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 (scroll for a list of upcoming events), 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. After all, it's easier to get to know someone when you're talking about something meaningful. This intro video will give you a sense of what attending our events is like.
'Thought Experiments in Pubs - Hertfordshire' is hosted by Sharda. Sharda was born in the Caribbean and lives in Potters Bar. She researches every theme and draws inspiration for her thought experiments from books, films, friends, life experience and Radio 4. She has three sons and three degrees in economics.
Dates for your diary!
Wed Sep 9th - The Old Manor - Potters Bar - "LAUGHTER"
Wed Sep 23rd - Watford Palace Theatre - Cabaret Space - "TRUTH & LIES"
Mon Oct 5th - The White Horse - Welwyn Village - "LOVE"
Wed Oct 14th - The Old Manor - Potters Bar
Wed Oct 21st - Watford Palace Theatre - Cabaret Space
Mon Nov 2nd - The White Horse - Welwyn Village
Wed Nov 11th - The Old Manor - Potters Bar
Fri Nov 27st - Watford Palace Theatre - Cabaret Space
Origin Story
We are part of the Thought Experiments in Public (TEiP) network founded by Bonny Astor which is why we have a similar format and branding to those events. You can check out our entry on Bonny's website (click here and scroll down). Sharda started going to TEiP London meetups in 2025 and loved them so much she has been working with Bonny to bring TEiP to Hertfordshire!
Featured event
"LOVE" | Thought Experiments in Pubs | Welwyn Village
Join us for Thought Experiments in Pubs, a chance to meet new people and discuss interesting questions in a wonderful space. No experience necessary. Each event is a good mix of first timers and regulars.
We discuss three thought experiments (or scenarios) at every event all focused on a central theme. For our October event at The White Horse in Welwyn village, the theme is LOVE.
We run our Welwyn village events once a month, usually on a Monday evening. It's £5 for a ticket which helps us to cover our costs.
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!
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! Watch this Insta reel to get an idea of what to expect.
If you have friends who are not on Meetup but who might enjoy this event, feel free to get an extra ticket (or 2) for them when you sign up.
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.
The Venue
The beautiful White Horse pub in Welwyn Village, dating back to the 18th century it is a wonderful Grade II listed building.
We’ll be in the restaurant area. Ask at the bar if you can't find us!
Address:
White Horse, 30 Mill Lane, Welwyn, AL6 9ET
Nearby Car Parks
Upcoming events
3
"TRUTH & LIES" | Thought Experiments in Watford
Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ, Watford, GBThis one is a little bit different! Unlike our other 'Thought Experiments in Pubs - Hertfordshire' events, booking for this event is via the Watford Palace Theatre box office and will be held in their wonderful '1908 cabaret' space with its own bar.
As always, you'll get the same friendly atmosphere, and a chance to meet new people and discuss interesting questions in a wonderful space. No experience is necessary.
We discuss two or three 'thought experiments'/scenarios at every event all focused on a central theme. For our September event at Watford Palace Theatre, the theme is "TRUTH & LIES".
Is there such a thing as 'the truth' or is all truth subjective? Are we responsible if we tell a lie that leads to something bad happening? If lies become more prevalent what are the consequences?We run our Watford events once a month. Tickets are £10 (£3 of which goes to support this fabulous local theatre).
"Really enjoyable evening! The topic was interesting, playful and thought-provoking, and it led to some great conversations. The host created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and the group was lovely. I definitely left with a broader perspective... Would happily come again." [Recent Review]
What to expect
We will discuss two to 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 connect with 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!Who should come?
Everyone. No experience required. Each session is standalone and inclusive. The more perspectives, the richer the conversation. Don't worry about coming on your own, many people do. The vibe is calm and inquisitive so leave your boxing gloves at home!The Venue
Watford Palace Theatre, opened in 1908 and is an Edwardian Grade II listed building in the centre of Watford. We shall be in the '1908 cabaret' space.Watford Palace Theatre,
20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ
How to get to the venue.'Thought Experiments in Pubs - Hertfordshire' is part of the Thought Experiments in Public network.
31 attendees- £5.00
"LOVE" | Thought Experiments in Pubs | Welwyn Village
The White Horse pub, 30 Mill Lane, Welwyn AL6 9ET, Welwyn, GBJoin us for Thought Experiments in Pubs, a chance to meet new people and discuss interesting questions in a wonderful space. No experience necessary. Each event is a good mix of first timers and regulars.
We discuss three thought experiments (or scenarios) at every event all focused on a central theme. For our October event at The White Horse in Welwyn village, the theme is LOVE.
We run our Welwyn village events once a month, usually on a Monday evening. It's £5 for a ticket which helps us to cover our costs.
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!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! Watch this Insta reel to get an idea of what to expect.If you have friends who are not on Meetup but who might enjoy this event, feel free to get an extra ticket (or 2) for them when you sign up.
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.
The Venue
The beautiful White Horse pub in Welwyn Village, dating back to the 18th century it is a wonderful Grade II listed building.We’ll be in the restaurant area. Ask at the bar if you can't find us!
Address:
White Horse, 30 Mill Lane, Welwyn, AL6 9ET
Nearby Car Parks9 attendees - £5.00
"COINCIDENCE" | Thought Experiments in Pubs | Potters Bar
The Old Manor Pub,, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 2JD, GBJoin us for 'Thought Experiments in Pubs'. Connecting conversations, guaranteed.
A chance to discuss interesting questions in a wonderful space. No experience necessary. Don't worry about coming on your own, most people will be in the same boat and everyone is very friendly.
Who should come?
Everyone. The more perspectives, the richer the conversation. Each session is standalone and there is a nice mix of first timers and regulars. The atmosphere is calm and inquisitive so leave your boxing gloves at home!What to expect
We discuss three 'thought experiments' or scenarios at each event all focused on a central theme. For September 9th the theme will be COINCIDENCE.We discuss each thought experiment in small groups of about four. There will be an opportunity to change groups between each thought experiment, so you’ll get the chance to connect with 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 continue to chat with your fellow thinkers!We run our Potters Bar events once a month, usually on a Weds evening. It's £5 for a ticket which helps us to cover our costs.
If you have friends who are not on Meetup but who might enjoy this event, feel free to get an extra ticket (or 2) for them when you sign up.
The group is part of the Thought Experiments in Public network founded by Bonny Astor, so if you've been to one of Bonny's London events, you'll know the score.
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 cosy space with exposed beams 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: Potters Bar is close to the A1(M) and the M25 (South Mimms roundabout). 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).
4 attendees
Past events
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