The best pub quizzes in London

The best pub quizzes in London

What could be more fun than rolling up to your local pub and annihilating everyone at the quiz? A pub quiz in London is a great way to get your (most intelligent) friends together, show off your brainpower, and enjoy a few drinks and laughs along the way. Plus you can usually find a pub quiz on most days of the week. We want to help you win that bar tab – we can’t tell you the answers but we can share with you our guide to the best pub quizzes in London.

In this guide
  1. Where to go for a pub quiz in London
    1. Escape Bar – Laid-back bar with entertainment
    2. The Old Queens Head – Lavish Islington favourite
    3. Lord Napier Star – A Hackney icon
    4. The Ten Bells – Riotous quiz in a historic pub
    5. Effra Social – New take on a social club
    6. The Lord Palmerston – Friendly and modern pub
    7. Dartmouth Arms – In-demand quiz night
    8. The Lexington – A quiz for music experts
    9. The Star by Hackney Downs – General knowledge and fun
    10. Duke of Wellington – Welcoming Soho gay bar
    11. Vaulty Towers – Quirky Waterloo bar
    12. Park Tavern – British pub meets South Africa
    13. The Honor Oak – Quiz with a rolling jackpot
    14. Retro Bar – Eccentric LGBTQIA+ bar
    15. The Exhibit – Lively Balham bar
    16. The Crown & Sceptre – Seven rounds of fun
    17. The Hawk's Nest – £150 bar tab up for grabs
    18. The Grapes – Get quizzing with Sir Ian McKellen
    19. The Charlotte Despard – Free pub quiz
    20. The Boogaloo – Highgate party destination
    21. The Rosy Hue Pub – Modern and authentic
    22. The Alexandra – Community pub in Wimbledon
    23. Fourpure Taproom – Craft beer and quizzing
    24. The Coat & Badge – Bustling pub in Putney
    25. The Aeronaut – A pub unlike any other
    26. Jerusalem Bar & Kitchen – Cocktail bar with pub style
    27. The Star of Bethnal Green – Energetic and fun
    28. The Prince of Wales – Top pub quiz prizes
    29. The Three Compasses – Buzzy quiz twice a week
    30. The Montpelier – Quiz with a drag queen
    31. The Queen Adelaide – Modern and welcoming
    32. Hope & Anchor – Heaps of pub events

Where to go for a pub quiz in London

Escape Bar

Laid-back bar with entertainment

There's loads going on at Escape, including a popular pub quiz every week. This is a laid-back venue where you can unwind with a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The quiz is hosted by the bar staff and there's a bar tab to be won, plus prizes for the runners-up.

The Old Queens Head

Lavish Islington favourite

Known for its lavish decor and lively atmosphere, there’s always something exciting going on at The Old Queens Head. Come in on Tuesdays for the weekly pub quiz with challenging questions and lots of added silliness thrown in. There’s a full range of drinks plus burgers and bar snacks to keep you going.

Lord Napier Star

A Hackney icon

Lord Napier Star’s graffiti-covered exterior is a Hackney landmark. Come here for fantastic views of Hackney Wick, tempting food and drink, and activities like the pub quiz. Battle it out to win a £40 bar tab, plus the weekly cash prize rollover. There are also other exciting events like cocktail nights.

The Ten Bells

Riotous quiz in a historic pub

Join a riotous pub quiz in a classic East End boozer, The Ten Bells. This historic venue dates back to 1666, with three floors to enjoy. The quiz is on every Tuesday with some enticing prizes and mad bonus rounds. A full range of drinks is available to keep the team going, from draft beer to cocktails.

Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social
Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social
Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social
Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social
Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social
Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social
Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social
Effra Social – Pub quizzes
Effra Social

Effra Social

New take on a social club

A new take on a venue that was once a working men's club, Effra Social is a stylish venue bringing together classic pub culture and a modern approach. There's tons going on, including the weekly pub quiz. Will you win the cash top prize or simply a packet of crisps?

The Lord Palmerston

Friendly and modern pub

North London's The Lord Palmerston is a classic British pub with a friendly and modern approach. Remote workers are welcome, there are private spaces, and a full range of food and drinks. Test your brainpower at the weekly quiz where the top prize is a £50 bar tab.

Dartmouth Arms

In-demand quiz night

Tuesday is quiz night at Dartmouth Arms but it's a popular one - booking in advance is essential. There's a cool atmosphere at this laid-back venue. Retro speakers line the shelves and there's an undeniable passion for vinyl. An extensive range of drinks is availble to enjoy whilst you thrash the competition.

