"What London's Pubs Can Learn from the North East's State Schools"

"What London's Pubs Can Learn from the North East's State Schools"
With Grace Wilson

What can London’s pubs teach us about social mobility – and what can they learn from the North East’s state schools? In this provocative talk, Grace Wilson, a North East state school alumna now studying Law at LSE and co‑founder of StateElevate, challenges the capital’s elite to rethink opportunity through a regional lens. 

She weaves her personal story – from state school to House of Lords speaker and national media – with the systemic work of her non‑profit, which connects state school students to 100+ mentors from top universities, proving that proximity and connection are the real ladders to diverse talent pipelines. 

Grace argues that when professions lack strong regional roots, we all lose out on innovation and fairness – and shows how anyone in a pub, pint in hand, can become a direct “ladder builder” by fostering the relationships that turn potential into progress.

Bio

Grace Wilson is the co‑founder of StateElevate, a non‑profit delivering one‑to‑one mentorship to state school students in the North East, building pipelines to top universities and elite professions. A Law LLB student at the London School of Economics and a former state school pupil from the region, she has spoken on her work at the House of Lords and featured on ITV and BBC Radio 1. 

Venue:
Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall
Kentish Town
NW5 3ED

15 minute walk from Camden Town tube station (Northern line) and 10 minutes from Kentish Town station (Northern line). 1 minute from Kentish Town West (Mildmay line).

Event Running Time:
Doors: 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
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.

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.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days 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 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.