These three traditional English pubs are in fact the DIY man caves in the running for ‘Britain’s best Pub Shed of the Year 2024’ award.
They may look like the inside of a local pub or country pub, but these fantastic miniature bars have all been built into garden sheds across the UK.
The jury has now announced three finalists, after making a selection from more than a thousand entries.
An example of this is the Shaun of the Dead-inspired The Winchester in Eastleigh, Hampshire, which features an ornate bar, poker table and dart board.
Next up, the patriotic Adelaide in South Benfleet, Essex, is also decorated to resemble a stereotypical British pub. It features a large screen and original furnishings from a number of closed pubs.
And last but not least, The Rob Inn in Ascot, Berkshire, has more of a rustic pub feel with wood panelling, exposed brickwork and a wood-burning stove next to the bar with a wide selection of food.
The brilliant garden enthusiasts will now compete against each other to become the winner of this year’s national competition on August 17.
The Shaun of the Dead-inspired The Winchester in Eastleigh, Hampshire (pictured) has an ornate bar, poker table and dart board
The patriotic Adelaide, in South Benfleet, Essex, (pictured) is also decorated to resemble a stereotypical British pub
The Rob Inn in Ascot, Berkshire (pictured) has more of a rustic pub feel with wood panelling, exposed brickwork and a wood-burning stove next to the well-stocked bar
Kev Marchant began construction of The Winchester in October 2022, using his contacts in the construction industry to source materials for the 6 x 3 metre bar.
He said: ‘My wife Gina and I came up with the idea in October 2020. We started it at the end of December and it was finished within a month because we worked on it almost every day.
‘Because I work in the construction industry, I knew a few people who I could help with things like electrical, carpets and the like.
‘Like many others, we decided to build the pub mainly because of the lockdown and to have somewhere to entertain our friends.
‘We chose the pub name ‘The Winchester’ because we were both born in Winchester in Hampshire.
‘The pub name in Shaun of the Dead – albeit a different pandemic – was also called The Winchester.
‘I chose the old-fashioned, traditional look because I have fond memories of my youth, enjoying pubs like this, so I thought, let’s put one in the garden.
“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done. We’ve had our own birthday parties there, friends’ birthday parties there, and a few fun poker nights. Plus, the taxi ride home is really cheap.”
Kev Marchant began construction of The Winchester in October 2022, using his contacts in the construction industry to source materials for the 6 x 3 metre bar
The couple decided to create a place where they could entertain their friends due to the lockdown
The owners say they’ve had some fun poker nights since the pub opened
Mr Marchant chose the old-fashioned, traditional look because he had ‘fond memories of my youth, enjoying these types of pubs’
Adelaide ‘landlord’ Terence Rogers already had an outdoor bar at his property, but wanted a bar he could use all year round.
He added: ‘We had an outside bar that could only be used in good weather, so we decided to build a bar that could be used all year round.
‘In 2022 we had the base and main building built by my cousin, which we decorated as a traditional English pub.
‘All the furniture comes from closed pubs or second-hand shops and we have refurbished it ourselves to a good standard.
‘The name of the pub was based on the name of our street, but after some research we discovered that there was actually a Queen Adelaide, who was Queen Consort to William IV from 1830 to 1837. The image on the sign is a real image of her. Adelaide in Australia is named after her.
‘We now host quiz nights, games nights and general gatherings with pub food. It has become a meeting place for the street, family and friends to enjoy music or watch major sporting events on a large fold-out screen with extra speakers so music can be played in the garden.’
Adelaide ‘landlord’ Terence Rogers already had an outdoor bar on his property, but wanted a pub barn that he could use all year round
Mr. Roger’s family and friends enjoy music or watch major sporting events on a large fold-out screen with additional speakers so music can be played in the garden
All the furniture has been sourced from closed pubs or second-hand locations and has been refurbished by Mr Rogers
Robin Arkwright built his ‘cosy, rustic, snug’ home in a room at the back of his garage, accessible only through a single discreet door.
He said: ‘After building a small bar there a few years ago, we decided, with the help of my wonderful neighbour, to knock down the wall to create a bit more space.
‘I started building it last summer and finished it in April.
‘The materials consist of a mix of reclaimed wood and new wood that I have aged to create that rustic look.
‘I always wanted the bar to be brick, but the walls were concrete block, so it took a little creativity.
‘I have latticed everything and made the stone from MDF, with each stone individually finished and hand painted. A labour of love, but always a talking point.
‘Since completion and during construction we have had many enjoyable evenings with family, friends and neighbours, and we look forward to enjoying many more of these.
‘I’ve always had trouble coming up with a name, and one morning as I was standing in the garden a robin landed a few feet from my feet.
‘It was always my late father’s favorite bird, and some say a “sign that loved ones were visiting”. With my name as Rob, it was settled. The “Rob-Inn” was born.’
Robin Arkwright built his ‘cosy, rustic, snug’ home in a room at the back of his garage, accessible only through a single discreet door
Mr Arkwright began construction in the summer of last year and completed it in April of this year
The materials are a mix of reclaimed wood, along with new wood which Mr Arkwright has aged to create ‘that rustic feel’
Twofatblokes.co.uk bar signs runs an annual competition for back garden pub owners to submit their Pub Shed Conversion of the Year.
There are now believed to be more than two million backyard pubs operating in Britain after their popularity skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ashley Turner from Two Fat Blokes Bar Sign Emporium said: ‘With the cost of living skyrocketing, more and more homeowners are building their own pubs in their gardens.
‘With the average price of a pint in the UK now exceeding £4.94 and in London exceeding £5.59, it’s no surprise that Brits are looking for ways to cut the cost of their entertainment.
‘By having your own garden pub, gin palace or garden bar you can save on the cost of booze with a pint from your local supermarket starting at just £1.35 a can. It’s easy to see how much you can save by having your favourite tipple at home, no need for expensive taxis or waiting at a bus stop.’
The winner of the Pub Shed of The Year 2024 award will be announced on 17 August.
