What to buy for a pub quiz

A pub quiz needs more than questions and a screen. You will need drinks and snacks for the teams, serving equipment, coffee supplies, and reliable presentation gear. Plan quantities around the number of players and teams, not just the guest count. The items people most often arrange too late are extension cords, spare batteries, answer sheets, bottle openers and enough glasses for the break.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 11
Chairsqty 50
Tableclothqty 11
Quiz table

Tableware

Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 8

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Batteriesqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Bottle openersqty 2

Decorations

Menu boardsqty 3
Table numbersqty 10

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpan
Waste binsqty 4

Quiz materials

Answer formsqty 80
Score sheetsqty 15
Pensqty 60
Quiz questions
Prizesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Peanuts - 2 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Dry sausage - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add water alongside alcoholic drinks and chill it before guests arrive.
For snacks, plan roughly 150–200 g per person for a two- to three-hour quiz. Use serving bowls, plates, serving spoons and cutting boards so food can be replenished without crowding the registration table.
Give each team a clear writing setup: one answer sheet per round, at least two spare sheets per team, and enough pens for every player. Keep extra copies at the quiz table rather than in the room.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphone together at least one day before the quiz. Pack two extension cords, one power strip and spare batteries; discovering a missing connection after registration starts is too late.
Prepare coffee for about one cup per person and keep it in thermos flasks. Buy or bring at least one bottle opener per drinks station, plus enough glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery for the planned break.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a pub quiz?: For a two- to three-hour quiz, allow about 150–200 g of snacks per person. Add extra if the quiz overlaps dinner, and prepare roughly 10% more than the registered headcount.
How many drinks should I buy for a pub quiz?: Budget for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every extra hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options for the full guest count.
What equipment do I need for a pub quiz presentation?: You need a laptop, projector, projection screen, speakers and, if the host uses one, a microphone. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours beforehand and bring two extension cords, a power strip and spare batteries.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a pub quiz?: Buy non-perishable drinks and serving supplies at least two to three days ahead. Chill everything that needs refrigeration at least six hours before guests arrive, using coolers if the venue has limited fridge space.

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