Best Quiz Nights Pubs

Just what London needs - another pub claiming to be a cut above the local boozer. The Ship in London had me rolling my eyes before I'd even crossed the threshold, expecting the usual suspects: mediocre ales, microwaved pub grub, and that peculiarly British ability to charge moderate prices for decidedly immoderate disappointment. I'll admit, grudgingly, that the first crack in my cynicism appeared when I pushed open that weathered door. The interior actually manages to thread the needle between "cozy traditional pub" and "we've actually decorated since the Thatcher administration." There's something almost annoyingly authentic about the place - worn wooden floors that have absorbed decades of spilled pints, corners dark enough to hide secrets, and log fires that don't feel like they were installed last week by a gastropub consultant. Let's talk about the beer selection, shall we? I arrived fully prepared to mock whatever sad lineup of predictable pours they'd assembled. Instead, I found myself confronted with a genuinely thoughtful rotation of ales that suggested someone behind the bar actually gives a damn. It's the kind of place where you can order something other than the usual suspects without getting that look from the bartender - you know the one. The food menu had me suspicious at first glance. Any London pub that offers both a proper Sunday roast and a Goan fish curry is usually setting itself up for failure at both. But here's where The Ship really forced me to eat my words (along with, I might add, some surprisingly well-executed dishes). The curry actually tastes like someone's grandmother had a hand in the recipe rather than a corporate cookbook, and the prawns weren't reduced to rubber bands - a miracle in itself for pub seafood. The service manages to hit that sweet spot between attentive and overbearing, which is harder than it sounds. There's a particular server named Sarah who somehow makes you feel like you're a regular even if it's your first visit - and I'm generally allergic to that kind of forced familiarity. Yet here I am, admitting it actually works. Don't get me started on the beer garden. Just when you think you've seen every possible variation of "three picnic tables next to a bin," The Ship goes and provides an actually pleasant outdoor space. It's the kind of setup that makes you forgive London's weather, or at least forget about it after a pint or two. They do quiz nights, which I normally avoid like a warm lager, but something about the atmosphere here makes even that bearable. Perhaps it's the way they manage to make it challenging without veering into pub quiz master smugness. Or maybe it's just that the drinks are good enough to make you not care if you're losing. The pricing sits in that dangerous middle ground where it could go either way - worthy investment or daylight robbery. But I have to concede (through gritted teeth) that you generally get what you pay for here. The portions are proper, the quality is consistent, and you won't need to remortgage for a round of drinks. Here's what you need to know: they take reservations (use them - the main dining room is infinitely preferable to the overflow area), they're dog-friendly (and actually mean it, rather than just tolerating your four-legged friend with barely concealed disdain), and they've got those little touches - like proper log fires in winter - that make you forget you're in 21st century London for a moment. Look, I don't enjoy admitting when I'm wrong. But The Ship in London has managed to become one of those rare establishments that makes me question my professional cynicism. Whether you're after a proper pint, a surprisingly good curry, or just a corner of London where you can pretend the outside world doesn't exist for a few hours, you'll find it here. Just don't tell them I sent you - I've got a reputation to maintain.

Looking for the kind of London pub where legendary nights are born? The Railway Telegraph in Forest Hill is that rare gem where Victorian grandeur meets modern mayhem in the best possible way. This isn't just another London watering hole - it's a sprawling, high-ceilinged palace of possibilities that's been serving up good times since 1853. And trust me, if these walls could talk... they'd probably need their own Netflix series. You know those pubs that feel like they were MADE for making memories? That's the Railway Telegraph London in a nutshell. The moment you walk in, you're hit with this perfect mix of traditional pub charm and "tonight's gonna be good" energy. The central bar (painted this gorgeous bold blue) isn't just a place to order drinks - it's basically mission control for your evening's adventures. Let's talk about why this place is basically impossible to get bored in. There's a pool table calling your name, an air hockey table for settling friendly disputes, and a dartboard for channeling your inner pub champion. But wait - there's more! They've got a DJ booth that transforms this historic spot into party central when the sun goes down. And don't even get me started on their events calendar... QUIZ NIGHTS. KARAOKE. LIVE MUSIC. POKER EVENINGS. Seriously, they pack more entertainment into this place than should legally be allowed in one building. I've seen quiet Tuesday nights turn into impromptu dance parties, and "just one drink" after work morph into epic tournament battles at the pool table. The outdoor space? GAME CHANGER. We're talking about a massive decked balcony with a beer garden below. Summer evenings here are pure magic - imagine sipping your perfectly poured pint while the sunset does its thing and the DJ starts warming up inside. It's like having a festival-worthy venue with the comfort level of your mate's backyard. Speaking of drinks - the bar setup is exactly what you want in a proper London pub. They've got your mainstream favorites plus some excellent Shepherd Neame selections that'll make beer enthusiasts happy. Prices won't make your wallet cry, which means more rounds for everyone! And if you get peckish? Their menu hits all the pub grub high notes - we're talking proper burgers and the kind of fish and chips that make you proud to be in Britain. The vibe here switches gears smoother than a luxury car. Early evening? You've got your casual after-work crowd, maybe some locals catching up over a game of darts. But stick around, because when the sun sets, that's when the Railway Telegraph really shows its party credentials. The music picks up, the lights dim just right, and suddenly you're in the middle of one of those nights that people talk about for weeks. Here's some insider intel: Get friendly with Tara, the legendary bar manager who traded city life to run this beauty. She's got stories for days and knows exactly how to make everyone feel like they're part of the Railway Telegraph family. And if you're planning anything special? They do private functions that'll make your standard party venues look boring in comparison. The Forest Hill location is perfect - just far enough from central London to feel like you've discovered something special, but easy enough to get to that your friends can't use distance as an excuse. It's the kind of place where you might come for "just one" but stay because... well, why would you leave? The mix of locals and newcomers creates this amazing atmosphere where everyone's welcome and nobody stays a stranger for long. Listen, if you're still reading this instead of planning your visit to the Railway Telegraph London, you're doing it wrong. This isn't just a pub - it's your new favorite story waiting to happen. Whether it's a casual Sunday session or a Friday night that turns epic, this place delivers every single time. Don't be the person who has to hear about what they missed out on tomorrow. Be the person sending the "YOU HAVE TO GET DOWN HERE" texts tonight. The Railway Telegraph is waiting, and trust me - it's always worth the trip.

