Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

The Pub: Britain’s Last Great Social Institution

Various venues across London

Tue 27 Oct · 19:00 · £20.25

90m · Talk

About this event

"The Pub: Britain’s Last Great Social Institution" with Sivamohan Valluvan and Amit Singh Summary: Amit Singh, who hails from three-generations of publicans, and his co-writer, Vallu, offer a daring defence of the humble public house. The ‘death of the English Pub' is a story often told, but usually through a nostalgic patriotism that longs for a bygone England. Elsewhere, the ‘local’ is derided as a dated institution out of time with today’s lifestyle consumerism and self-betterment projects. Better bodies, better sleep, better screens; less socialising, less passing the time with modest strangers. Amit and Vallu offer a different story, identifying in the pub an enduring and working-class-led social infrastructure. Drawing from their book, comprising jaunty travels across many an English boozer, they outline the pub’s continued relevance for a future worth winning. Though life today can seem lonelier, angrier and poorer than it did before, the pub offers the prospect of a more equal, sociable and comfortably multiracial England. Bio : Sivamohan Valluvan is a sociologist at the University of Warwick. He is the author of The Clamour of Nationalism: Race and Nation in Twenty-First-Century Britain (2019) . His writing has appeared in the Guardian, Renewal, Salvage, Red Pepper and Progressive Review . Amit Singh is the author of Fighting Identity (Routledge 2022), Cancelled Futures (Princeton, 2026) and co-author of Pubs for the People (MUP 2026). He teaches weekly sociology classes to sixth formers in South London as well as running a long-term project teaching sociology to young men on life-sentences at HMP ISIS. Venue: Blue's Kitchen Brixton, 40 Acre Ln, London SW2 5SP Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds up to 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.