"0 to 160k: How I Built Pints of Knowledge (and What My Failures Taught Me)"

"0 to 160k: How I Built Pints of Knowledge (and What My Failures Taught Me)"
With Callum Campbell

Summary
In just over a year, Pints of Knowledge has gone from nothing to 160,000 Instagram followers, a 20,000-strong mailing list, and sold-out talks across four cities. People kept asking Callum how he did it, so he's finally going to explain, on the very stage he built.

But this isn't a slick success story, and Callum's the first to say he's no guru. Before Pints of Knowledge there were around ten other ventures, plenty of them flops, and each one taught him something he needed to know later. This talk is the honest version: the things he tried, the money he lost, the lessons that actually stuck, and how they came together to build a business that pays the bills, funds a good life, and shows no sign of slowing down.

This one's for anyone who's ever fancied starting something of their own but doesn't know where to begin, the people with an idea and no roadmap, or just the itch to build something and no clue what. You'll come away with real stories, a few cautionary tales, and a handful of principles you can actually use: how to start before you feel ready, how to avoid the expensive mistakes, and how to tell a good bet from a bad one. And if you've no intention of ever starting a business, come anyway, it's a genuinely good story about building something from nothing. Maybe there'll be someone who wants to partner with your idea!

Bio
Callum Campbell is the founder of Pints of Knowledge, the live events series that brings expert talks to pubs and breweries across the UK. He started it just over a year ago, and it has since grown to 160,000 followers, a 20,000-person mailing list, and sold-out events in London, Glasgow, Bristol and Manchester. He also founded and still runs UK Student Fight Night, a white-collar boxing promotion that operates across four cities and sells over 10,000 tickets a year.

Before Pints of Knowledge, he tried his hand at a string of other ventures, some that worked, plenty that didn't, and it's those hard-won lessons, as much as the successes, that shaped what the business is today. Tonight, for the first time, he steps out from behind the events to share how he built it, what it cost him along the way, and what he learned in the process.

Venue:
Corner Corner
Maritime St
Canada Water
SE16 7LL



Event Running Time:
(we recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 6pm
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.