This article was originally written by Ed Chatterton for SWNS — the U.K.’s largest independent news agency, providing globally relevant original, verified, and engaging content to the world’s leading media outlets.
There are beautiful watering holes all over the world, but a lighthearted contest is proving that your own home can be the coolest place to enjoy a pint. A trio of DIY bars built in backyard sheds by proud, beer-loving “sheddies” across England are battling it out to be named Britain’s Pub Shed of the Year 2026.
One is a traditional countryside-style pub and the others are sports bars — decked out with pool tables, dartboards, foosball, and table tennis. The finalists are going head-to-head to be crowned winner after being whittled down from more than 1,000 entries.
The Pampered Chicken
Paul Brimecome from Hampshire is in the running with The Pampered Chicken, an impressive creation made almost entirely from recycled materials. The pub-sport player’s paradise, which measures about 496 square feet and was constructed where a chicken coop once stood, boasts retro arcade games and a fruit machine in addition to a pool table and bespoke dart wall.
“Built by family, friends, and neighbors starting in May 2022, it is a vibrant social hub,” Brimecome wrote in his submission description. “We named it in memory of our dear friend Carol. She always joked that our seven chickens were the most pampered in the world. It is a lasting tribute that keeps her memory alive.”
Many of The Pampered Chicken’s furnishings came from Facebook Marketplace, while the bar itself originally belonged to a Hong Kong sailing club. Brimecome used salvaged soundproof insulation from a music studio to create an intimate atmosphere. The bathroom is complete with a shower and disco lights, and an outdoor kitchen is located on a reclaimed scaffold-board deck.
“We even have our own darts team, The Pampered Peckers,” Brimecome wrote, adding:”The Pampered Chicken perfectly represents friendship, sustainability, and community.”
The Mucky Pub
Adam Cockroft of West Yorkshire built his bar, The Mucky Pub, after moving into a new home two years ago. Decorated like a traditional pub, it also features a games room with a pool table, air hockey, table tennis, shuffleboard, foosball, and arcade machines.
In his description, he shared that the major selling points of the family home were the small, detached structures at the bottom of the garden. To build them out, he added new flooring, windows, a log-burning fireplace, and a handmade bar, buying all the furniture secondhand.
The Mucky Pub
“When our kids were young, if ever we were going out for a drink, we’d always say we were off to ‘The Mucky Pub,’” Cockroft wrote. “That name stuck and that’s what we called it. We opened the pub in May 2025 and we’ve had some fantastic evenings with friends and family or even quiet nights on our own.”
Over in Staffordshire, Tina and Rich Hibbs are in the running with Bar Hibbys, which is decked out with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC memorabilia and has an outdoor play area and beer garden.
Bar Hibbys
“It was initially a bolthole for hubby to escape and watch the football in peace, and to display his vast collection of Wolves memorabilia,” Tina wrote, noting that the bar evolved into a gathering spot for family and friends.
“With two daughters and five grandchildren, it is the perfect place to host birthday parties and special occasions, with the play area a particular favorite with the young ones,” she added.
Bar Hibbys
“The fridge is always full, and with a vast selection of spirits and two Blade beer machines ensuring cold refreshments are always on tap. Purposely there is no clock or traditional bell available as the bar is always open to family and friends alike.”
The annual competition is run by Two Fat Blokes Bar Sign Emporium in partnership with Ngage Radio, and around $675 worth of prizes is up for grabs. Finalists are judged in categories including effort, style, name, graphics, and individuality, with the contest website stating “above all would we want to come to sit and drink in your bar.” The winner is then put to a public vote.
The Pub Shed of the Year 2026 winner will be announced Aug. 22 on Ngage Radio. To vote, click here.
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