What you need for a pub quiz

A pub quiz needs more than questions and a laptop. Plan the drinks, snacks, serving equipment, answer sheets and presentation setup before guests arrive. This shopping list covers the practical items for running quiz rounds, collecting answers, playing audio clips and serving refreshments. Check team numbers first: they determine how many answer sheets, pens, chairs, glasses and prize portions you need. Buy or borrow technical spares at least a few days before the quiz, not on the afternoon itself.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 65
Presentation table
Bar or serving table

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Portable speakerqty 2
Wireless microphone
HDMI cableqty 2
HDMI adapterqty 2
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 12
Timerqty 2

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving traysqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Team name signsqty 15
Welcome sign
Prize display

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 5 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles

Quiz materials

Answer formsqty 300
Quiz bookletsqty 75
Team name cardsqty 75
Pensqty 80
Pencilsqty 20
Eraserqty 10
Score sheetsqty 20
Reply foldersqty 10
Tie-break cardsqty 20
Presentation remote
Prizesqty 3
Gift vouchersqty 3
Number cardsqty 15
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 10

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop headsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Cleaning glovesqty 6
All-purpose cleanerqty 2
Glass cleaner
Toilet brushesqty 2
Towel rollsqty 4
Disinfecting wipesqty 2

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill bottled drinks early and keep a separate supply of water available.
Prepare one answer sheet and one spare sheet per team for each quiz round, plus pens and a few extras. Bring printed tie-break questions so a printer problem cannot delay the final result.
Allow one seat per player and leave a clear route to the presentation table, bar and toilets. Arrange tables by team before guests arrive rather than moving furniture during registration.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, HDMI cable, adapter, microphone and speakers together at least 24 hours beforehand. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare batteries in the same equipment box.
Buy prizes for the planned number of winning teams and keep them out of sight until the scores are checked. Set aside serving platters, jugs, bottle openers, glasses and ice before opening the bar or snack table.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks and snacks do I need for a pub quiz?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one more per person for every extra hour. For food, plan at least two snack portions per guest, plus options that match the dietary requirements collected during registration.
How many answer sheets do I need for a pub quiz?: Prepare one answer sheet per team for every round, then add one spare sheet per team and at least five extra sheets overall. Bring enough pens for every team, with 10% extra in case one runs out or disappears.
What equipment is needed for a pub quiz with a projector?: Use a laptop, projector, projection screen, HDMI cable, the correct HDMI adapter, speakers and a microphone if the room is large. Test the full setup at least 24 hours before the quiz and bring extension cords, power strips and spare batteries.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a pub quiz?: Do the main shopping two to three days before the event so missing items can still be replaced. Chill drinks at least four hours before guests arrive, or use coolers and ice if the refrigerator cannot hold the full supply.

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