A pub quiz at the Old Beefeater Inn is usually conducted with teams sitting at tables and a quiz host reading out the questions. The usual format is several rounds of writing answers on paper or filling in a simple form, depending on the format of the evening. Expect mixed question types such as multiple choice, short answers and sometimes recognition via music intros, pictures or quotes if technology is used. Feel free to prepare a team name and bring a pencil in case answers are given in writing. During readings and when rounds are in progress, a low volume of conversation is often expected, so plan orders and discussions for breaks between rounds.

The safest bet is to arrive well in advance, and in case of high demand, table bookings may be wise if the venue offers them. Pub quizzes often bring a lot of people together at once, and the seats closest to the quiz host or in a designated quiz area can fill up quickly. If you are a larger group, try to get everyone together before you take your seats so that you don't have to move around in the middle of the quiz. Call or write to the venue in advance to secure seating, especially if someone in the group needs a specific location (for example, near a toilet, with better audibility or with more space for assistive devices). If bookings are not taken, early arrival is usually the most reliable strategy.

A traditional pub quiz usually takes around 60-120 minutes and is usually split into several rounds with short breaks. A common model is 4-6 rounds with each round having a time limit, for example 10-15 minutes, before answers are collected. The breaks are often used for marking, ordering at the bar and for the quiz host to introduce the next part. If music or picture rounds are included, the pace can be faster, as many questions can be covered quickly. Plan so that the whole team can stay for the whole time, as late changes or leaving early can affect the team's results. Ask staff on arrival for the approximate end time if you need to catch the last tram, babysitter or similar.

Mobile phone rules vary, but it is common for mobile phone use to be restricted during rounds to keep the quiz fair. It is often okay to use your mobile phone during breaks, while googling and chatting during timing can lead to a warning or points deduction. If someone needs the phone as an aid, for example for reading, magnification, hearing support, translation or communication support, it is best to tell the quiz host before the start. Then you can get a clear agreement that works for you and respects the rules. Please keep your mobile phone on silent and use screen lights carefully if the room is dark, so that you do not disturb other teams.

You can often expect a mix of general knowledge, music, film/TV, sport, geography and history, sometimes with elements of language or quotations. The level of difficulty tends to be mixed, so a team with different interests will often perform better than a team where everyone knows the same things. Feel free to assign roles informally: someone who is strong on music intros, someone who likes flags and maps, and someone who is good at dates and famous people. Write answers clearly and as fully as possible, including first and last names where possible, to minimise the risk of misunderstandings when marking. If you often end up with the same type of error, decide in advance how you will resolve disagreements, for example by majority vote or by one person having the last word in their category.

Many pub quizzes are free to enter, but sometimes there is a small charge per team or a requirement to buy something at the bar. To avoid surprises, it's a good idea to ask on arrival what the rules are for that particular evening, and whether payment is per person or per team. Bring a pen even if you think everything is done digitally, as some nights run paper answers or want a fallback solution. Have a team name ready and agree on how to write answers (for example, only one answer per line) so that it is easy to read. If prizes are awarded, they can be anything from gift vouchers to bar tickets, so don't count on a specific prize but see it as a bonus.

It is usually fine to be a guest without participating, but expect the atmosphere to be more focussed during the question rounds. Good etiquette is to keep the volume of conversation low when the quiz host is reading out questions, and to avoid shouting or discussing answers loudly so as to disturb other teams. If you want to talk in a normal conversational tone, it may be better to choose a seat further away from the quiz area, or to come during the break. Ordering at the bar is often fine all the time, but if it is crowded it may be wise to order before a new round starts. Also respect that some tables are reserved for teams, especially if there are many participants and staff need to keep aisles clear.

Pubs with quizzes may sometimes have simple bar games such as darts or card games, but the range may vary from night to night. The most important thing is that playing does not interfere with the quiz, especially during the reading and timed rounds. Ask staff where it is okay to play and if there are times when certain areas should be free. If you play darts, remember to keep a safe distance and not to block aisles, as people move between tables and the bar. Card games at tables can work well before the quiz starts or after it finishes, but during the quiz it can be perceived as disruptive if it takes up space or makes a lot of noise. If you want to combine games and quizzes, plan so that you can put the game away quickly when a new round starts.

Accessibility can vary, so it is best to check the entrance, level differences and toilet facilities before the visit if someone uses a wheelchair or walker. Ask specifically if there are steps at the entrance, if there is a ramp or alternative entrance, and if the aisles between tables are wide enough when full. Also ask for a place with extra space so that you don't have to move chairs during the round. If an accessible toilet is important, check that it is available and that it is easy to reach without passing through narrow spaces. Please arrive a little earlier than the start of the quiz, as it is easier to choose a good location before the room gets full. If you need an escort or assistance on arrival, let us know so that staff can help without stress.

It is often possible to make the visit much easier by planning seating and communication on arrival. Ask for a table close to the quiz host if audibility is important, or further away if you are sound-sensitive and want to minimise distractions. If the room is dimly lit, a small reading light or mobile phone torch can help to read answer sheets, but use it discreetly and ask if it is okay. For visually impaired people, you can ask for larger text on the answer sheet if available, or agree that one person in the team writes while another listens. If music intros or speakers are too loud, bring earplugs and choose a place where the sound is not directly directed at you. Also ask if the menu is in large text or if staff can read out options clearly.