Three backyard bars, one of which was constructed on the grounds of a chicken coop, are vying for the title of Britain’s Pub Shed of the Year 2026. These DIY retreats have been erected in garden sheds by proud enthusiasts across the UK, showcasing a classic countryside pub and two impressive sports bars equipped with various games like pool tables, dartboards, foosball, and table tennis.
The finalists are now in a competition to claim the top spot after being selected from over a thousand submissions. Among them is Paul Brimecome with his remarkable creation named The Pampered Chicken, mostly crafted from recycled materials. This recreational area, measuring 9.6m by 4.8m, features a pool table, dart wall, vintage arcade games, and a fruit machine. Paul, from Portsmouth, Hamps., shared that the pub, constructed on the former chicken coop location, serves as a vibrant social center built with the help of family, friends, and neighbors.
Decked out with a blend of reclaimed and second-hand materials, The Pampered Chicken showcases a bar originating from a Hong Kong sailing club, windows salvaged from a local renovation, and soundproof insulation from a music studio. The interior is complete with facilities such as a toilet, shower with disco lights, and a 10-line beer chiller. Additionally, the outdoor space features a scaffold-board deck and an outdoor kitchen, making it an ideal gathering place that embodies themes of friendship, sustainability, and community.
Another contender, Adam Cockroft from Wakefield, West Yorks., transformed his outbuildings into The Mucky Pub, resembling a traditional pub with a games room housing pool tables, air hockey, table tennis, shuffleboard, table football, and arcade machines. Meanwhile, Tina and Rich Hibbs from Rugeley, Staffs., present their bar named Hibbys, adorned with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC memorabilia, an outdoor play area, and a beer garden, catering to large family and friend gatherings.
The Pub Shed of the Year competition, hosted by Twofatblokes.co.uk, offers winners £500 worth of prizes. The surge in popularity of backyard pubs in Britain, estimated to exceed two million establishments, is attributed to the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashley Turner from Two Fat Blokes Bar Sign Emporium expressed the challenge in judging entries due to the increasing quality each year.
The winner of Pub Shed of The Year 2026 will be revealed live on Ngageradio.co.uk next month. For voting, visit: https://pubshedoftheyear.co.uk/.
