'I've got a pub in my back garden - every visitor must follow two vital rules'
Three back-yard boozers are going head-to-head to be named Britain's Pub Shed of the Year. The DIY man-caves have all been built by proud 'sheddies' across the UK so they can enjoy a tipple at home.
They include a traditional local-style pub with its own brew room and an Irish-themed bar. The third pint-sized watering hole comes complete with a hot tub inside. This year's finalists were whittled down from more than one thousand entries. Glen Gandy, from Willenhall, in the West Midlands, is in the running with his bar 'Cognitos', which he built with the help of friends.
It boasts a DJ booth with decks, a Space Invaders arcade machine, juke box, its own beer garden and a hot tub. 'The Cattle Shed', in Brownhills, also in the West Midlands, was built by Kev Cattell who wanted a 'proper homely pub feel'.
It features a pool table, big-screen TV, sofa seating and bar stools, a log burner and a separate room for brewing beer. The third finalist, Chris Brennan, built the 'BrennInn' in Burnley, Lancs, in June 2023 with the help of his wife.
They wanted somewhere to relax after their social life "took a hit" following the birth of their daughter. The wood-panelled interior is decorated with neon bar signs and has a dartboard, pool table and outdoor seating area. The winner will be announced next month.
Wolves fan Glen started planning his bar during the Covid lockdown but construction only began in June 2023. He said: 'I wanted to create a warm and welcoming space for family and friends to come and enjoy and make great memories.
We finished in April and we've had some amazing nights so far and got a few more lined up over the next couple of months.
'The bar has two rules: 1. You don't need an invite and 2. Nobody gets out sober." Kev decided to covert his garage/workshop after buying his teenage kids a pool table and found there was nowhere to put it.
He said: 'I knew I wanted a 'proper pub' feel, homely and cosy like they were when I was a kid. My wife and I relax in here way more than we do in the house.'
Chris got the idea of having his own bar after seeing a surge in homemade pub sheds during the Covid pandemic. He added: 'Me and my wife Abby don't really go out much.
"Having a five-year-old child, your social life in the local boozer and town takes a massive hit.
"So we bit the bullet and bought the shed and within a month it turned up and four days after that it was built.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
Lady Iman makes light work of Molecomb task
Ger Lyons has his sights on America – and possibly York before that – after Lady Iman made a successful Goodwood raid to regain the winning thread in the HKJC World Pool Molecomb Stakes. The daughter of Starman had dazzled in her opening three outings but lost her unbeaten record to Aidan O'Brien's Beautify at the Curragh in the Airlie Stud Stakes. Reverting to five furlongs for her first taste of action on British soil, she was sent off the 11-8 favourite and Ryan Moore kept things simple, travelling smoothly in the slipstream of the early leaders before taking over in the final furlong where she was not for catching. Tim Easterby's consistent Argentine Tango gave chase in vain for an honourable second, with Kevin Ryan's early pacesetter Dickensian in third. Lyons said: 'Sweet this, because I love the filly. I ran her over six and my jockey kept telling me she should be going five. 'But as Ryan just said if she gets a low draw at Del Mar she wins, but then he also said we should head for the Nunthorpe. If that's what he says and it's what the owners want to do then we will. 'I got such a buzz out of Del Mar last year that I'd like to be going back with something special and if I'm allowed that's where I'll go with her.'
