Think you’re better than the internet when it comes to unearthing trivia? Then you probably want to put it to the test at these tough pub quizzes around the region
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Quiz heads – here's one for you… Name the duo who kicked off the UK pub quiz craze in the 1970s.
No Googling! Them's the rules of any decent pub quiz, and Manchester certainly seems to have absolutely piles of them these days.
While we don't doubt all the biggest trivia boffins out there who love a good battle of wits down the local boozer probably know the days, times, and locations at all the best pub quizzes around, we thought we'd share a list of our regular faves.
You'll find links to the bars or the relevant social media accounts, plus start times and entry fee information. Now all you have to do is go fill your brains with brand new facts, and your pockets with prizes.
Curry & Quiz Night, The Banyan Tree, Ellesmere Street, Castlefield: Not only but this boast two holy elements of pub life – a good curry and a fine quiz – it also runs up one of the biggest rolling jackpots in the city. There are even free drinks going round. Starts 7pm. Entry fee applies.
Monday Night Quiz, Joshua Brooks, Princess Street: A pure general knowledge quiz followed by the Not Quite the Million Pound Drop round with cash prize. Starts at 8pm. Entry fee applies.
Inn-Quizition, The Dulcimer, Chorlton: Hosted by brainiacs the Barry brothers, this quiz has a rolling jackpot, plus cash and beer prizes. Starts at 8.30pm. Entry is £1pp.
The Pub Quiz, Sam's Chop House, off Cross Street: A weekly quiz in four short and sharp rounds hosted by Fi Abernethy (on Twitter @fionaabernethy), with cash and a bar tab up for grabs. Starts at 6.30pm. Entry is £pp.
The Quiz, Pen & Pencil, Hilton Street: Fun, games, facts, and four rounds (film and TV, general knowledge, music, and a wildcard round) with quizmaster John Stansfield (on Twitter @johnwinsagain). Starts at 7pm. Entry is £1pp.
Wired For Sound, Kosmonaut, Tariff Street: Hosted by DJ Hattie Pearson, this is one for the specialist music fans: people and places, next lines, intros, famous faces and more. Starts at 7pm – second Tuesday of every month. Entry is free.
The Railway Quiz, The Railway Pub, West Didsbury: In explanation of the nature of this quiz, we offer this tweet. Starts at 9pm. Entry is £1pp.
The World Famous Pub Quiz, Deaf Institute, Grosvenor Street: Elliot Eastwick's pub quizzes are pretty famous about this town, and travelling versions of them have popped up in Black Dog Ballroom, Kosmonaut, Electrik, and more besides. This is his staple though, a weekly head scratcher that's closer to sit-down comedy in the bar at Deaf, and the prizes occasionally reminiscent on Mafia warnings (one lucky winner reportedly went home with a sheep's head). Starts at 8.30pm. Entry is £1pp.
Quizimodo, Odd Bar, Thomas St & Oddest Bar, Wilbraham Road: Jenny and Johnny (not the rock n roll duo, but still pretty cool) say they "bring together Pictionary, funny clips, cracking gags, bizarre cover versions and of course kazoos to create a quiz like no other". And pub snacks; loads of pub snacks. Starts at 8pm. Entry is free.
Common Knowledge, Common, Edge Steet: "Free prizes! Free entry! Free beer guaranteed!" – well that just about marks out this fortnightly battle, hosted by Duncan and Dan, as the best in town. Starts at 7pm – on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Entry is free.
Saison Pub Quiz, Saison Bar, West Didsbury: Another Barry brothers special – expect to have your brain battered by their tough questions but be well rewarded with a cash prize. Starts at 8pm. Entry fee.
Quizzly Bears, Abel Heywood, Turner Street: Another fortnightly one, this, but a total treat for anyone with a particular geek interest. These quizzes pick a theme: recently, that has included Harry Potter and Marvel comics. The pub even puts on themed food and drink menus to boot – so be warned: book a table if you want to play and book your team in at the official website . Starts 8pm. Entry is £2pp/£10 per team of six.
The Big Fat Stupid Quiz, Lass O' Gowrie, Charles Street: Described by its organisers as Manchester's only 'sublime' quiz, this one is certainly the strangest with facts and weekly themes designed to keep you from cheating. Starts at 8.30pm. Entry fees apply.
Test Your Knowledge, The Salutation Pub, Higher Chatham Street (MMU campus): A solid battle of the brains, this one – with the added bonus that it's all happening in an unspoilt city pub built in the 1840s. Starts at 8pm. Entry is free.
The Pub Quiz Night, Pub/Zoo, Grosvenor St : Confirming Grosvenor Street is a real hot spot for a solid trivia bout, this event is hosted by Scott and comes with various prizes, including pints of beer and pots of cash. Starts at 9pm. Entry is £1pp.
Quiznight, Apotheca, Thomas Street: General knowledge over wonderful cocktails. Best of all, sister restaurant Dough will even bring you a pizza over from next door between rounds. Starts at 8pm (ish). Entry fee TBC.
Quiz Night, Time & Place Bar, Heaton Moor: If you can't get into town to catch Elliot Eastwick's big quiz at Deaf Institute, then here he is again with a smaller version for the suburbs. It's likely to be a proper brainteaser with Eastwick at the mic. Starts at 7.30pm – second and fourth Sunday of every month. Entry is free.