The Lexington

A quiz for music experts

Award-winning Islington pub The Lexington is full of down-to-earth charm. There’s regular live music and on Mondays you can take part in the long-running music-themed Pop Quiz. Demonstrate your music knowledge, fuelled by an extensive choice of bourbon and American craft beers. Authentic Mexican cuisine is also served at the pub.

The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs
The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs
The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs
The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs
The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs
The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs
The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs
The Star by Hackney Downs – Pub quizzes
The Star by Hackney Downs

The Star by Hackney Downs

General knowledge and fun

On-trend and eclectic pub The Star by Hackney Downs has a welcoming atmosphere and various events, including the weekly pub quiz. Conquer this general knowledge quiz and win a bar tab if your team finishes in the top three. It has fun bonus rounds too – answer the fastest to win a drink.

Duke of Wellington

Welcoming Soho gay bar

Duke of Wellington has been serving Soho's LGBTQIA+ community for over 20 years and has a reputation as a friendly local pub. Lots of events go on including a lively LGBTQ+ pub quiz with a drag queen host. There are four rounds and a cash prize to play for.

Vaulty Towers

Quirky Waterloo bar

Take part in the pub quiz at Vaulty Towers and you could win a whopping £100 bar tab. This quirky bar in Waterloo is dog-friendly and packed with theatrical props and decor. There's a big choice of drinks on offer, including fine cocktails, plus vegan burgers and street food.

Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern
Park Tavern – Pub quizzes
Park Tavern

Park Tavern

British pub meets South Africa

Head to Wandsworth's Park Taven for a unique pub experience. Originally a 19th century coaching inn, this is classic pub culture married with South African flavours, with food cooked on a traditional braai. Lots of entertainment goes on, including a weekly pub quiz that's free to enter and has some big prizes.

The Honor Oak

Quiz with a rolling jackpot

The quiz at The Honor Oak in Forest Hill has a rolling jackpot so you could be in for a major prize if you win. This pub has a classic feel and plush leather sofas to settle into. There's a full range of drinks plus signature dishes from the kitchen.

Retro Bar

Eccentric LGBTQIA+ bar

Hidden down an alleyway, Retro Bar is an LGBTQIA+ bar with some real eccentricities. Marvel at the star-studded gallery walls of the bar, enjoy drinks ranging from beer to cocktails, and take part in fun events like the regular quiz. Other events take place too like DJ sets and comedy nights.

The Exhibit

Lively Balham bar

Vibrant venue The Exhibit is a top bar, restaurant, and party destination in Balham. A whole host of fun events take place like karaoke, life drawing, and quiz night every Wednesday. This one is loud, fun, and interactive. It takes place in the garden but don’t worry, it’s heated and covered.

The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre
The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre
The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre
The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre
The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre
The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre
The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre
The Crown & Sceptre – Pub quizzes
The Crown & Sceptre

The Crown & Sceptre

Seven rounds of fun

Enjoy seven rounds of action at The Crown & Sceptre's pub quiz. This is an inviting pub with a garden full of flowers and aromatic herbs plus a typical pub interior. The quiz is on every week and you can compete to win cash prizes or a bottle of wine for the runners-up.

The Hawk's Nest

£150 bar tab up for grabs

If you fancy winning a £150 bar tab for you and your friends, get down to the pub quiz at The Hawk's Nest. This bar and restaurant centres on an elegant outdoor terrace that's both heated and covered. Whilst you play, enjoy sourdough pizza and a wide choice of drinks, including cocktails.

The Grapes

Get quizzing with Sir Ian McKellen

The Grapes is partly owned by Sir Ian McKellen, and whilst we can't promise you'll bump into him he has been known to pop in and host the pub quiz. This relaxed pub has a friendly atmosphere and is one of the oldest in London. There are varied drinks options and international dishes.

The Charlotte Despard

Free pub quiz

North London pub The Charlotte Despard is an airy and comfortable venue with a resident three-legged cat. There's lots to entertain you including board games, darts and pool, and a weekly pub quiz that's free to enter. The pub has a large choice of beers, real ale, and wine to keep you going.

