Quiz Night 101: Plan, Host and Grow a Brilliant Weekly Quiz

Quiet Tuesdays don’t have to stay that way. A well-run pub quiz keeps regulars loyal, gives newcomers an easy first visit, and delivers a predictable midweek bump for the bar. This guide walks you through every element: format, staffing, question writing, marketing, accessibility, compliance, and the numbers you should track afterwards.

At-a-glance checklist

• ☐ Rounds scripted & printed
• ☐ Pens, answer sheets, float ready
• ☐ Playlist and audio clips tested
• ☐ Mic levels set
• ☐ Tie-break question prepared
• ☐ Prize list agreed
• ☐ Social posts scheduled
• ☐ Leaderboard updated

What Makes a Quiz Night Work

Successful quiz nights share six traits:

1. Clear format. Five to six rounds, 8–10 questions each, 90–120 minutes total. Everyone knows when the breaks are and how scoring works.
2. Consistency. Same day, time, and host tone each week so guests build the quiz into their routine.
3. Pacing. Rounds last 12–15 minutes with five-minute breaks for the bar; background tunes return between rounds to keep atmosphere up.
4. Fairness. Difficulty spreads from easy warm-up to tough tie-break, with a mix of subjects so no team feels excluded.
5. Atmosphere. Lighting lowered but readable, music at conversational level pre/post rounds, mic levels matched to room size.
6. Community. Team names read aloud, birthdays acknowledged, leaderboards posted online or on the chalkboard next day.

Choose Your Format

Most pubs rotate between a classic mixed quiz, themed nights, and interactive rounds to keep things fresh without rewriting the rulebook.

Core structures

Theme nights (90s club classics, Christmas cracker, local history, TV & Film) bring in new audiences, but keep a classic mix every other week so regulars aren’t alienated.

Interactive ideas

• Pictionary or charades on a flip chart.
• Mystery box item passed around under cloth.
• “Closest-to” cards for estimated answers—collect at end for fun stats.
• Playlist battle where two teams submit playlists and the room votes during breaks.

Scoring and Fair Play

• Marking: swap answer sheets with neighbouring tables and mark as you announce answers. The host collects and logs scores to avoid disputes.
• Bonus points: award one bonus for best team name or for teams who share a photo and tag the venue.
• Anti-cheat measures: remind teams about phones away, position staff to notice suspicious play, and keep prizes fun rather than overly valuable.
• Leaderboard: maintain a Google Sheet or chalkboard with cumulative points. Offer a monthly playoff for bragging rights instead of giant prizes.

Roles and Run-of-Show

Even if you’re a one-person band, list the hats you’re wearing. Ideally:

• Host/Quizmaster: writes or curates rounds, controls pacing, handles patter.
• Scorekeeper/Runner: collects sheets, totals scores, keeps leaderboard tidy.
• Sound tech: sets mic/speaker balance, triggers music/audio rounds.
• Front-of-house: pushes bundles during breaks, reserves tables, handles entry fees.

Sample timeline (doors 19:00, quiz 19:30–21:20):

Kit and Setup

Budget guide: £0–£150 for prizes (bar tabs, merch), £20–£60 printing, £50–£200 if hiring an external host.

Questions People Love (with examples)

• Local flavour: “What river separates Staines from Egham?” (Answer: River Thames.)
• Soundbites: play the first second of “Common People”—ask for artist + album year.
• Picture clue: zoomed-in shot of a Greene King pump clip.
• Connections: Q1 “Haddock”, Q2 “Puffin”, Q3 “Gannet”, Q4 “Fulmar”, Q5 “Tern” → Connection: all birds on UK postage stamps.
• Closest-to tie-break: “How many casks does the average Greene King managed pub sell per week?”

Aim for a 60/30/10 mix (easy/medium/tricky). Keep a spreadsheet tagging each question by topic so you don’t repeat within eight weeks.

Prizes That Drive Return Visits

• £20–£30 bar tab.
• Local collaborator voucher (butcher, florist, barber)—low cost, cross-promo.
• Rolling jackpot jar (capped under £50 to avoid gambling implications).
• Booby prize: pickled egg, bag of crisps, or pub-branded wooden spoon for last place.

Marketing Plan (four-week cadence)

Copy-ready post: “Quiz Night is back Tuesday, 7.30pm. £2pp, max 6 per team, prizes + bragging rights. Book now 👉 [link].”

Accessibility and Inclusion

• Offer large-print answer sheets (14pt+ font) on request.
• Repeat each question twice and display picture/keyword slides where possible.
• Keep aisles clear for sheet collection; provide chairs without high stools for mobility needs.
• Avoid culturally specific jokes or references unless you explain them.

Compliance Corner: Music Licensing

If you play recorded music (audio clips, walk-in playlists) or host live performance, you’ll usually need TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS, which covers both PRS for Music and PPL permissions. Confirm your venue’s licence and keep documentation handy. More information: PPL PRS.

Metrics and Post-Event Debrief

Track these four numbers weekly:

Debrief with staff within 12 hours: Which rounds landed? Any tech wobbles? Did we capture content? Who’s on hosting duty next week?

Need backup?

Tap the sticky “Get in Touch” button on orangejelly.co.uk or email peter@orangejelly.co.uk if you want a co-host briefing, question bank refresh, or on-site support.