London's Best Quizzes

Harry Rosehill
By Harry Rosehill Last edited 61 months ago
London's Best Quizzes
Photo: You're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

There's nothing like a good old pub-style quiz. Here we look at some of the best London has to offer — each with its own quirks. Witty team names at the ready, people...

One for the film buffs

You're gonna need a bigger boat. One of the most epic lines in cinema history, and the name of London's best cinema-centric quiz. This one shifts about a bit, between The Ritzy in Brixton and O'Neill's Flamingo Room in Soho, and has had residencies in pubs in Highgate and Brentford. On top of that the team make occasional trips to the world's movie mecca Hollywood — yes, these people really like films.

The perfect chance for you and your assembled motley crew to show off your reels of knowledge. Clips from films are projected onto the big screen, and you'll have to answer questions about the actors, stories, soundtracks and everything in between. Prizes include cinema tickets, t-shirts, box-sets and most importantly, cinephile bragging rights.

Remember to book ahead, as this one tends to sell out way in advance.

O'Neill's, 33-37 Wardour Street, W1D 6PU (Soho) and The Ritzy, Coldharbour Lane, SW12 1JG (Brixton). Check the website for more details.

One for the party animals

It's the bonus rounds at The Old Queen's Head's quiz that steal the limelight. There's the one where you try to blow the largest bubble. There's the one where you have to draw something somewhat rude and twisted. Then there's the kazoo round. We once saw a man jump from a bar stool and dance 'the worm' on the floor, all the while retaining the kazoo between his lips, playing Teenage Dirtbag. All that for a round of shots.

The quiz itself is good fun too, with a bottle of champagne up for grabs. If you need it after all those shots. One to go to if you have the next day off work.

The Old Queen's Head, 44 Essex Road, N1 8LN. Takes place every Tuesday night, more details on the website.

Hijinks at The Old Queen's Head.

One for the brain boxes

Our heart was in our mouth when we heard the Prince of Wales was coming under new ownership. The pub was shut for weeks with much refurbishment happening inside. But we didn't care about any of that. All we wanted to know was whether London's hardest pub quiz would return. After what felt like forever our prayers were answered. It's back.

The Prince of Wales doesn't market itself as London's toughest pub quiz. It lures you in looking like any ordinary pub quiz, AND there's delicious pub grub to dig into while you're quizzing. Any poor soul would fall for such a cruel trick. Then the quiz gets under way and... you're stumped.

Once Londonist headed down and came a measly sixth. This was despite having two experienced quizmasters on our side, plus a man who writes trivia books. You have been warned.

The Prince of Wales, 53 Highgate High Street, N6 5JX. Quiz every Tuesday night

One for the nonchalant

This might sound like heresy to the hardcore quizzer, but not everyone is truly 'in it to win it'. Some people just want a friendly night to catch up with their mates, occasionally peeking into the crevices of their brain for the odd answer. If that's what you're looking for, The Tufnell Park Tavern will be your bag.

Indeed, the website promises a quiz for anyone looking for "enjoyment not bafflement". Don't bother inviting nerdy friends, instead this a chance for us average types to shine and *whisper it* maybe even win.

Tufnell Park Tavern, 162 Tufnell Park Road, N7 0EE. Quiz every Monday from 8pm

One for the music experts

Maybe you'll get a question about The Eagles at The Lexington's music quiz.

Plenty of pub quizzes contain a music round, and many teams have that one person who comes alive, savouring every last note of it. If you're that person, The Lexington's music-only quiz is for you.

Formerly run by that bastion of independent British music, Rough Trade, this retains its appeal for those who are good at remembering obscure Britpop bands and little-known b-sides. Even if you're not a music-know-it-all the quiz remains reasonably accessible. Surely you'll be able to recognise some pop hits when they're played on a Bontempi organ. Or maybe you'll be too busy laughing your head off

If music really isn't your strong point, focus on getting the best team name. Prize? A multi pack of crisps.

The Lexington, 96-98 Pentonville Road, N1 9JB. Quiz every Monday from 8pm

One for those who want something a bit different

The Elm Park Tavern mixes things up a bit. For example, instead of a bog standard history round, how does a  heads or tails round sound? In the past there's even been a sculpture round for all those creative types to flex their muscles.

Get down early as this one tends to pack out, with everyone competing for bottles of wine, free food and most importantly, the mega cash pot. Of note is the Elm Park Tavern's excellent drinks selection — nothing like a good pint to help you discover those bits of trivia hidden in the nooks and crannies of your brain.

The Elm Park Tavern, 76 Elm Park, SW2 2UB. Every Monday from 8pm

Have we missed your favourite quiz out? Let us know in the comments.

Last Updated 22 February 2019