Calling Eggheads everywhere – it’s time to get quizzical! If you’re looking for an evening’s entertainment, this is your chance to win some cracking prizes and flex your intellect (possibly showing off to your friends in the process). We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best pub quizzes on offer in the second city.
Hare & Hounds, King’s Heath
Hare & Hounds is one of Birmingham’s most iconic live music venues and has hosted an impressive array of artists since opening in 1820. Local Birmingham legends UB40 performed their first gig here in 1979, and the pub has established itself as an institution in the King’s Heath suburb. However, in this list, these claims to fame are irrelevant – we’re here to talk about quizzes.
Unbeknownst to many, Hare & Hounds also host a cracking pub quiz every Wednesday. A small entry fee of £3 per person (cash only) is applicable, which qualifies teams of up to 4 people to compete for tangible cash prizes, and serious social credit. The quiz starts at 8:30pm, but if you fancy a spot of dinner beforehand to fuel your quizzing brain, fear not – a day and evening menu are available to order from.
106 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ
The Actress & The Bishop, Jewellery Quarter
For the most outrageous quiz in town, head to The Actress & The Bishop in the Jewellery Quarter. Another independent music venue an later night bar, The Actress & The Bishop has a great rep for being an indie and rock bar, but is also a great spot for quizzers looking for a relaxed night out. With regular host Jamie Cartwright, the well-reputed quiz begins at 8 pm every Monday.
Only £3 to play, The Big Quiz promises rounds of SpeedQuizzing, a digital quiz format with one mobile device required per team. SpeedQuizzing seeks to eliminate cheating and is one of the blessings of the digital age. With cheap drinks, pleasant décor, and close proximity to Birmingham Snow Hill train station, The Actress & The Bishop quiz nights are a great choice for brainiac Brummies to win prizes.
36 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham B3 1EH
The Plough, Harborne
Hello birdbrains! Sorry, we’re not being cheeky, that’s the name of the weekly quiz at The Plough on Harborne High Street! Bird Brains runs every Sunday Night from 7:30 pm. Hosted by regular quizmaster Ian, the quiz only charges £1 entry, and the prizes include bar vouchers for £10, £30 and £50, for third, second and first-place quizzers!
The name comes from the Sunday night Licken’ Chicken Wings Menu which runs alongside the quiz. Vegetarians and vegans are catered for too, as the normal Sunday menu has all sorts of delicious evening meals. There’s no need to book this one, so if you’re looking for a spontaneous Sunday night of fun, why not stop in at The Plough?
21 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NT
The Fighting Cocks, Moseley
Parents needing a pint? The ‘Bring Your Baby’ Pub Quiz runs every second Wednesday of the month, from 12pm to 2:30pm. Bring Your Baby quizzes are a great social event for parents, and run at a slightly slower pace than traditional pub quizzes, allowing for a combination of ‘baby brain’ and baby distractions! With all the questions written by a professional TV writer, you’re in good hands at this quiz, hosted by Brummie comedian Okse.
Toddlers and older children are also welcome to come along, but parents are encouraged to bring toys and games to entertain them, so you can focus on quizzing to your heart’s content. The quiz has lots of baby-inclusive features, including a mobile changing facility (so you won’t miss out if your little one needs changing mid-round), and two breaks to change and chat. A number of high chairs are also available, and the quiz tickets come with a complimentary bag of sweet treats for each table.
A delicious pub lunch menu is on offer throughout the quiz (not included in the ticket price), and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available. The maximum team size is six, to keep things fair, so assemble your family and book your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out! If Moseley is a little out of your way, ‘The Junction’ in Harborne also run a ‘Bring Your Baby’ quiz on the fourth Wednesday of every month. See the ’Bring Your Baby’ website here for more details and to book your tickets, and head on over to The Fighting Cocks website to check out the full menu.
1 St Mary’s Row, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8HW
The Old Crown, Digbeth
We love a themed event. That’s exactly the sort of quiz you’ll find at The Old Crown in Digbeth, where previous quiz nights have included those hosted by Chasers from The Chase, and themed quizzes on shows such as The Simpsons, Father Ted and Peep Show. Upcoming quizzes at The Old Crown include a Barbie quiz (pink attire encouraged), Gavin & Stacey, Black Mirror and Harry Potter! These quizzes cost £5 per person to enter, and the prizes are always on-theme, which makes for an exciting night.
The Old Crown is a very special venue, as Birmingham’s oldest secular building, existing since 1368! Queen Elizabeth I stayed in the inn on her way home from Kenilworth Castle in 1575, and if it is good enough for Her Majesty, it is good enough for us! Fantastic food menus are also available, served until 9 pm. Quizzes tend to start from 7 pm but check your specific event for details. Click here to check out all the events planned at The Old Crown.
High St, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD
The Victoria, City Centre
A theatre pub dating back to the end of the 19th century, The Victoria is a great venue for a pub quiz. With its central location in Birmingham, the pub has been spruced up to enhance the character of the venue. A Grade II listed pub, The Victoria hosts a range of live music, and with its mix of colourful cartoon art and Victorian décor, it certainly has an atmosphere of its own. The weekly quiz night runs on a Wednesday and begins at 7:30pm. Entry costs just £2 per person, and this includes free samosas for the table!
A competitive spirit is very much encouraged at The Victoria, as suggested by the website: ‘On Wednesday nights at the Victoria, you go to WIN!’ The quiz takes place on your mobile phone, so charge up in advance! Wednesday evenings are also ‘even happier happy hours’, with 2 for £11 cocktails up until 11pm! The quiz is currently on its summer break but will be back on Wednesday 30th August, so hit the books and get prepping quizzers!
48 John Bright St, Birmingham B1 1BN
The Bristol Pear, Selly Oak
A beloved local pub in the heart of Selly Oak, The Bristol Pear is a fan-favourite with University of Birmingham students, and locals alike. With modern and quirky décor, food and drink deals, live music and karaoke nights, the pub has cemented itself as a Selly Oak staple. On Monday nights, there is a weekly quiz run by Quiz Master Liam, costing just £2 per person for entry. There is a cash prize available for the first-place winners, and food and drink prizes available to win after every round.
This is another speed-quizzing night out, so charge up your phone, and be assured, there is no time for cheating! Download the Speed-Quizzing app in advance and gather your team. The quiz starts at 8 pm and runs through until 11 pm. While you quiz, install the Crafted Social app and order food and drink to your table, without having to get up and miss a question.
The Bristol Pear quiz is not just for students, with Selly Oak residents of all ages flocking to the pub to test their general knowledge. The Bristol Pear quiz is a personal favourite of mine, so if you’re planning a visit, bring your A-game!
676 Bristol Rd, Birmingham B29 6BJ
This list doesn’t scratch the surface of all the pub quizzes in the second city, with almost every local pub hosting a weekly quiz. These may be some of our favourites, but wherever you find yourself in Birmingham, you’re guaranteed to be around the corner from some of the city’s most competitive eggheads. Grab your brightest pals and swot up on your stats.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub quiz and a pint, or something niche and utterly bonkers (we’re looking at you, The Old Crown), a quiz Google search will provide you with all the answers you need to plan your night. Not the quiz answers though. No cheating. Brummies take their quizzes incredibly seriously.
