Which City Would Make the Smartest Pub Quiz Teams in England and Wales?

by Angelina Vodenicharova, 24 October 2025

Pub quizzes aren’t just a pastime, they are a cornerstone of British culture. Around 70% of the UK population takes part in them regularly, making quiz night as much a weekly ritual as the Sunday roast. Whether you’re in a cosy village pub or a buzzing city bar, chances are someone’s testing their trivia knowledge over a pint and a packet of crisps.

From identifying the London landmark overlooked by Bridget Jones’s flat to naming the only national flag that isn’t a rectangle or a square (it’s Nepal), pub quizzes challenge even the sharpest minds. And while traditional general knowledge quizzes still reign supreme, themed quizzes are stealing the spotlight. From Halloween specials and festive Christmas editions to those dedicated to music, film, or sport, there’s something for everyone.

But where can the smartest teams be found across England and Wales?

To find out, we compared cities across England and Wales based on education metrics, including the percentage of people with 5+ GCSEs and the proportion holding Level 4 qualifications or above. We also included the number of pubs and bars per capita and the volume of online monthly searches for quizzes. These helped us reveal which cities could make the smartest pub quiz teams.

The cities with the best odds of winning pub quizzes in England and Wales

1. Manchester

Manchester has topped the list of cities with the greatest chance of winning a pub quiz across England and Wales, and it’s easy to see why. With over 440 pubs and bars per 100,000 people, Mancunians are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a pub with quiz nights and putting their trivia skills to the test.

Combine that with a highly educated crowd (a high 72% of residents hold 5+ GCSEs) and a population that’s genuinely passionate about trivia, and you’ve got a recipe for victory.

In fact, Manchester shows the highest enthusiasm for quizzes in the country, with nearly 2,000 monthly online searches for “pub quiz” and “pub quiz near me”. That’s dedication, and proof that the city takes its general knowledge seriously.

So if you’re keen to join the action, head to the Pen and Pencil or the Bay Horse Tavern in the Northern Quarter. Both spots are renowned for their lively atmosphere and top-notch weekly quiz nights.

To get you in the quiz spirit, here’s a quick question to help you start practicing before your next pub quiz: Manchester is home to the world’s longest-running TV soap opera, Coronation Street. What year did it first air?*

2. Bristol

Southwest England’s vibrant city, Bristol, takes second place in our ranking. Better known for its colourful street art and home to the mysterious Banksy, it turns out this creative hub has brains to match its artistic flair.

Our study shows that Bristolians have the smarts to back it up: 77% of 5+ GCSEs obtained and 42% hold at least a Level 4 qualification (equivalent to the first year of a university degree or a Higher National Certificate), putting the city among the most educated in the country.

With 345 bars and pubs per 100,000 people, you’ll never be far from a venue ready to test your trivia skills. If you’re feeling confident, grab a few friends and head to The Shakespeare in Redland or The Alma Tavern, as both are praised for hosting well-run quizzes.

Think you know everything about Bristol’s history? Here’s one question to test you before your next pub quiz: What is the nickname of Bristol City FC?**

3. London

Rounding out the top three is the capital itself, London. With over 16,000 pubs and bars (that’s 183 per 100,000 people), the options are endless to test your skills. Whether you’re into music, film, politics, or obscure general knowledge, there’s a quiz night with your name on it.

London also boasts some serious brainpower. The city matches Bristol’s high 5+ GCSE rate at 77% and boasts the highest percentage of people with Level 4 or higher qualifications in the country.

If you fancy putting your skills to the test, try your luck at the iconic Old Queens Head in Angel or drop by Peckham Levels for one of their pop-culture-inspired quizzes.

And if you’re a real quizhead, you should be able to answer the following question: What was the original Roman name for London?***

Quiz expert reveals the golden formula for building a winning team

Taking part in a pub quiz is a great way to spend time with friends and family while learning new things. But when the prize is on the line, whether it’s cash or a bar tab, winning suddenly becomes even more appealing. So, how can you stack the odds in your favour for a pub quiz win?

Jason, quiz expert and former quiz master, shares his secrets for building a winning pub quiz team:

A balanced team is key

“In the perfect quiz team, each member of the team represents one wedge from Trivial Pursuit,” Jason explains. “A balanced team includes members from different backgrounds, knowledge bases, and even different countries and cultures. The more well-rounded your team, and the more niche knowledge it has, the more answers you’re likely to know. It’s okay to yield to the team when you’re unsure, but also know how to politely fight for an answer you’re confident about.”

He adds: “You also need to come together with general knowledge and current events. Knowing all the kings and queens of England since 1066 isn’t as impressive if you can’t name the last five prime ministers.”

Think beyond knowledge

Knowledge is important, but teamwork and strategy matter too. Jason says, “Don’t forget that you’re part of a team. You don’t have to know all the answers on your own, that’s the beauty of a strong team.” He adds, “Don’t underestimate the person writing down the answers; in a fast-paced quiz, they’re crucial. Lateral thinking is also an asset. Quizzes rarely just rattle off facts; puzzles, word games, etc, and thinking outside the box can give your team an edge.”

Prep for the expected

Pub quizzes are varied, but some topics are almost guaranteed. Jason advises, “Geography is always on a quiz, whether it’s US states, world capitals, or national flags, it always shows up in some form.” So, brushing up can earn you extra points.

And one thing to leave with is Jason’s top three words to know:

• Aglet: the tip of a shoelace
• Tittle: the dot on top of a lowercase i or j
• Ferrule: the metal bit at the end of a pencil

Who knows? One of these might just be the answer that wins your next pub quiz!

*Coronation Street first aired in 1960.

**Bristol City FC is nicknamed “The Robins”.

***The original Roman name for London was Londinium.

Methodology

To reveal which cities would make the smartest pub quiz teams, we at Online-Casinos.com analysed major cities across England and Wales, based on the following metrics:

• Number of pubs and bars per 100,000 – Restaurant Guru
• Percentage of 5+ GCSEs – Propertistics
• Percentage of level 4 and above qualifications – ONS
• Number of Google searches for “pub quiz” and “pub quiz near me” per 100,000 people – Google Keyword Planner