The Best Pub Quiz Nights in Derby

Fancy putting your general knowledge to the test? Whether you're a trivia mastermind, a lover of useless facts or simply looking for a fun night out with friends, Derby has some brilliant pub quizzes to get stuck into.

From traditional pen-and-paper quizzes in historic pubs to interactive competitions and bingo nights, there's something for everyone. Better still, many are completely free to enter, with cash prizes, drinks vouchers and plenty of bragging rights up for grabs.

So, gather your smartest mates, think of a suitably ridiculous team name and check out our guide to some of the best pub quiz nights in Derby.

The Greyhound – Friar Gate

A classic Monday night quiz in one of Derby's most characterful pubs.

Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building on Friar Gate, The Greyhound is a fantastic spot for a traditional pub quiz.

Expect a lively atmosphere, creative questions and plenty of friendly competition as teams battle it out for the top spot. With its historic surroundings and welcoming atmosphere, it's a great way to brighten up the start of your week.

Whether you're a seasoned quizzer or just fancy testing your general knowledge over a pint, The Greyhound is well worth a visit.

Where: 75–76 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1FN
When: Mondays at 8pm
Entry: £1 per person
Prizes: Traditionally a gallon of ale or a surprise tin, although current prizes may vary

Ye Olde Dolphin Inne – Queen Street

Historic surroundings and a proper old-fashioned pub quiz.

What better place to test your knowledge than one of Derby's most historic watering holes?

Dating back to 1580, Ye Olde Dolphin Inne is believed to be Derby's oldest pub, and its timber-framed surroundings make for a wonderfully atmospheric quiz night.

The pub has traditionally hosted a classic general knowledge quiz featuring 40 questions and a picture round, with complimentary snacks helping to keep the brainpower flowing.

If you enjoy a traditional pub quiz with plenty of local character, this is definitely one to add to your list.

Where: Queen Street, Derby, DE1 3DL
When: Sundays and Tuesdays (check with the pub for current start times)
Entry: Traditionally free
Prizes: Previously included a gallon of beer

The Markeaton – Kedleston Road

Two quizzes, bingo and plenty of chances to win.

Tuesday nights at The Markeaton offer much more than your average pub quiz.

The fun kicks off at 8pm with a smaller, phone-based quiz before the main pen-and-paper competition gets underway at 8:30pm.

But the entertainment doesn't stop there. There are also bingo and Sticky 13s rounds during and after the main quiz, giving everyone even more opportunities to get involved and potentially walk away with a prize.

With friendly regulars, a relaxed pub atmosphere and free entry, The Markeaton is a great choice for anyone looking for a sociable evening of trivia.

Where: Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 2TF
When: Tuesdays from 8pm (main quiz starts at 8:30pm)
Entry: Free
Prizes: Cash and bingo prizes

The Blessington Carriage – Chapel Street

A lively midweek quiz with prizes up for grabs.

Looking for something to brighten up your Wednesday evening? The Blessington Carriage has you covered.

Popular with students and locals alike, this welcoming city centre pub offers a relaxed setting for an evening of friendly competition.

With a mix of questions, prizes and extra games to enjoy, it's a great excuse to get together with friends and put your collective knowledge to the test.

Best of all, there's no entry fee, so you've got nothing to lose by giving it a go.

Where: Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU
When: Wednesdays at 9pm
Entry: Free
Prizes: Cash and other prizes, which may vary each week

The Old Bell Hotel – Sadler Gate

Sunday evening trivia in a historic Derby favourite.

Round off your weekend with a quiz at The Old Bell Hotel, one of Derby's best-loved historic venues.

Held in the cosy Tavern Bar, this Sunday evening quiz offers a relaxed mix of general knowledge and specialist rounds, with just enough competition to keep things interesting.

Teams are limited to six people, making it a great option for a small group of friends looking to put their heads together over a drink.

