More than 500 pubs have signed up to the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz, running from 9-15 May, with organisers PubAid confident this year’s event will hit an all-time high in pub participation and money raised for charities including Shelter, this year’s quiz partner. Find a local near you that’s taking part on our dedicated publist here.

A growing number of pub companies are supporting the quiz and encouraging their licensees to participate, Admiral Taverns, Ember Inns, Everards, Fuller, Smith & Turner, Greene King, Hall & Woodhouse, Marston’s, Punch Pubs, Robinsons, Shepherd Neame, St Austell Brewery, Star Pubs & Bars, Stonegate, Trust Inns and Wells & Co. Individual pubs are also signing up in significant numbers.

Pubs can register or find out more on the dedicated Quiz website: https://worldsbiggestquiz.pubaid.com/

For the first time, PubAid is working with online quiz platform Kwizzbit, which allows licensees to host a traditional, fun pub quiz on their smartphone, with technology making it easier to run and offering features that make it more engaging for customers and drive greater footfall into the pub.

PubAid co-founder Des O’Flanagan said: “We’re delighted with the response to the Quiz, and with two months til launch, we’re confident of many more hundreds of pubs signing up.

“After the pandemic forced us to take a break from the quiz last year, there’s definitely renewed enthusiasm among licensees for events that bring people back into the pub. The quiz is completely free for pubs to run, offers customers a fun evening and raises huge sums for many charities, including Shelter. We are looking forward to the most successful ever quiz in May!”

Homeless charity Shelter was chosen as the quiz’s new partner following the Covid lockdown. Currently, 91 families become homeless every day in England. Money raised in the Quiz will help Shelter give information, advice and support to those facing homelessness. Pubs are encouraged to host the quiz in aid of Shelter, but have the freedom to support another charity, or divide funds raised between Shelter and a cause closer to home.

All pubs signing up to host a quiz will receive a free fundraising pack including posters and social media assets, to help them host a quiz that brings customers into their pub for a fun-filled evening that raises money for a worthy cause.

Chris Jowsey, CEO at Admiral Taverns, said: “We’re encouraging all our licensees to get involved in the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz, which is a fantastic opportunity to hold an event that brings the community together and raises money for charity.

“We’re pleased that the quiz is flexible, allowing licensees to run it at a time to suit them. It is also a good chance to support both local charities of their choice and the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz’s charity Shelter, whose support for those facing homelessness has never been more important. We look forward to quizzes taking place in Admiral Taverns pubs across the country in May.”

Kevin Georgel, CEO at St Austell Brewery, said: “Everyone loves a pub quiz and it’s great to be hosting this one back in the pub rather than on Zoom! At a time when so many people are struggling with housing, there’s more demand than ever for the services provided by Shelter; they are a worthy charity partner for the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz this year and we’re confident our licensees and customers will want to support them.”

Samantha Rhodes, Operations Director at Ember Inns, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz this May. Pub quizzes are part of our DNA at Ember Inns and we know our teams and guests are looking forward to getting involved, having fun and raising much-needed funds to help tackle homelessness through the great work Shelter do across the UK.”

Max Newton, Head of Community Fundraising at Shelter, said: “We’re really encouraged by this response to the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz and confident that the momentum is building and we’ll see record levels of pubs participate in May. It’s great to see that a majority of pubs are choosing to support Shelter: every pound raised will help us to be there for anyone facing homelessness.”

The World’s Biggest Pub Quiz was launched in 2016 and has raised a total of £750,000 for hundreds of charities.

March 1, 2022March 1, 2022 by Hannah Benham

Celebrating World Book Day, one pub at a time

March 3rd 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of World Book Day in the UK, but why should schools have all the fun? Book-lovers rejoice, as we discover some impressive places to visit and raise a glass in.

On our main site, we have created a publist of the old stomping grounds of some of the world’s most famous authors, playwriters and poets, their favourites often mentioned in their work: www.useyourlocal.com/publist/literary-pubs-frequented-by-the-greats-1777.

