From food, drink and fashion to sex, relationships and a sporting legend — there’s plenty of brilliant British journalism to get your teeth into as the Newsworks Speakeasy returns to MAD//FEST on 1–3 July
Taking over the iconic 93 Feet East nightclub on London’s Brick Lane, the Newsworks Speakeasy will showcase news brands’ essential role as part of the UK’s vibrant cultural landscape, plus why they’re an attention-grabbing and effective environment for advertisers.
Here’s a taste of what’s in store when the Speakeasy re-opens its doors at MAD//FEST 2025…
Tuesday 1 July: Dating disasters and an exclusive live podcast
We’re kicking things off with an exclusive live podcast recording with the Daily Mail’s Bryony Gordon and Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas. Bryony and Gareth will discuss his storied sporting career, his LGBT+ and HIV activism, plus the importance of positive male role models in the age of the ‘manosphere’.
Later on, we invite you to grab a cocktail for an hour of dating disasters and bedroom mishaps as we explore the often weird and sometimes wonderful world of sex and relationships. Alongside host Clare Eaton-Rutter, you’ll hear from our panel of seasoned relationship experts Rylan Clark, Celebs Go Dating’s Anna Williamson, The Sun’s very own ‘Dear Deidre’ agony aunt, Sally Land.
Wednesday 2 July: Wings, wine and Westminster
This year’s food and drink panel is all about the guiltless pleasure — for our panellists, this means wings and wine to share with the Speakeasy audience. There will be plenty for you to try alongside Rob Buckhaven (Metro drinks editor), Grace Dent (Guardian food journalist and MasterChef host), Jimi Famurewa (writer and MasterChef guest judge), plus panel host Homam Ayaso (head of Tasty UK).
Later, comedian Catherine Bohart and four seasoned hacks will be spilling all the gossip from Westminster and beyond in our political panel show, ‘Have I Got Newsworks for You’. In the red and blue corner are daytime double act Kevin Maguire (Mirror) and Andrew Pierce (Daily Mail). They’re up against masters of the political scoop Camilla Tominey (The Telegraph) and Steph Cockcroft (The Independent).
Thursday 3 July: Wardrobes and wellness
We finish off our week at the Newsworks Speakeasy in style — literally. But while we indulge a little in some of the best looks hitting the high streets this summer, our big focus will be on the hottest fashion trend of all: balancing a beautiful wardrobe with outfits that promote wellbeing and self-confidence.
It won’t just be panellists Frankie Bridge, celebrity stylist Ayishat Akanbi and The Standard’s fashion editor Joe Bromley sharing what makes them look great and feel fabulous. We’ve given three agency fashionistas £150 to put together a high street outfit that makes them feel on top of their game. The one that steals the hearts of our voting audience will win another fashion shopping spree on us!
If you would like to join the Newsworks Speakeasy at MAD//FEST but don’t have a ticket, you can apply for one of our limited golden tickets here. If you’d like more information, please get in touch.
