Continuing our series of articles on local pub quizzes, Steve Slack and his band of trivia hounds try their luck at another quality venue in the area.
TUESDAY
Riding high on our near miss last night at The Gowlett, we decide to head for a mental work out at The Clockhouse pub, by Peckham Rye.
It’s a great pub in the winter – I love curling up here with a scrabble board and a tasty pint, whiling away the cold winter evenings. And the charming outside space at the front of the pub makes it an ideal venue for the warmer months too. With a heated terrace and great views over the Rye, it’s a perfect place to eat and drink al fresco with friends.
But tonight we are inside for the quiz. I’ve been advised that this is one of the most mentally demanding of local quizzes, so I enlist the services of my brainiest acquaintances.
The quiz
It starts prompt at 8.30pm. With only 40 questions, there’s little room for error. And it’s a fiercely fought quiz too – the odd question right or wrong can make all the different to your team’s final ranking.
In short, you have to be a real brainiac to take this quiz on. But there’s a really nice camaraderie between the teams – and brains are here in abundance.
The picture round stands out in my mind – rather than asking entrants to identify a sheet of films, actresses, flags or London landmarks, they provide a random selection of images and then ask penetrating and insightful questions. (It means you can’t cheat if you happen to have a picture phone .)
What also sets this quiz apart is the charming venue. Quite often, a quiz can take over an entire pub. But with good beer – it’s a Young’s pub – great fresh food, charming décor and their outdoor terrace with a view of the Rye, it’s fine to go there on a Tuesday and not take part in the quiz.
In fact – dare I say it – the questions were so taxing on our most recent visit that we were forced to abandon ship at half time. Being unable to spot the coastline of Guyana had severely dented our half-time score. Lack in application, and in honour, we ensconced ourselves in the cosy mezzanine snug and enjoyed their fabulous menu.
Oh, that’s where Guyana is! 
But that’s not to say this quiz is too hard. It’s just a challenge. And plans are afoot to create an online presence for the quiz too. Watch their website over the next few months and even earn bonus points for your quiz team when taking part online.
One of the nicest things about the Clockhouse is that it’s never as busy as some bars on Lordship Lane. But that’s no great problem. It means the quiz master doesn’t need a microphone and it all seems just a bit more like being in a country pub. If the friendly village atmosphere of Dulwich Festival has left you wanting for a charming, English country experience, then this is the pub and the quiz for you. Just be sure to bring along the local professor, not the village idiot.
Here are the details…
The Clockhouse
196a Peckham Rye, East Dulwich, SE22 9QA
Tel 020 8693 2901
Email clockhouse@youngs.co.uk
Where else?
On a Tuesday you can also try the quiz at The Phoenix (Windsor Walk, SE5 8BB 020 7701 8282).
Even if you’re not quizzing, go inside for a drink and enjoy the decor. A converted space above Denmark Hill overland station, this high-ceilinged pub has been tastefully restored and still features the original, enormous station clock. Sunday roasts are also great here, but make sure you get there early as they often sell out!
Add a comment to this article and tell us your favourite pub quizzes in and around Dulwich.
And will our luck get any better in time for Wednesday’s quiz? Come back next week to find out.
Photo of the Clockhouse pub: Thanks to Young’s
studying and knowing about Guyana will definitely up your genius quotient
or something of the sorts