About us
A laid-back discussion group for curious souls looking for meaningful connection and the occasional laugh. Everyone is welcome. The more perspectives, the richer the conversation.
We meet in pubs and other spaces in Hertfordshire, using scenarios or ‘thought experiments’ as starting points for our discussions. Each event has a different theme to keep things fresh.
Thought Experiments in Pubs is a wonderful way to meet new people and after a few events we hope you’ll feel a sense of belonging to a friendly community of thoughtful human beings.
This Meetup group is part of the Thought Experiments in Pubs network founded by Bonny Astor.
We currently run events at The Old Manor in Potters Bar, and will shortly be expanding to Watford Palace Theatre (from September 2026) (tickets will soon be available on the theatre's website) and The White Horse in Welwyn village (from October 2026) (tickets sold here as normal).
Featured event
Theme 3 : FLIRTATION | Thought Experiments in Pubs | Hertfordshire
Welcome!
Join us for Thought Experiments in Pubs, a chance to meet new people and discuss interesting questions in a wonderful space. No experience necessary.
We will discuss three thought experiments or scenarios on the theme of FLIRTATION. What is flirting? Is it a dying art form? How do I know if someone is flirting with me? Do different genders, or nationalities view flirtation differently?
This is our last ‘taster’ session for a while, from September it'll be £5 for a ticket, which helps us to cover our costs. Spaces are limited due to the capacity of the venue so best to book your place early. We run our Potters Bar events once a month, usually on a Weds evening.
The group is part of the Thought Experiments in Pubs network so if you've been to one of our London events, you'll know the score.
What to expect
We will discuss three thought experiments in small groups of four. There will be an opportunity to change groups between each thought experiment, so you’ll get the chance to meet and talk to quite a few different people at each event.
At the end of the session we’ll have a short get together as a whole group to share thoughts and ‘vote’ on a few questions, so that you can get a sense of everyone’s views.
After that feel free to stay and chat with your fellow thinkers!
A link to the thought experiments will be posted in the comments below on the day of the event, in case you want to read them ahead of time, but there’s no requirement to do this.
Who should come?
Everyone. No experience required. Each session is standalone. The more perspectives, the richer the conversation. The vibe is calm and inquisitive so leave your boxing gloves at home!
If you have friends who are not on Meetup but who might enjoy this event, feel free to get an extra ticket for them when you sign up.
The Venue
The beautiful Old Manor pub in Potters Bar. Dating back to the 13th century, the building is the surviving part of an old manor house.
We’ll be at the top of the stairs in a space called ‘The Eaves’. Ask at the bar if you can't find us!
Address: The Old Manor, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 2JD.
By train: the nearest station is Potters Bar (a 4 minute walk to the venue) with fast train links from Finsbury Park and Kings Cross as well as Welwyn Garden City and Cambridge.
By car: there’s lots of parking including: the pub's car park; free on-street parking after 6.30 on Darkes Lane; and an underground car park (pay and display) opposite the pub (under Wyllyotts theatre).
Upcoming events
1
Theme 3 : FLIRTATION | Thought Experiments in Pubs | Hertfordshire
The Old Manor Pub,, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 2JD, GBWelcome!
Join us for Thought Experiments in Pubs, a chance to meet new people and discuss interesting questions in a wonderful space. No experience necessary.We will discuss three thought experiments or scenarios on the theme of FLIRTATION. What is flirting? Is it a dying art form? How do I know if someone is flirting with me? Do different genders, or nationalities view flirtation differently?
This is our last ‘taster’ session for a while, from September it'll be £5 for a ticket, which helps us to cover our costs. Spaces are limited due to the capacity of the venue so best to book your place early. We run our Potters Bar events once a month, usually on a Weds evening.
The group is part of the Thought Experiments in Pubs network so if you've been to one of our London events, you'll know the score.
What to expect
We will discuss three thought experiments in small groups of four. There will be an opportunity to change groups between each thought experiment, so you’ll get the chance to meet and talk to quite a few different people at each event.At the end of the session we’ll have a short get together as a whole group to share thoughts and ‘vote’ on a few questions, so that you can get a sense of everyone’s views.
After that feel free to stay and chat with your fellow thinkers!A link to the thought experiments will be posted in the comments below on the day of the event, in case you want to read them ahead of time, but there’s no requirement to do this.
Who should come?
Everyone. No experience required. Each session is standalone. The more perspectives, the richer the conversation. The vibe is calm and inquisitive so leave your boxing gloves at home!If you have friends who are not on Meetup but who might enjoy this event, feel free to get an extra ticket for them when you sign up.
The Venue
The beautiful Old Manor pub in Potters Bar. Dating back to the 13th century, the building is the surviving part of an old manor house.We’ll be at the top of the stairs in a space called ‘The Eaves’. Ask at the bar if you can't find us!
Address: The Old Manor, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 2JD.
By train: the nearest station is Potters Bar (a 4 minute walk to the venue) with fast train links from Finsbury Park and Kings Cross as well as Welwyn Garden City and Cambridge.
By car: there’s lots of parking including: the pub's car park; free on-street parking after 6.30 on Darkes Lane; and an underground car park (pay and display) opposite the pub (under Wyllyotts theatre).
11 attendees
Past events
2
