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Think You Know It All? Test Your Wits at These 11 Epic Pub Quiz Nights in Manchester
Ever caught yourself yelling the answers at University Challenge while your mates look on, unimpressed? Or perhaps you’ve been that person who smugly fact-checks pub banter with an “Actually…”?
Well, quiz aficionados, it’s time to take your talents out of the living room and into Manchester’s most legendary quiz nights. These aren’t just evenings of trivia—they’re gladiatorial contests for the gloriously nerdy, with cheap pints and eternal bragging rights up for grabs.
From old-school pen-and-paper affairs to quirky combos of trivia and karaoke (yes, belting out Livin’ on a Prayer could actually win you prizes), these quiz nights offer more than just a mental workout.
Gather your cleverest crew—bonus points if one of them still remembers their GCSE Geography—and prepare for an evening of fierce competition and even fiercer debates.
But don’t just take our word for it. Read on, and we’ll guide you to the best spots in Manchester where your trivia prowess will finally get the standing ovation it deserves.
The Big Quiz at Lions Den
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Address: 253 Deansgate
Contact details: +44 161 273 2121
Operating Hours: Every Monday, 6:30PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Monday blues? Not at Lions Den. South By Zero’s Big Quiz transforms the start of your week into a lively showdown of wits and good vibes. The £25 bar tab for the winning team is just the cherry on top of this cracking event.
With live music setting the tone, it’s part quiz night, part gig—keeping you entertained between rounds. Expect a mix of questions that’ll challenge even the sharpest minds, from obscure historical events to modern-day memes.
And let’s not forget the unbeatable student discounts and £2.50 on selected drinks, making it a hotspot for students and trivia buffs alike.
Pro tip:
If you want a prime spot, get there early. And don’t forget your student ID for those wallet-friendly drink deals!
Pencils Down at Pen & Pencil
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Address: 57 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 2EJ
Contact details: +44 161 660 3303
Operating hours:
- Mon – Thurs 10AM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 10AM-2AM
- Sun 10AM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Website
If you think you’re a trivia pro, Pencils Down at Pen & Pencil will put that to the test. Hosted by the legendary John Stansfield, this quiz has earned a reputation as one of Manchester’s most challenging.
Imagine a room packed with eager quiz-goers, all awaiting John’s curveball questions, which range from the latest Netflix hits to mind-bending general knowledge. The quiz is broken into four rounds, with a wildcard round determined by the previous week’s losing team.
Yes, even losing here has its perks—you get to pick a round for the next quiz. It’s a £1 entry, and the pot goes to the winners, but the team with the wittiest name also nabs a round of beers.
Pro tip:
Brush up on your film and music trivia, it’s often the dealbreaker. And grab a pre-quiz cocktail during happy hour to get those neurons firing.
The Pub Quiz at The Bay Horse Tavern
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Address: 35-37 Thomas St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: +44 161 669 5799
Operating Hours: Every Tuesday, 8PM
Pricing: ££
Website
For a quintessential pub quiz experience, head to The Bay Horse Tavern. This spot isn’t just known for its pies and pints; its quiz night is a local institution. With a £50 cash prize at stake, teams of all sizes turn up, ready to flex their trivia muscles.
The questions? They cover everything from classic TV trivia to niche facts that’ll have you scratching your head. But it’s not just about winning—the cosy, laid-back vibe of The Bay Horse makes every quiz night an enjoyable affair.
Grab a pint, order some comfort food, and settle in for a night of laughter, learning, and maybe even a bit of friendly rivalry.
Pro tip:
Order the steak pie to keep you fueled—it’s a quiz night favourite and will keep your spirits high even if you’re stumped by the questions.
The Smithfield Social
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Address: 53-55 Thomas St
Contact details: +44 161 819 5168
Operating Hours: 1st & 3rd Monday of the month, 7PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Relatively new to the quiz scene, The Smithfield Social’s pub quiz is already making waves. It kicks off every first and third Monday of the month, which is a godsend because let’s be honest, Mondays usually don’t have much going for them.
The quiz itself is a real head-scratcher, featuring four rounds of random topics along with a picture and multimedia round that keeps things lively and unpredictable.
The prizes are no joke either—a cool £75 for first place, a £50 bar tab for second, and even third place walk away with a bottle of wine. With stakes like these, it’s no surprise that the place is already buzzing with teams looking to outwit each other.
Pro tip:
Brush up on your obscure trivia and get there early—seats fill up fast on quiz nights!
The Big Marble Quiz @ Marble Arch
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Address: 73 Rochdale Rd
Contact details: +44 161 832 5914
Operating Hours: Every Monday, 7PM
Pricing: ££
Website
The Big Marble Quiz at The Marble Arch isn’t just a test of your trivia prowess; it’s an experience. Hosted in one of Manchester’s most iconic pubs, the quiz combines great beer, fantastic food, and a cracking atmosphere.
Quizmaster Rob keeps the energy high and the questions fresh, covering everything from pop culture to the downright obscure. Prices vary from beer and gin to cold hard cash, but what really sweetens the deal is the 50% off food offer running on quiz nights.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the food deal, it’s a steal and pairs perfectly with their impressive craft beer selection.
