History

The origins of the Colombo Pub Quiz are lost to the mists of time and alcohol - mostly alcohol.

Some say it started in 1991. Some remember ir being at Clancy's. Some have hazy memories of it from the White Horse. But then, all memories from the White Horse are hazy. It did the rounds of Colombo, going through a variety of hands, until 2005, when it was found - crying to itself in the gutter - by Jehan Mendis and Navin Ratnayake

Our kind-hearted duo took it in, cleaned it up, and gave it a loving home, before putting it out to work the Inn on the Green to earn its keep.

It hung around there for for about five years, gaining many friends, making some of them very happy, until it decided to move for pastures new at the Barefoot Cafe in 2010.

It was a tumultuous time for Quiz - as it was called - with many new up and comers aspiring to the throne. But Quiz had style. It had personality. It was loud, fun to be with, but difficult to win. In fact, it was the most difficult pub quiz in Colombo. And proud of it. And the pretenders to the throne came, and got left behind.

Eventually, in 2012, Navin left the Quiz (but had visitiation rights in perpetuity) and Jehan took the entire weight on his shoulders, dealing with rambunctious quizzers, irate losers, and even more irate winners.

This happy - for everyone other than Jehan - and stressful - for Jehan - state went on until 2017, when Jehan decided to follow his heart to Auld Blighty, leaving the Quiz in the hands of the younger generation, Malaka Pathmalal.

After a great start, Malaka saw the Quiz through its most tumultuous times. In 2020, Quiz moved to The Cricket Club Cafe, and then ... Covid happened.

Malaka and the Quiz regulars stood by it through two years of lockdowns, shortages, and other events guaranteed to break a person's soul. And yet, they persevered.

Colombo Pub Quiz is now partnered with Darley rd. Pub & Restaurant to bring you your weekly dose of conundrums and insanity.