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Wednesday season 2: all of the big name stars added
Lady Gaga, Billie Piper and more have been added to the cast of Wednesday for series 2 ☠ Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Wednesday will finally dance back onto Netflix in August. The first half of the series is set to premiere next week. But who are the big names joining for season 2? It might feel like you've waited a lifetime, but Wednesday is finally about to return for its second season on Netflix. Fans have only seven days left to wait before the show is back with new episodes. Jenna Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams in the gothic style coming-of-age drama on the streaming service. The first series arrived in late 2022 and after nearly three years, the show is back. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Viewers will be welcomed back to Nevermore Academy starting next week. But who are the stars that have been added to the cast? When does Wednesday season 2 come out? Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Wednesday season 2 | Netflix The first half of the highly-anticipated series will be dancing onto our screens once again in just seven days time. In a fittingly perfect release date, part one of Wednesday series two will land on Netflix on Wednesday, August 6. The remaining four episodes will follow on September 3, which is wait for it… a Wednesday! It means that come September, you can watch the full second season, as autumn starts to approach. Who has been added to the cast for Wednesday season 2? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Addams Family in Wednesday season 2 | Netflix The show has added some serious star power for its highly anticipated second series. Returning of course, is Jenna Ortega, who plays the titular character. British TV legend Joanna Lumley is a new addition to the Addams family. She plays Grandma Hester Frump and will bring a 'different mother-daughter relationship' to Wednesday, according to Netflix . Joanna is best known for playing Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous. She also had a main role in the 2025 BBC comedy series Amandaland. A name that needs no introduction, Steve Buscemi is joining the cast of Wednesday for series 2. He will be playing Nevermore Academy's new boss - Principal Dort. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Steve Buscemi in Wednesday season 2 | HELEN SLOAN/NETFLIX Netflix viewers will have recently seen the actor in a memorable cameo role in Happy Gilmore 2. See where I ranked him among the best and worst celebrity appearances in the movie. Fresh off her shock re-appearance at the end of the most recent season of Doctor Who, Billie Piper is set to be part of the cast for Wednesday series two. She will play Nevermore's new head of music - Isadora Capri. Beyond her turn as Rose in Doctor Who in the early 2000s - and potentially as the 16th Doctor - you may have seen her in Netflix's own Scoop. She was also in the cast of Kaos on the streamer, while she was also BAFTA nominated for both seasons of I Hate Suzie. Christopher Lloyd is returning to the world of the Addams Family in Wednesday season two. Having previously played Uncle Fester in the 1990s films - he will be Professor Orloff. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lady Gaga has been added to the cast in an undisclosed role, having dabbled in TV in the past with American Horror Story. Haley Joel Osment, Frances O'Connor and Joonas Suotamo will also appear. Adding more star-power to the cast is Thandiwe Newton who plays Dr. Rachael Fairburn - the chief psychiatrist at Willow Hill Psychiatric Facility. She won an Emmy for her role as Maeve in HBO's one-time hit sci-fi series Westworld. The Princess Diary actor Heather Matarazzo will also be joining the cast of Wednesday for season two. She plays Judi - Dr Fairburn's righthand woman. Another new addition for season 2 is Noah B. Taylor who is playing Bruno in the upcoming episodes. He is the latest addition to Wednesday's wolf-pack and it marks Noah's first major acting role. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pinocchio actor Evie Templeton is another new face at Nevermore Academy. She is described as an outcast who is 'completely starstruck' by Wednesday. Owen Painter is a newcomer for series two as Slurp - a reanimated corpse with a special link to Nevermore Academy. You may have seen him in The Handmaid's Tale previously. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
The 10 most popular grass roots music venues in the UK
Is your local one of the most popular grassroots music venues in the country that's still in operation today? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The country's greatest grassroots music venues continue to champion up-and-coming artists, serving an important role in the industry's ecosystem. However, the cost of living crisis and a hesitance to leave the house post-COVID lockdowns mean that for many venues, they're no longer sustainable to operate. So take pride if you live near the 10 most popular grassroots music venues across the country - and protect them at all costs! They are essential to the music industry ecosystem; a place where smaller bands can cut their teeth while we, as music fans, won't be paying over-the-odds to see them play. For the most part, anyway. The great grassroots music venue has been the stomping grounds of many bands who would go on to trade the humble area for arena and stadium shows. But we all have to start somewhere – not everyone can walk into Wembley Stadium for a show during their formative years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Though the nightlife industry continues to be in a state of flux, these ten popular grassroots music venues are still championing up-and-coming artists while they still can. | Canva/Google Maps/YEP However, the hospitality and entertainment sector