Three unique backyard bars, one of which was transformed from a chicken coop site, are vying for the title of Britain’s Pub Shed of the Year 2026. These DIY man caves have been crafted in sheds by enthusiastic “sheddies” nationwide, featuring a classic countryside pub and two sports-themed bars equipped with various games like pool, darts, table football, and table tennis.
Competing against each other after being selected from over a thousand submissions, the finalists are eager to win this year’s competition. Among the contenders is Paul Brimecome with his impressive creation, The Pampered Chicken, predominantly constructed from recycled materials like pallets and items found on Facebook Marketplace.
The Pampered Chicken, spanning 9.6m by 4.8m, is a sports lover’s haven with a pool table, darts wall, retro arcade games, and even a fruit machine. Paul, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, shared that the bar holds sentimental value as it was built on the former chicken coop site, serving as a social gathering spot built with the help of family, friends, and neighbors.
Another finalist, Adam Cockroft from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, fashioned The Mucky Pub in his garden two years ago. This traditional pub-themed bar features a games room with amenities like a pool table, air hockey, table tennis, shuffleboard, table football, and arcade machines, all set in refurbished outbuildings.
Lastly, Tina and Rich Hibbs from Rugeley, Staffordshire, present their bar named Hibbys, adorned with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC memorabilia, an outdoor play area, and a beer garden. Initially serving as a peaceful retreat for watching football matches and displaying sports collectibles, Hibbys has transformed into a versatile venue for hosting family events and gatherings.
The annual Pub Shed of The Year competition, organized by Twofatblokes.co.uk, offers winners £500 worth of prizes. With the surge in backyard pub popularity during the pandemic, over two million such establishments are estimated to operate in the UK. The 2026 winner will be unveiled live on Ngageradio.co.uk next month, and voting can be done by visiting https://pubshedoftheyear.co.uk/.