It's an unlikely draw for London's well-heeled. The wine is served lukewarm and evenings often end up in screaming matches. At a debate called "Winston Churchill was more a liability than an asset to the free world," a man stood up and shouted: "How dare you question the reputation of the greatest leader on earth!" He was escorted out by security immediately.

This is Intelligence Squared, a debating forum now operating in several world cities that hosts ticketed events in which notables square off on loaded questions. The project is the brainchild of media gurus John Gordon and Jeremy O'Grady, and seats, which cost £25 each and are also available as season tickets, often sell out immediately. Mr. Gordon initially built the Intelligence Squared database on the back of his contacts and those of his friends.