Since the late 1970’s quizzes have become an iconic feature in thousands of pubs across Great Britain and publicans have reaped the many benefits of hosting them. Furthermore the popularity of the good old pub quiz has increased in recent years with millions of people heading down to their local each week to show off their random knowledge.

The recent increase in popularity can be largely attributed to the number of  popular TV quiz shows like Mastermind, University Challenge, Pointless and The Chase and the public’s desire for more entertainment whilst they’re out socialising. So what is it about the pub quiz that keeps players coming back for more?

Over time the pub quiz has evolved from a bit of fun to a slightly more serious test of knowledge and it can get pretty competitive. But for most of us, a pub quiz is an opportunity to indulge in a bit of friendly competition over a few drinks, having fun whilst hopefully learning a few obscure facts and even more hopefully, winning a bar tab.

The team element of pub quizzes provides a good excuse to get together with friends but it can also be an opportunity for getting to know new people as it encourages conversation and creates lots of chances for discussion and debate.

The entertainment provided by a pub can be the reason that customers choose one venue over another and studies by pub companies have found that many customers stated that the quiz was their favourite thing about their own local because of the friendship, team bonding and humour experienced.

Very few quizzes are held on Friday and Saturday nights as these times are normally already busy but holding your quiz on a quieter night during the week can bring in large numbers of customers new and old. However putting on a quiz won’t automatically mean the place is heaving, but with a little effort, preparation and planning, this traditional pub favourite can boost takings significantly on mid-week nights and at a fraction of the cost of Sky Sports or TNT Sport.