Kelly's Pub - Quiz Night

Marie was doing that fully-ready leaning-against-the-door-jamb thing and eyeing me critically.

"OK, two minutes. I'm nearly ready". I scrabbled for my bag and camera, and downed a pre-game shot of whiskey. "Let's go."

We scuttled down the traboule and hurried to Kelly's Pub. Marie was concerned that the pub would be full and we wouldn't be able to get seats. After all, that's what would have happened at The Smoking Dog or Paddy's Corner if we rolled up without leaving a good half-hour before the quiz started.

Arriving at 20h45, the pub was largely empty and I snaffled a prime terrace seat while Marie did the honours at the bar.

It was still happy hour, yet a pint of Guinness and a glass of vin rouge came to €9. Marie groused about the English barman's inability to understand her French.

The bar is large, with lots of tables. There's a pool table which costs €8 per hour. There are several TVs showing sport.

The music was middle-of-the-road cock-rock. The kind of music Citroën use to advertise cars. We loaded up on nicotine and retired inside to be quizzed.

The quiz costs €1 per entrant. The French quizmistress asked the questions over an indistinct PA system, then the questions were repeated in English by her assistante (who had a better microphone technique). The quizmistress seemed to enjoy her moment in the spotlight and chatted with her friends over the mike, confusing the hell out of me.

There were rounds on geography, science, music, pictures and sport.

Questions were OK — not quite up to the standard of the professionally produced UK pub quizzes, but not bad. The quizmistress stated that phones were banned, and anyone using a phone would be kicked out, which is a good policy which should be enforced at all quizzes.

Verdict: If your wallet can stand it and you fancy a quiz on a Monday night, then go for it. You'll be able to find space for a largish group, and you should have fun. I expect that the quizzing will improve with practice too.

Happy hours: Guinness €4.50, vin €4.50, misery hours: Guinness €5.70, vin €4.50

Quiz Monday at 21h00

Decor: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Prices: 1/5
Toilets: 4/5


12 Quai Romain Rolland 69005 Lyon, (Google map)