Quingo @ Electrik
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Address: 559 Wilbraham Rd, West Didsbury
Contact details: +44 161 881 3315
Operating Hours: Every Tuesday, 7:30PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Forget traditional quizzes—Quingo at Electrik offers a quirky blend of quiz and bingo that’s as entertaining as it is unpredictable.
Hosted by a charismatic quizmaster with a voice made for radio and a homemade bingo machine, this night promises two rounds of questions and several rounds of bingo. The prizes? Pure comedy gold.
You’ll never know what you’re competing for, from chocolates to signed photos of TV characters and random knick-knacks from jumble sales.
Pro tip:
Bring a sense of humour and a competitive streak, you’ll need both for this one-of-a-kind quiz night.
The Railway, West Didsbury
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Address: 3 Lapwing Ln, West Didsbury
Contact details: +44 161 445 1066
Operating Hours: Every Tuesday, 9PM
Pricing: ££
Website
The Railway’s quiz night is as old school as it gets, and that’s exactly why it works. No flashy screens, no apps, and definitely no gimmicks—just a classic pen-and-paper setup and a quizmaster shouting questions from the end of the bar.
It’s the kind of stripped-back trivia night that’ll have you reminiscing about simpler times, even if your team’s score is anything but impressive. This West Didsbury gem keeps things affordable, with pints priced for a weekday budget.
The vibe is pure pub charm: a room full of locals enjoying a bit of friendly competition. The prize? Honestly, who cares—it’s the joy of the game (and maybe drowning your sorrows in a pint after a tough round).
Pro tip:
Get your drinks in early; you’ll want them handy for when the questions get tricky.
Common Knowledge
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Address: 39 Edge St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: +44 161 832 9241
Operating Hours: Third Wednesday of every month, 7PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Common Knowledge at Common is no ordinary quiz night—it’s part game show, part comedy skit, and 100% chaos. Hosted by Alan and John, the rounds are inspired by TV favourites like Family Fortunes and Pointless, making it more of a performance than a traditional quiz.
The questions keep you on your toes, but it’s the unpredictable antics that’ll have you laughing all night. Prizes range from hefty bar tabs to Poundland treasures, so you never know if you’ll leave with a bottle of gin or a glow-in-the-dark garden gnome.
Plus, you’ve got Nell’s Pizza to keep you going, with their massive slices perfect for mid-quiz snacking.
Pro tip:
Order a Nell’s pizza to share, it’ll keep your brain fuelled and your team happy.
Steins, Brines & Question Times at Salt Dog Slim’s
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Address: 17 Bow Ln
Contact details: +44 161 236 6523
Operating Hours: First Tuesday of the month, 7:30PM
Pricing: Free
Website
If you’re after a quiz night with a side of pure madness, Steins, Brines & Question Times at Salt Dog Slim’s is the place to be. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill trivia night.
With rounds that involve a horse mask and prizes that range from flights abroad to hilariously dodgy DVDs, you’ll be laughing as much as you’re thinking. The energy here is unmatched, and with a free entry policy, it’s a no-brainer for a fun Tuesday night out.
Just make sure to book your table in advance—this quirky quiz night fills up faster than you can say “phallic novelty toy.”
Pro tip:
Don’t be shy about joining in on the antics, the more ridiculous, the better!
The Fab Cafe Quiz
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Address: 109 Portland St
Contact details: +44 161 212 2997
Operating Hours: Every Wednesday, 8:30PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Fab Cafe, the self-proclaimed world’s first TV and movie theme bar, and prepare for a nostalgia overload. Think model spaceships, vintage arcade games, and a DJ booth that looks straight out of the Starship Enterprise.
Their Wednesday night quiz is a crowd favourite, bringing together film buffs, sci-fi nerds, and general trivia enthusiasts. The questions are as varied as the decor, ranging from classic movie quotes to obscure TV trivia.
Whether you’re a die-hard Trekkie or just in it for the banter, you’re guaranteed a laugh. And with budget-friendly drinks, it’s easy on the wallet too.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to secure a spot near the Star Trek bridge DJ area—it’s the best seat in the house.
Quizioke @ Flour & Flagon
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Address: 126 Grosvenor St
Contact details: +44 161 273 1471
Operating Hours: Every Thursday, 7PM
Pricing: ££
Website
If you’re the type who loves trivia but also secretly dreams of belting out Total Eclipse of the Heart in front of a crowd, Quizioke at Flour & Flagon is your perfect match. Hosted by the legendary ‘Quiz Master Flash,’ this event is a mash-up of pub quiz and karaoke chaos.
Expect rounds of brain-tickling general knowledge followed by cringe-worthy karaoke performances—sometimes from the same people who just aced the quiz.
With a £40 bar tab up for grabs and even the chance to win up to £300 in instant cash, it’s equal parts fun and rewarding. The atmosphere? Think raucous laughter, questionable singing, and plenty of good-natured heckling.
Pro tip:
Bring your best quiz brain and warm up those vocal cords—you’ll need both!
