Shed of the year 2024, Sponsored by 
The Lockdown is an incredible pubshed born out of lockdown. At home in pub/entertaining category as well as lockdown. From its early plans through to its final completion it has proved to be a place in the hearts of all involved. It got to the point my wife and I had to book it in advance to host our friends for an evening of beer or gin. The landscape works around it have really grounded it in its setting and as well as a fabulous pub (and fully functional shed!) it is an alfresco dining, drinking and sunbathing retreat. We had no idea what it would turn out looking like and the build developed as we went along. I have included as much detail as possible in the section below snd photos along the way. As well as those quiet nights away from the family, entertaining friends or impromptu lock-ins post nights out, The Lockdown has also hosted Euro 2020, six nations and strictly come dancing nights. With up to 10 catered for in comfort (when restrictions have allowed!). It’s a special place.
We were converting the house next door from an old derelict medical centre to the home we live in now. As a previous business premises it had a large car park to the rear and I was discussing with my friend Steve, who had been helping with the conversion, about what to do with a particular section. The debate was dug it up, soil it and plant shrubs, versus use as a hardstanding for a shed. I had always fancied a bolt hole down the bottom of the garden so I mooted the idea of a pubshed and it caught both our imaginations. Later that evening a rough plan had been drawn up on the back of a fag packet (attached) and after the addition of an integrated 8’ x 4’ storage space. This ‘fully functional’ shed got the go ahead from my wife and we embarked on a journey that exceeded all our expectations. During lockdown it also provided focus and purpose for those who volunteered or worked on it. The result was an entirely bespoke, high quality pubshed built from recycled materials from the house conversion, high quality eBay bargains and building materials magpied from any supplier we could during the height of lockdown. The fantastic double doors are the original 1840 patio doors from the house, and the actual shed has the original back door. The fireplace was built from original bricks from a demolished outbuilding and a hearth discovered under the carpet in an upstairs bedroom. The mantle is even an upcycled oak fence post. Wherever we could we used materials from site including blue bricks, pavers and left over materials purchased for the conversion. EBay bargains included the double glazed sash windows, pine floorboards and the cedar cladding. These purchases were the point where we realised this was going to be very special. In for a penny and in for a pound, full insulation, 22mm OSB structure and a slate roof were invested in. The result a beautiful building that wouldn’t look out of place in a forest or rural setting. The interior proved as interesting and fulfilling as the building itself. Recycled kitchen units and worktop were followed by the DEFRA approved Woodburner bargain and numerous pictures and memorabilia donated by enthusiastic friends. Finding furniture on eBay filled many a night and the result is reclaimed and vintage pieces that look totally in keeping with the vibe of ‘The Lockdown’. The sowing machine chess table, upcycled card table and dart board particular highlights that can keep activities less focused on the beer! We even used Cuprinol urban slate to paint the feature walls and porch posts. It’s been a labour of love that has caught many imaginations along the way. I feel I owe it to those involved in any small way to enter it for shed of the year, because so many friends say it’s the best shed they have ever seen. I’m lucky enough to have it in my garden, but it’s been appreciated by so many others along the way.
