In today’s impersonal, digital world, London’s pub-debating scene is seeing a surge in popularity. City News’ Marina Colón has been to the White Hart Pub to find out more.
Michael Pautsch standing on the right while a debate takes place.
For the past five years, Debate London has been turning the cosy pub setting we all know and love into a buzzing venue for spirited debate.
Its events are held at The White Hart Pub in Whitechapel, where members gather with a drink prepared to discuss topics ranging from politics to pop culture.
For those who find traditional debating clubs too formal or intimidating, pubs offer a relaxed atmosphere with no holds barred.
Wednesday night’s debate, the last of the year, examined whether the UK should expand its oil and gas production.
Bigger nights can draw crowds of about 100 people.
“We need to be able to disagree strongly with each other and still be able to listen to one another and find a consensus when it comes to difficult topics” says spectator, Owen.
Debate London runs workshops and debates every week training people in debating and public speaking.
Founder, Michael Pautsch, 32, says growth has been steady and this year it has doubled the number of events.
So why are these meetings so popular?
“I think people want to do something productive with their time… they’ll usually come out for the topic and then want to get involved themselves.”
Michael says debates about dating and dating apps have been especially popular.
Elsewhere, pubs are proving popular for other thought-provoking events.
Oliver Harding, a host for Pints of Knowledge, says talks from experts are drawing ever larger crowds and the company sometimes hosts five in a single night:
“I think if you go to the pub and you don’t drink you might feel unwelcome or not included. But if you’re going to an event in a pub it becomes something for everyone, drinkers and non-drinkers alike.”
Sean Senek debating on Wednesday night
Sean Senek, 29, from Debate London, says the appeal is practical: after university, many adults find that work is the only place they meet new people.
“If you’re somebody who is interested in news or politics or any of the specific topics that we’ve done events on, it’s a really nice opportunity to meet people who are also interested – there are very few opportunities to do that.”
Debate London says its events are part of a broader move towards real-life interaction, away from distant online contact; getting together, talking and trying to understand what one another thinks.
At the end of the event, the chatter continued. Bonds were built between likeminded individuals but also between those with little in common.
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StandfirstThe London Pub debating scene is thriving as an escape from today's digital world.
In today’s impersonal, digital world, London’s pub-debating scene is seeing a surge in popularity. City News’ Marina Colón has been to the White Hart Pub to find out more.
Michael Pautsch standing on the right while a debate takes place.
For the past five years, Debate London has been turning the cosy pub setting we all know and love into a buzzing venue for spirited debate.
Its events are held at The White Hart Pub in Whitechapel, where members gather with a drink prepared to discuss topics ranging from politics to pop culture.
For those who find traditional debating clubs too formal or intimidating, pubs offer a relaxed atmosphere with no holds barred.
Wednesday night’s debate, the last of the year, examined whether the UK should expand its oil and gas production.
Bigger nights can draw crowds of about 100 people.
“We need to be able to disagree strongly with each other and still be able to listen to one another and find a consensus when it comes to difficult topics” says spectator, Owen.
Debate London runs workshops and debates every week training people in debating and public speaking.
Founder, Michael Pautsch, 32, says growth has been steady and this year it has doubled the number of events.
So why are these meetings so popular?
“I think people want to do something productive with their time… they’ll usually come out for the topic and then want to get involved themselves.”
Michael says debates about dating and dating apps have been especially popular.
Elsewhere, pubs are proving popular for other thought-provoking events.
Oliver Harding, a host for Pints of Knowledge, says talks from experts are drawing ever larger crowds and the company sometimes hosts five in a single night:
“I think if you go to the pub and you don’t drink you might feel unwelcome or not included. But if you’re going to an event in a pub it becomes something for everyone, drinkers and non-drinkers alike.”
Sean Senek debating on Wednesday night
Sean Senek, 29, from Debate London, says the appeal is practical: after university, many adults find that work is the only place they meet new people.
“If you’re somebody who is interested in news or politics or any of the specific topics that we’ve done events on, it’s a really nice opportunity to meet people who are also interested – there are very few opportunities to do that.”
Debate London says its events are part of a broader move towards real-life interaction, away from distant online contact; getting together, talking and trying to understand what one another thinks.
At the end of the event, the chatter continued. Bonds were built between likeminded individuals but also between those with little in common.
