A backyard boozer has been crowned Britain's Pub Shed of the Year after its owners invested £25,000 in creating an at-home sports bar.
Tina and Rich Hibbs' garden bar, affectionately known as Hibby's, was recognized in the annual competition, beating over 1,000 other entries. The shed is decorated with Wolverhampton Wanderers shirts and memorabilia, a Pac-Man arcade machine, and a large television.
The couple began their project in 2018 with the assistance of a friend who helped with the initial structure. The interior was subsequently completed by the Hibbs.
Initially, the shed was intended as a personal retreat for Mr. Hibbs, a retired skip company owner, to watch his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers play and display his extensive collection of team memorabilia. The space also evolved into a gathering spot for family and a safe play area for their grandchildren.
The establishment features a fully-stocked bar with lager and cider on draft, traditional pub benches and tables, and signed football shirts. A table was also donated from a local pub.
Estimates place the construction cost at £20,000, with an additional £5,000 to £10,000 spent on decorations and furnishings.
Outside, the property includes ample seating, a barbecue, and a play area, along with a brick representation of a Wolverhampton wolf. The Hibbs have hosted various events in their garden bar, including Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, and Christmas dinners.
The Pub Shed of the Year competition is organized annually by Two Fat Blokes Bar Signs and Ngage Radio. Ashley Turner, CEO of Twofb.com, noted that the quality of entries has consistently improved each year.
Mrs. Hibbs expressed surprise at winning, stating they were "gobsmacked" and had not anticipated the victory given the large number of entries. She added that the family enjoys gathering at Hibby's, and while neighbors have not complained, the shed often attracts more attention than the house itself.