About this Event
12 pubs. One city. A whole lot of festive competition.
Calling all book lovers, Christmas enthusiasts and people who take a pub quiz just a little too seriously.
Brunch Book Club's 12 Pubs of Christmas is BACK, and this year we're turning it into a race across London.
Expect literary trivia, festive challenges, surprise tasks, Christmas jumpers, questionable navigation decisions and some gloriously competitive behaviour.
What's the plan?
You'll be randomly assigned to a team named after one of London's Tube lines and given a set of destinations to visit.
It's up to your team to decide how to get there and in what order.
At every destination, you'll unlock a secret challenge. Complete it, visit a nearby pub, enjoy a drink, collect your points and move on.
Halfway through, everyone heads to Waterloo for a surprise literary quiz and a chance to refuel before tackling the second half of the race.
The final destination? A secret pub in Clapham.
The winning team? Whoever can combine speed, literary knowledge, teamwork and festive ingenuity to collect the most points.
And don't worry, there are plenty of opportunities for bonus points. Particularly if you're willing to make a complete Christmas spectacle of yourself.
What your ticket includes
- Participation in our 12 Pubs of Christmas Readers' Race
- Your team assignment and race materials
- Literary quizzes, Christmas challenges and games
- Entry into the competition and a chance to win prizes
- A full day of festive fun with the BBC community
Your £12 ticket contributes towards prizes, race materials and event costs.
Food, drinks and travel are not included. Teams will visit 12 pubs in total, and drinks may be alcoholic or alcohol-free.
Who can come?
This event is for Brunch Book Club members and their friends, aged 18+.
Coming solo? Absolutely! We'll be assigning teams randomly, making it a brilliant opportunity to meet more of the community.
You don't need to have attended every book club, know every literary reference or have the Tube map tattooed on your arm.
Just come ready to have fun, make friends and get a little competitive.
The essentials
Date: Saturday 12 December 2026
Time: 12pm–9pm
Start: King's Cross St Pancras, London
Midway checkpoint: Waterloo
Finish: Clapham, at a secret final pub
Ticket: £12 per person, plus any applicable booking fees
Dress code: Festive. Christmas jumpers, accessories and ridiculous outfits are highly encouraged.
Bring: Comfortable shoes, a charged phone with WhatsApp, a payment card and your competitive spirit.
Please note: This is an active event involving substantial walking, Tube journeys and multiple pub visits. Food, drinks and public transport are paid for individually. Alcohol is not compulsory, and alcohol-free drinks count equally. Teams should travel safely and can take breaks as needed.
If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the event and possible adjustments.
Ready, readers?
It's books, booze, big conversations and a little friendly rivalry.
12 pubs. One city. May the best readers win.
You can sit with us. But first, you've got to find us.
Event venue & nearby stays
King's Cross, Euston Road, London, United Kingdom
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