Going as far back as Shakespeare, his regular London haunts and his last visited in Welford on Avon, where it is believed he contracted fatal pneumonia after stumbling home in the pouring rain!

We have listed those that were frequented by the likes of Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, George Orwell & C.S. Lewis to name a few. The Grapes, along with its deep history and famous patrons, can even count Sir Ian McKellen as one of its owners, well-known for bringing J.R.R.Tolkien’s Gandalf to life.

If you want to follow in the footsteps of classic characters, delve into a collection of adventurous bars inspired by Phileas Fogg. From his Mayfair residence to Aunt Gertrude’s Tavern & Gin Parlour, you can transport yourself back to the Victorian era, surrounded by artefacts and antiquities from Mr Fogg’s travels. The Society of Exploration is located only a stone’s throw away from Charing Cross station – the starting point of his famous voyage around the world!

However, the loyal local can also be an oasis in the everyday hustle and bustle, the perfect snug area to cosy up in and get lost in the pages. Already featured Coppa Club, are great for exactly this, a “home from home”, local hang-out, designed for eating, drinking, meeting and unwinding. So, let’s discover some more!

The Sun, set-up its own community library within the pub after the village’s own closed, providing an essential resource and haven to locals in the area.
To the reverse effect, hidden amongst the bookcases of Piccadilly’s Maison Assouline, Swans Bar is described as a bastion of elegance and culture.
For book influenced décor, The Fable near Holborn Viaduct in central London, is anything but ordinary, inspired by the fantasy world of fairy tales and Aesop’s fables.

Whether you want to absorb a part of history, immerse yourself within their creations or just hunker down with your prized paperback, we have a pub just for you. Sign up today and follow your favourites: www.useyourlocal.com/join.

February 2, 2022 by Hannah Benham

Date change for The World’s Biggest Pub Quiz 2022

Pub Chat

This year, The World’s Biggest Pub Quiz has been moved from March to May, to give pubs and charities the best possible results from the event as we still emerge from the latest wave of Covid infections and trading restrictions.

Taking place between 9th and 15th May 2022, it is completely free for pubs to run and is a fun event that brings everyone together, all while raising money for great causes.

Although pubs are encouraged to run the quiz between these dates, there is flexibility to host it at any time during May or in the first week of June to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, to maximise fundraising opportunities. For further information and to register for the event, visit www.pubaid.co.uk/quiz.

Following the Covid lockdown, PubAid have teamed up with homeless charity Shelter this year as the quiz’s new partner. Pub’s taking part will have the freedom to support another charity too, or divide funds raised between Shelter and a cause closer to home. Currently, 91 families become homeless every day in England and money raised in the Quiz will help Shelter give information, advice and support to those facing homelessness.

PubAid founder Des O’Flanagan said: “All of us at PubAid and Shelter, our new charity partner, have been champing at the bit to run the Quiz again after Covid prevented us from holding it 2021.

“However, after taking soundings from the industry, it became clear that pubs are still battling with the impact of Omicron and focusing on the day-to-day rather than an event in the future. By moving the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz to May, we give licensees a chance to regroup after Covid and plan a fantastic event that brings customers into their pubs and raises money for Shelter and other charities.”

This year, the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz is working with online quiz platform Kwizzbit, which allows licensees to host a traditional, fun pub quiz on their smartphone, with technology making it easier to run and offering features that make it more engaging for customers and drive greater footfall into the pub.

Using Kwizzbit offers licensees a number of benefits over a traditional paper quiz. Instead of having to mark sheets, scores are calculated after every question to generate real time leaderboards, saving time and creating a competitive, engaging atmosphere. It’s also cheat-proof, as faster answers score more points, and it’s simple to run: all you need is internet access.

All pubs signing up to host the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz will receive a free fundraising pack including posters and social media assets, to help them host a quiz that brings customers into their pub for a fun-filled evening that raises money for a worthy cause.