Looking for that perfect London pub where every visit feels like the start of an epic story? The Haverstock Tavern in London is that rare gem where "just one quick drink" turns into "remember that amazing night when..." before you even realize what's happening. Trust me, this isn't just another London watering hole – it's your next favorite spot for literally everything from lazy Sunday sessions to those "why is it already 11pm?" catchups that define London life. You know those pubs that feel like they've been waiting for you to discover them? That's The Haverstock Tavern's whole vibe. The moment you walk in, you'll get why locals try (and adorably fail) to keep this place their little secret. It's got that perfect balance of proper pub charm and modern comfort that makes you want to cancel all your other plans immediately. The beer garden here? ABSOLUTE GOLD. Picture this: you and your crew, golden hour sunshine, perfectly poured pints, and that magical London summer evening energy when nobody wants to leave. It's the kind of space where afternoon drinks mysteriously transform into evening adventures, and somehow you've made friends with half the garden. The outdoor TVs for sports are just *chef's kiss* - because watching the big match in a stuffy indoor pub is so 2019. Speaking of sports - this is where you want to be for any major game. The atmosphere is electric but not overwhelming, you know? None of that awkward stand-three-deep-at-the-bar nonsense. Just good vibes, great commentary from fellow fans, and enough screens to ensure you won't miss that crucial moment while grabbing another round. Let's talk about their quiz nights because OH. MY. WORD. Sunday evenings here are what pub quizzes should be - the perfect mix of competitive spirit and "we're all here to have fun" energy. Even if your team comes dead last, you'll have more laughs than that comedy show you paid £30 for last weekend. The bar selection? *chef's kiss again* They've got everything from perfectly kept cask ales (usually three on rotation for you real ale enthusiasts) to craft beers that'll make your hipster friends actually impressed. And if you're more of a spirits person, their double Maker's Mark is a thing of beauty. Not to mention the wine list that'll please everyone from your "I only drink natural wine" friend to your "house red is fine" mate. Did someone say food? The dedicated dining area is genius - perfect for those "I swear I'm just coming for one but should probably eat something" moments. But don't worry, you can still get fed wherever you're sitting, because they understand that sometimes the perfect spot is wherever you've managed to snag a table. Here's the insider intel you need: The Haverstock manages to be both a proper local's pub AND somewhere you can bring literally anyone. Your parents? They'll love the traditional pub feel. Your picky friend who "doesn't do pubs"? The clean, welcoming vibe and proper wine list will win them over. That group chat that can never agree on a place? SOLVED. The staff here deserve their own paragraph because they're basically pub heaven's A-team. They've mastered that perfect balance of being there exactly when you need them while letting you enjoy your space. Plus, they actually seem to enjoy their jobs? In London? I KNOW. You'll find The Haverstock Tavern tucked away from the Camden chaos, which is exactly what makes it special. It's like finding the perfect house party that's just far enough from the main street to keep the vibe right. This is where Londoners come when they want to remember why they love this city so much. Look, I could tell you more, but honestly? You need to experience this place yourself. The Haverstock Tavern isn't just a pub - it's your new answer to "where should we go?" Whether it's sunny Sunday sessions, midweek meet-ups, or "thank god it's Thursday" celebrations. Miss it? That's on you. But don't come crying when everyone's Instagram stories are full of golden-hour beer garden shots and "best night ever" captions. Just saying.