Pubs For The People Comes To Brighton

Amit Singh's background in sociology and his experiences growing up with a family connected to the pub trade have led him to co-author Pubs for the People with Sivamohan Valluvan. As a lecturer in sociology at University College London, Singh has researched and written about issues of race and class inequalities, habitus, conviviality, and culture. His earlier work, such as Fighting Identity, an ethnography of a Polish-owned Muay Thai and kickboxing gym in East London, demonstrates his interest in exploring the complexities of social relationships and identities.

Singh's latest book, Pubs for the People, draws on tales of his father, the founder of London's first 'Desi pub', and blends these stories with a travelogue of the authors' visits to various pubs across the country. The book makes a case for the importance of pubs in creating a more equal, sociable, and multiracial England, and challenges those who see the pub as a nostalgic relic of a bygone era. By exploring the ways in which pubs can bring people together and foster a sense of community, Singh and Valluvan offer a vision of a more inclusive and welcoming England.

The event in Brighton, taking place on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at the Caroline of Brunswick, will feature Amit Singh and Sivamohan Valluvan in conversation with Malcolm James and Phil Mellows, followed by audience questions and a book signing. This free event provides an opportunity for attendees to engage with the authors and discuss the ideas presented in Pubs for the People. Tickets are with the button beside the article.

The conversation in Brighton will likely touch on the themes of community, identity, and social relationships that are central to Singh's work. As someone who has taught sociology to sixth formers in South London and worked with young men on life sentences at HMP ISIS, Singh is committed to making sociology accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences. His discussion of Pubs for the People in Brighton will offer a unique perspective on the importance of pubs in modern England and the ways in which they can contribute to a more equal and sociable society.