continues to face challenges from punters reluctant to go out, either due to the cost-of-living crisis or something that has carried over since COVID lockdowns. Thankfully, there are 10 that are not only still going strong, but according to Betway are still considered the most popular across the country (based on their analysis of social media and Google review data, along with Google search volume). So, what are the most popular venues that you can still visit – and help support and champion up-and-coming acts – in 2025? The 10 most popular grassroots music venues in the UK 10: Moth Club (London) Fans enjoy the best in up-and-coming musical talent at London venues Moth Club. | C Faruolo Address: Valette St, London E9 6NU This intimate East London venue, once a working men's club, has retained its vintage charm while becoming a beloved spot for indie bands, club nights, and unique live performances. Its distinctive glitter ceiling and cosy atmosphere make every show feel special. 9: Cafe OTO (London) Cafe OTO has thrived as a venue where experimental and avant-garde musicians can share their work with like-minded Londoners. | Google Maps Address: 18-22 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL Tucked away in Dalston, Cafe OTO is a haven for experimental music lovers. Known for its eclectic and adventurous programming, it champions avant-garde jazz, electronic, noise, and world music, offering a truly unique and intimate listening experience. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 8: The Barrowlands Ballroom (Glasgow) The hallowed institution is famous for it's neon star as much as it is for breaking in some of Scotland's biggest acts | GICF Address: 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G4 0TT An iconic Glasgow institution, "The Barras" is legendary for its sprung dancefloor and electric atmosphere. Revered by both artists and fans, it's famous for its vibrant neon star sign and the sweat-soaked energy that makes every gig a memorable event. 7: Band on the Wall (Manchester) Band on the Wall continues to help champion smaller artists still cutting their teeth around the North West touring circuit | Maps Address: 25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ With a rich history stretching back to the 19th century, Band on the Wall is a cornerstone of Manchester's vibrant music scene. Celebrated for its diverse programming spanning jazz, funk, soul, world music, and electronic acts, it boasts excellent acoustics and a commitment to nurturing new talent. 6: King Tut's Wah What Hut (Glasgow) King Tut's Wah Wah Hut was where Alan McGee first spotted Oasis, signing them to Creation and releasing 'Definitely Maybe' | King Tut's Wah Wah Hut Address: 272A St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5RL King Tut's is a legendary Glasgow venue famed for discovering bands before they hit the big time. With a reputation for breaking acts and an intimate, energetic setting, it remains a vital stepping stone for emerging talent and a beloved spot for fans to catch future stars 5: Brudenell Social Club (Leeds) The Brudenell Social Club manages to still retain its working men's club aesthetic alongside being a hotbed of unearthed musical talent | Steve Riding Address: 33 Queen's Rd, Burley, Leeds LS6 1NY A true gem of the Leeds music scene, the Brudenell Social Club effortlessly blends its origins as a working men's club with its status as a premier indie venue. Known for its consistent booking of diverse acts, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to live music, it's a beloved community hub. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 4: Troxy (London) The Troxy venue has been around since the 1930s, when it originally operated as a cinema. | Google Maps Address: 490 Commercial Rd, London E1 0HX Originally a grand 1930s cinema, the Troxy in East London has been magnificently repurposed into a versatile events space. It hosts everything from concerts and club nights to award ceremonies, known for its art deco grandeur and impressive capacity, offering a unique setting for larger-scale events. 3: The Cavern Club (Liverpool) Entrance to the Cavern Club at 10 Mathew Street, The Cavern Quarter | Image: Raymond Orton - Address: 10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE More than just a venue, The Cavern Club is a global music pilgrimage site. Famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, this legendary underground club on Mathew Street continues to host live music daily, preserving its iconic legacy and drawing fans from around the world to experience its hallowed atmosphere. 2: SWG3 (Glasgow) The sprawling space that SWG3 provides means that more than once performance can take place within its confines. | Google Maps Address: 100 Eastvale Pl, Glasgow G3 8QG SWG3 is Glasgow's dynamic multi-arts venue, transforming former industrial spaces into vibrant hubs for music, art, and events. With various rooms and a reputation for hosting cutting-edge electronic artists and diverse cultural happenings, it's a driving force in the city's contemporary scene. 1: Ronnie Scott's (London) The internationally renowned venue still champions up-and-coming musicians from the world of jazz and beyond for the curious in London. | Google Maps Address: 47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT An internationally renowned institution, Ronnie Scott's in Soho is synonymous with jazz excellence. Since 1959, it has hosted virtually every major jazz legend, offering an intimate and sophisticated setting for world-class performances. It remains a benchmark for live music quality and a timeless fixture on London's cultural landscape. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Have you been to any of the venues mentioned in this top ten, or do you have your additions you think should be included on this list? Let us know by leaving a comment and a reason why it's a great venue down below.
