Grassroots Literary Events Thrive Amid Digital Fatigue and Economic Constraints

The Soho Reading Series recently drew over a hundred attendees to a Notting Hill church in west London, despite typically modest turnouts. Founded by Tom Willis, this event is part of a burgeoning grassroots literary scene that includes Deleted Scenes by Paul Johnathan, New Work Readings hosted by Rachel Connolly and Isis O’Regan, New Papers zine launches, and Rivets Reads by Ed Luker. Ten writers presented works in progress, with Dean Kissick delivering a melancholic vignette about a moth hunter, Leo Robson sharing an extract from his forthcoming book The Boys, and Hannah Regel performing pithy poems. Tickets cost only a fiver, making it accessible in a climate where home entertainment is cheaper than socializing. The success of such events has attracted attention from figures like Miuccia Prada, who launched the Miu Miu Literary Club in Milan, and London gallerist Sadie Coles, who started the monthly Gargle series. Some critics label these gatherings as incestuous or alt-right, referencing New York's Dimes Square scene, but attendees often include recent graduates who missed traditional university socializing due to lockdowns. The May 2025 issue of ArtReview featured this story, which was amended on 7 May to correct Rachel Connolly's description.