch on Tripadvisor’s official YouTube channel. The series forms part of a broader effort by the travel platform to engage audiences through original content that emphasises human stories and cultural exploration.

Food Desk

Common Ground is now available to view via Tripadvisor’s YouTube channel here.