The Boogaloo – Pub quizzes
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Pub quizzes
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Pub quizzes
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Pub quizzes
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Pub quizzes
The Boogaloo
The Boogaloo – Pub quizzes
The Boogaloo

The Boogaloo

Highgate party destination

The Boogaloo is well-established in North London and even has its own radio station broadcasting from the garden. It's understated and comfortable with coffee and a full range of alcoholic drinks available at the bar, plus food all-day. Check out the weekly pop culture quiz - the longest-running one in the capital.

The Rosy Hue Pub

Modern and authentic

The Rosy Hue Pub is an updated version of a classic British pub; it's welcoming and authentic. Dogs and children are welcome. The bar is fully-stocked and classic British dishes are served. There's a lively pub quiz with lots of fun bonus rounds like mystery voices, spot the music, and the picture round.

The Alexandra

Community pub in Wimbledon

Head to The Alexandra in Wimbledon, a lively community pub with a warm atmosphere. There are various areas where you can relax here, including a spacious garden. Every Monday is quiz night but book ahead - spaces fill up quickly. Entry is free and food and drinks are available whilst you're competing.

Fourpure Taproom

Craft beer and quizzing

Check out Fourpure Taproom in Bermondsey if you love both craft beer and quizzes. This vast and spacious tap room has a lively atmosphere, 43 beer taps, and street food from weekly-changing vendors. There’s a Friday night quiz every two weeks with bar tabs and other prizes to be won.

The Coat & Badge

Bustling pub in Putney

You'll easily recognise The Coat & Badge with its intriguing cow statues overlooking the garden. It's a lively pub with a full range of drinks and classic British cooking. There's a buzzing atmosphere and a variety of events, including the quiz, which features musical bingo during the break to keep the fun going.

The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut
The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut
The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut
The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut
The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut
The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut
The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut
The Aeronaut – Pub quizzes
The Aeronaut

The Aeronaut

A pub unlike any other

The Aeronaut might be a pub but it has a unique circus theme, complete with dazzling live performers. The typical pub interior becomes a glitzy arena at night, hosting a range of events including live shows, games, and a quiz. You could win some top prizes including stays in swanky London hotels.

Jerusalem Bar & Kitchen

Cocktail bar with pub style

There's lots happening at Jerusalem Bar & Kitchen. This is a cool basement cocktail bar with the feel of a friendly pub. It hosts a unique music-themed quiz that's part quiz, part party, part ultimate playlist. Test your musical knowledge whilst enjoying a wide choice of drinks and hearty pub grub.

The Star of Bethnal Green

Energetic and fun

The Star of Bethnal Green has the looks of a classic East End boozer but the atmosphere is very modern. This vibrant place has lots happening and every week you can join the pub quiz with your glamorous host. It’s not just about general knowledge – expect dressing up, dance-offs, and drinking challenges.

The Prince of Wales

Top pub quiz prizes

In the heart of Putney there's The Prince of Wales, a welcoming and traditional pub with a cosy fireplace. Every Sunday there's a pub quiz that's a great end to the weekend, with a £60 bar tab up for grabs and a bottle of prosecco for the team that comes in second.

The Three Compasses

Buzzy quiz twice a week

If you’re looking for a lively pub quiz, The Three Compasses is popular. So popular that you’ll have to book your team’s place in advance – it fills up fast! There are loads of prizes both for the winners and the runners-up. Best of all, the quiz at this buzzy venue runs twice a week.

The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier
The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier
The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier
The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier
The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier
The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier
The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier
The Montpelier – Pub quizzes
The Montpelier

The Montpelier

Quiz with a drag queen

The Montpelier in East London is a bustling local pub with a traditional style and colourful walls, curated drinks options, and lots of vibrant events. Amongst the options is the weekly pub quiz hosted by an award-winning drag performer. There's a £50 prize for the team that lands the top spot.

The Queen Adelaide

Modern and welcoming

If you're looking for a modern, dog- and family-friendly pub, check out The Queen Adelaide in Wandsworth. It's a homey and welcoming environment with a weekly pub quiz every Wednesday. If you want to make a night of it this is a great option - the quiz lasts for almost three hours.

Hope & Anchor

Heaps of pub events

South London's Hope & Anchor attracts a buzzy and youthful crowd. This lively bar has a spacious garden with summertime tiki huts. It's full of colour and style and has a busy events programme, including the weekly quiz featuring fun rounds. Expect the unexpected if you're joining in with this quiz.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.