Using Zoom to access the virtual pubs


The virtual pub sessions at Manchester Pubs Matter Festival will be held online using the Zoom platform.

Zoom can be accessed from a computer (PC, Mac, or Linux) or from Android / iOS tablets or phones. See below for information on how to access from different devices.

Zoom sessions can also be accessed audio only by dialing in from a regular phone line.

Do I need an account to use Zoom?

A Zoom account is not required to join the Zoom sessions as a participant.

How to join the sessions

See below for information on software and hardware requirements.

Your box of beers or ciders will contain an invite containing a QR code to go direct to the meeting and the Meeting ID and passcode.

To join the session, scan the QR code on the device you want to access the meeting from or visit join.zoom.us . Enter the meeting ID when prompted, then the passcode.

You will also receive the login details via e-mail from the pub or brewery who you ordered off around a week before the event.

Places on the Zoom sessions are limited with only space for those who have ordered tickets. While you are welcome to have the rest of your bubble in the room with you when you join but please do not share the codes with others.

Learn more about joining a session here.

Technical requirements

From a PC, Mac or laptop

To use Zoom from a desktop or laptop computer it is recommended to use the Zoom desktop client this is available for PC, Mac and Linux. (See here for system requirements).

When you first try to join a Zoom meeting, you will be prompted to download the desktop client. To install the client in advance visit https://zoom.us/download

If you cannot use the desktop client, the sessions can also be accessed via the Zoom web client in most common web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox). The web client offers a reduced functionality but will allow you to see and hear participants and interact by speaking or via web chat.

On the meeting launch page look for “Having issues with Zoom Client?” and click on “Join from Your Browser”.

From a tablet or smart phone

To join from a tablet or smart phone you will need to install the free Zoom application.

This can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. See here for system requirements.

By phone

If you do not have a computer or smart phone / tablet, you can dial into the sessions from a landline or mobile.

You will not be able to see video or participate in web chat, but will hear the audio.

Calls will be charged at standard national rates according to your deal with your phone provider.

To dial in call:

  •         0131 460 1196 United Kingdom OR
  •         0203 481 5240 United Kingdom

Enter the meeting ID and password when prompted, each followed by the # key.

For more information on joining a session by phone, click here.

Do I need a webcam to join in?

While You will continue to be able to listen and speak during the meeting, share your screen, and view the webcam video of other participants. 

No, you are not required to have a webcam to join. You will not be able to transmit video of yourself but as most of the sessions will feature your hosts and their guests, this is not a problem – you can watch and listen in without a webcam.