Creative Expansion w/ Portal x Tired Oats Club
Are you working on creative project?
Perhaps you're looking to connect and brainstorm with other creatives?
Portal Book Club x Tired Oats Club presents a lo-fi, low-lit creative expansion evening - sparked by observation, concepts and connection.
Location: Shoreditch, Flipdog
This is a part reading, part-conversation session. No pressure.. Just offline, music, expansive books, connective conversations and at your own pace - including a free cocktail
(See below for expectations and experience)
Instagram: @portalbookclub @tiredoatsclub @buildwithlaura @emilinalove
PORTAL LIBRARY - CURATED BOOK SPACE:
The selection of books available to explore, span: creative practice, self-development, neuroscience, consciousness, philosophy, imagination, attention etc. You are welcome to bring your own!
Each book contains a bookmarked section recommended by Emily, including a reflective prompt designed as a conversation catalyst for the second half.
THE EXPERIENCE:
Laura (Co-founder of TOC) and Emily (founder of Portal) will greet you at the door.
Music is low. Lighting is warm.
A welcome drink to hand.
You will choose from a selection of books on offer.
Find a seat and dissolve..
You are free to:
Stick with one book
Write notes (bring your own note pad)
Drift between ideas and pages
Swap seats
Sit in deep silence
Move between light conversations naturally
18:45 — Opening (5–10 mins)
A very short welcome from the hosts introducing the intention of the evening
18:50 — Reading Activation (40 mins)
Guests explore the curated selection at their own rhythm.
The emphasis is on immersion — allowing thought to unfold without interruption.
Conversation is welcome, but please be mindful of those reading.
19:30 — Conversation (45 mins)
Hosts will remind guests now to turn to someone nearby/or their table and share reflections from their chosen book/or prompt.
Guiding questions are offered to support flow:
What stayed with you from what you read?
What felt unfamiliar or expanded your thinking?
What idea is still unfolding for you?
Midway through, we may have a soft seat shift to gently mix the room (depending).
19:45 — Integration & Closing Drift
The structure dissolves into a more informal space.
Conversations continue, ideas are exchanged, and connections deepen naturally.
Hosts remain available for 1:1 conversation or reflection.
20:30 — Close (soft ending)
Official close, though guests are welcome to stay and continue conversations informally.
TICKETS:
£12 early bird / £15 general admission
Including drink - books and prompts provided
Limited to 20x people for intimacy and depth
CURATION NOTE:
This evening brings together a cross-section of ideas from:
creative practice
consciousness and perception
neuroscience of thought
self-concept and identity
imagination and attention
Feedback is welcome!
Please see @portalbookclub and @tiredoatsclub for any further details.