Beyond Bancroft’s – Hawksmoor Drinks Reception
On Wednesday 9 October, Bancroftians came together for the very first 'Beyond Bancroft's' event at Hawksmoor Spitalfields—a warm and lively evening that celebrated the remarkable journeys of two of our alumni, Paul Campbell and Ifeyinwa Frederick.
Both Paul and Ifeyinwa have blazed their own trails: Paul in the hospitality industry and Ifeyinwa in both hospitality and creative arts. The evening wasn’t just about looking back; it was about sharing their real stories—the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way. A special thanks to Paul, one of the initial investors in Hawksmoor, and the Hawskmoor Trust for helping make this event possible.
The evening began with cocktails and canapés, setting the stage for an insightful panel discussion with our guest speakers. Paul and Ifeyinwa, both recipients of Assisted Places (bursaries) during their time at Bancroft’s, opened up about their experiences. Paul shared how his journey took him from studying history to becoming a key player in hospitality and investment, where he now supports visionary founders.
Reflecting on his time at Bancroft’s, Paul said, “I got a bursary to come here, and that made all the difference. It was an opportunity that opened doors for me and set me on my current path.” His message was clear: “Find something you enjoy and trust in yourself—even if the path isn’t straightforward.”
Ifeyinwa spoke candidly about her unexpected journey from studying Classics at Cambridge to co-founding Chuku’s, a Nigerian tapas restaurant, and becoming a writer. She reflected on the impact of her bursary at Bancroft’s, saying, “Like I always tell people, I’m proudly a scholarship kid. It made a world of difference and really helped shape me.”
She emphasised the importance of resilience, embracing who you are, and staying true to your own vision despite external pressures. “You only have to live with you,” she reminded us, encouraging everyone to define success in their own terms.
During those early pop-ups, everything went wrong—the wrong tables, drinks spilled everywhere, it was a complete operational disaster. But we saw the potential, and that’s what kept us going.
This event wasn’t just about reconnecting—it was a celebration of what makes Bancroft’s alumni and wider Bancroft’s community so special: the courage to forge individual paths, the dedication to give back, and the shared belief in making a positive impact.
All proceeds from the evening went to the Bancroft’s Foundation, supporting talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds and giving them the chance to benefit from the outstanding education and opportunities at Bancroft’s. A heartfelt thank you to Paul Campbell, Ifeyinwa Frederick, and everyone who helped make the night such a success.