And with the quiz finishing at 9pm, there's still plenty of time to get home before the working week begins.

Where: Tavern Bar, The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate, Derby, DE1 3NQ
When: Sundays, 7pm–9pm
Entry: £1 per person
Team size: Maximum six people

Mr Grundy's Tavern – Ashbourne Road

A Thursday night quiz with bingo, games and plenty of entertainment.

If you like your quiz nights with a little extra excitement, Mr Grundy's Tavern is well worth checking out.

Located inside the Georgian House Hotel on Ashbourne Road, this characterful pub hosts a Thursday evening quiz that offers more than just your usual round of general knowledge questions.

Alongside the quiz, you can get involved in a 25-question quiz bingo round, try your luck at Play Your Cards Right and take part in Open the Box.

With a traditional pub atmosphere, plenty of entertainment and prizes to play for, it's a brilliant way to get your weekend started a little early.

Where: 32–34 Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD
When: Thursdays from 7pm
Entry: £1 per person
Prizes: Vouchers and other prizes

Molly Malone's – The Strand

A lively Irish pub quiz with plenty of personality.

If you prefer your quiz nights with a bit of energy, Molly Malone's in Derby city centre could be just the ticket.

This popular Irish tavern hosts Molly's Big Fat Quiz on Tuesday evenings, bringing together general knowledge, friendly competition and a lively pub atmosphere.

It's a great excuse to round up your friends, grab a drink and find out just how much useless information you've managed to collect over the years.

And if quizzes aren't quite your thing, the pub also advertises musical bingo on Thursday evenings, offering another fun way to put your knowledge to the test.

Where: 1 The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BJ
When: Tuesdays at 9pm
Also on: Musical bingo on Thursdays at 9pm
Prizes: Available during quiz events; check with the venue for the latest details

More Pub Quizzes Around Derby

Don't mind venturing a little further out of the city centre? There are plenty of neighbourhood pubs offering their own quiz nights, too.

King's Corner – Oakwood

A friendly neighbourhood quiz with something for everyone.

For a relaxed evening of trivia, King's Corner in Oakwood is a great shout.

Popular with local residents and families, this welcoming pub offers an easy-going atmosphere where everyone can get involved, whether you're a seasoned quiz enthusiast or simply fancy trying your luck.

The pub hosts a traditional quiz on Tuesday evenings, alongside an interactive quiz on Thursdays, giving you two opportunities each week to put your knowledge to the test.

It's a great option if you'd rather enjoy a quiz at your local than head into the city centre.

Where: Oakwood, Derby, DE21 4RF
When: Tuesdays at 8pm
Also on: Interactive quiz on Thursdays at 8pm
Entry: Tuesday quiz traditionally free; check current arrangements with the pub

Why We Love Derby's Pub Quiz Scene

There's something special about a proper pub quiz. It's an excuse to round up your mates, discover somewhere new and spend an evening arguing over answers you're absolutely convinced are right (until the quizmaster says otherwise).

And Derby certainly has plenty to offer.

Whether you fancy testing your knowledge in a centuries-old pub, getting competitive in a lively city centre venue or enjoying a relaxed evening at your local, there's a quiz night with your name on it.

With events running throughout the week, affordable entry fees and some great prizes on offer, you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a brilliant night out.

Our top tip? Don't underestimate the importance of a good team name. You might not win the quiz, but at least you can make the quizmaster laugh.

Have We Missed Your Favourite Derby Pub Quiz?

We're always looking to discover more brilliant places around Derby, and we'd love your help making this guide even better.

Does your local host a regular quiz night? Have you discovered a hidden gem that deserves a mention? Or have the details of a quiz we've featured changed?

Let us know!

Get in touch at contactus@lovederby.com and help us put together the ultimate guide to pub quiz nights in Derby.

Please note: Pub quiz schedules, entry fees and prizes can change, particularly around bank holidays and special events. We recommend checking directly with the venue before heading out.