Shed of the year 2024, Sponsored by 
"The Pickled Newt" is a recycled, up-cycled, hand- crafted summerhouse-shed combo that celebrates all things "Pub." It has been uniquely created to meet our desire for a cosy, friendly and "different" place to relax from work, family, disability, animal care and the general stresses of life.
It sits next to a newt-friendly wildlife pond, with views of the animals that live on our smallholding, some of whom enjoy to "visit" with their dirty feet! A hand-built bar with pumps,trays and accessories sits in the shed end, with optics, games, breweriana and a variety of glassware that have been loving collected and restored over many years, just waiting for a special place to be fully appreciated!
The "Lizard Lounge" has wall benches with home made cushions, table and is fully carpeted. Music, tv, darts, dominoes, cards and other games keep us entertained! Outside, we have a balconied "pavilion" area with solar lights throughout, cooking facilites, hand-crafted benches and an emergency rain cover for inclement weather! This joins seamlessly to the "loo with a view" - our fully functioning composting-toilet with (nearly) all mod-cons, a few more bottle displays of beer we have enjoyed and a connection to the music system so nobody will hear you "go!" A picnic bench with parasol completes the "beer garden" enclosed with screens and newly-planted native hedging. This collection of spaces means we can enjoy all that the British weather throws at us, keep an eye on the animals and spend time relaxing away from it all. The Pickled Newt is an expression of our way of life - peaceful, stylish, unique and abit different,with plenty of fun, drink and good times with our loved ones!
An existing summerhouse has been adapted for disabled access and comfort with an added extension to house the bar, fridge and space for home brew kegs. The outside space has been tranformed to inlcude a covered and well-lit seating area, a toilet and handwashing facilities and a secluded outside seating area. It has taken three of us a short while to "make it how we want it" with a division of labour to design, build, paint, carpet, re-wire, decorate and tidy up! The majority of the materials and contents are at least second-hand, many were free, donated or bargain buys, and the overall cost has been minimal. The majority of the lighting is now solar powered and we are always looking at ways to keep it sustainable and eco-friendly. I can't wait to plant veggies in the window boxes in the summer!
