Cultural Capital
The Times columnist James Marriott's Substack is a gift to all thinkers and culture vultures. Still in his mid-thirties, he is a self-professed young fogey so his brilliant take on society, ideas and culture is youthful, profound and funny all at once.
Read on.
Café Murano Book Club
Café Murano's intimate monthly book club brings together readers, writers and notable cultural figures for evenings of conversation, exquisite Italian food and wine. Stylish but not intimidating, it is exactly the sort of gathering that makes literary London feel alive again.
Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest
Leaning into the popularity of live podcast events, the podcast powerhouse, Goalhanger, is hosting an entire weekend's worth of shows and panels at The Southbank this coming September. Expect star turns from your favourite Rest Is podcasters including Rory Stewart, Alistair Campbell, Marina Hyde, Robert Peston, Dominic Sandbrook, Tom Holland and more.
Bag a spot.
Radical With Amol Rajan
The BBC presenter Amol Rajan's new podcast Radical is among the most invigorating ones out there. Each episode, Rajan hosts a provocative thinker, writer or public figure with a big idea. The resulting conversations are sharp, curious and intellectually playful.
Tune in.
The London Library
This venerable London institution may have been around since 1841 but it sure has its eye on the future. In an energetic bid to woo the young, it offers people aged between 16 and 29 a half-price membership and has grand plans for a contemporary new reading room, café and roof garden. It also has great evening events, lots of which are open to the public.
Become a reader.
The Persephone Book Group
From its pretty books to its glorious shop, Persephone does everything enchantingly. Keen readers will be delighted by its monthly book groups. To suit all schedules, one is held in the morning (with coffee and lemon cake on offer) and one in the evening (with Madeira and Bath Olivers with cheese) above the shop in Bath.
Enrich your mind.
The New British Intellectualism
What is the new British intellectualism?
The "new British intellectualism" describes a growing cultural trend centred around ideas, conversation and cultural debate. Across the UK, younger audiences are increasingly engaging with podcasts, literary salons, Substacks, book clubs and live cultural events as an alternative to social media fatigue and online overload.
Why are live podcast events becoming popular in the UK?
Live podcast events are becoming increasingly popular in the UK because they combine entertainment with intellectual discussion and community. Events such as Goalhanger's The Rest Is Fest allow audiences to experience political debate, cultural commentary and current affairs podcasts in a live setting alongside other like-minded attendees.
What are the best literary salons and book clubs in London?
Some of London's most popular literary and cultural gatherings include the Café Murano Book Club, events at The London Library and discussions hosted by independent publishers. These spaces combine literature, conversation and social connection in a relaxed and stylish setting.
Which podcasts are shaping British cultural conversation right now?
Podcasts including Radical with Amol Rajan and Goalhanger's The Rest Is series are helping shape modern British cultural conversation. Blending politics, history, media and big ideas, these shows appeal to audiences looking for intelligent but accessible discussion.
Why are younger people becoming interested in culture and intellectual life again?
Many younger people are rediscovering intellectual and cultural life through podcasts, newsletters, reading groups and in-person events. As social media fatigue grows, there is renewed interest in thoughtful conversation, offline community and cultural experiences that feel more meaningful and intellectually engaging.