Max Newton, Head of Community Fundraising at Shelter, said: “Everyone at Shelter is absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz in May. We’re looking forward to communities across the country coming together in their local pub to have fun and quiz. The money they raise will help us be there for anyone facing homelessness.”

The World’s Biggest Pub Quiz was launched in 2016 and has raised a total of £750,000 for hundreds of charities already!

January 28, 2022January 28, 2022 by Hannah Benham

Top Gastropubs of 2022

Pub Chat

Earlier this week, this year’s Top 50 Gastropubs list was released, with The Unruly Pig in Suffolk taking the top spot, as well as picking up the highest climber award.

Now in its 13th year, The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs celebrates the best food-led venues within the pub trade across the UK. Voted for by over 400 gastropub owners, food critics and industry experts, it is the ultimate foodie pub list with something for every taste.

The Unruly Pig, like many modern gastropubs, focuses on locally sourced seasonal menus, with a blend of pub classics and more restaurant-style dishes.

The top 10 from the list of 50 can be found below with Lancashire and Yorkshire shining through this year with 4 pubs in the top 5!

For more information, the full list and how to take part go to www.top50gastropubs.com

The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Parkers Arms, Clitheroe, Lancashire
The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire
The Angel at Hetton, North Yorkshire
Freemasons at Wisell, Clitheroe, Lancashire
The Sportsman, Whitstable, Kent
The Guinea Grill, London
The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury, Kent
The Mariners, Rock, Cornwall
The Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

December 14, 2021 by Hannah Benham

The Best Christmas Bars and Festive Spaces of 2021

Pub Chat
Bars, Christmas, Christmas bars, Christmas markets, pubs

The halls are decked, the bells are ringing out and the big man is on his way to town! Here we have selected some of our favourite Christmas venues to get you in the festive spirit, the cosiest spots to duck into after a long day’s shopping and party places to continue into the night.

Appearing alongside the Christmas Markets in mayor cities across the UK, we find pop-up alpine style bars, tipi tents and winter villages. Kitted out with a festive décor, cosy fabrics and twinkling lights, you’ll be sure to feel all fuzzy inside. Mulled wine & hot chocolate can be expected, with roaring fires and dancefloors at YurtBar, a DJ booth at Mysabar and even exclusive karaoke cabins at Bar Hütte.

Seasonal igloos have also proven to be a popular extension to many businesses, offering your own private space to cosy up in, dine in or just to simply take in your surroundings. Whether you have a view down the Thames at Coppa Club, overlooking Birmingham’s canals from Gas Street Social or are high up above in the Aviary, you will feel like you are in your own little snow globe.

Snug wooden cabins, to a similar effect, are great for small group bookings too. From beach hut hideouts at Brighton Music Hall, to dancing on the rooftop at Liberté in Liverpool or Black Forest lodges in the city centre at The Club House.

If you prefer to soak up the atmosphere and get involved with a crowd, try the laid-back shared tables at Junkyard Market or Pergola Paddington, both surrounded by an array of food stalls to choose from, with live music and DJs. For true party vibes, outrageous bingo and BBQ delights, try a book club with a difference at Hillhead Bookclub, Glasgow.

With full Christmas transformations into grown-up grottos, these pubs have gone all out! We have Christmas on Pilgrim Street at Market Lane in Newcastle and Miracle on Cross Street hidden within Salt Dog Slim’s in Manchester. Ivy Chelsea Garden in London however, are used to changing the front seasonally, and this year have welcomed what looks like the whole of Whoville to Kings Road with their Miracle on Mount Crumpet.

All about the festive food? Why not try the world’s first café dedicated to pigs in blankets in Bristol, Pigsty, or a private dining experience at Arta, Glasgow. Cold Town House, as well as having an Après ski inspired rooftop bar with the best views of Edinburgh Castle, also has a whole floor dedicated to pizza & prosecco, not to mention their on-site brewhouse!

Follow your favourites at Useyourlocal or type in your location on the homepage to find something a little closer to home.