The Pampered Chicken – measuring 9.6m by 4.8m and boasting a pool table, a huge darts wall and retro arcade games – is fighting it out to clinch the coveted crown
Three backyard boozers – including on built on the site of a chicken coop – are battling it out to be named Britain’s Pub Shed of the Year 2026.
The DIY man caves have all been built in back garden sheds by proud “sheddies” across the UK. They include a traditional countryside-style pub as well as two incredible sports bars – kitted out with pool tables, dart boards, fussball and table tennis.
The finalists are now going head-to-head to be crowned the winner of this year’s competition after being whittled down from more than one thousand entries. Paul Brimecome is in the running with his stunning back yard creation made almost entirely from recycled materials called The Pampered Chicken.
The sport player’s paradise, which measures 9.6m by 4.8m, boasts a pool table, a huge darts wall as well as retro arcade games and a fruit machine. Paul, of Portsmouth, Hamps., said: “Our home pub is built on the original site of our chicken coop. Built by family, friends, and neighbours starting in May 2022, it is a vibrant social hub.
“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. The pub was built almost entirely from recycled materials like pallets and Facebook Marketplace finds.
“The historic bar originally belonged to a Hong Kong sailing club. The windows came from a local renovation, and we used salvaged soundproof insulation from a music studio to create a cosy atmosphere. The facilities include a toilet and a shower with disco lights. A second-hand 10-line beer chiller serves drinks alongside entertainment like a pool table, fruit machine, and a bespoke hand-painted dartboard wall.
“We even have our own darts team, The Pampered Peckers. Outside, a reclaimed scaffold-board deck and outdoor kitchen provide the perfect venue. The Pampered Chicken perfectly represents friendship, sustainability, and community.”
Adam Cockroft, of Wakefield, West Yorks., built The Mucky Pub after moving in to his new home two years ago. Decorated like a traditional pub, it also boasts an incredible games room with a pool table, air hockey, table tennis, shuffleboard, table football and arcade machines.
He said: “The main buying point of the house was the outbuildings that were located at the bottom of the garden. The buildings were a solid blockwork construction so a great starting point for our conversions. To the bar we added a new floor, a metal stud inner leaf, new windows, a log burner and a handmade bar.
“We opted for a traditional pub theme and bought all the furniture second hand. 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’ 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.”
Tina and Rich Hibbs, of Rugeley, Staffs., are in the running with their bar named Hibbys which is decked out with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC memorabilia and has an outdoor play area and beer garden. Tina said: “It was initially a bolthole for hubby to escape and watch the football in peace, and to display his vast collection of Wolves memorabilia.
“The bar has since evolved into the perfect place to cater for large occasions for both 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 favourite with the young ones.
“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 Twofatblokes.co.uk and winners get £500 worth of prizes. It is believed more than two million back garden pubs are now in operation in Britain after their popularity exploded during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ashley Turner, from Two Fat Blokes Bar Sign Emporium, said: “This is our sixth year running the competition, the quality of the entries makes judging harder every year.”
The Pub Shed of The Year 2026 winner will be announced live on Ngageradio.co.uk next month. To vote, visit: https://pubshedoftheyear.co.uk/
