Man turns garden sheds into Irish pub-themed bar in tribute to 90-year-old dad

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A pub in a man's garden is in the running to be named the world's best backyard boozer. Len Lavelle created 'Bucko's Bar' from two sheds at the bottom of his garden.

The bar, modelled on the snug of an Irish pub, features over 300 beer mats on the celling and seats from an Irish club that closed down. Len says he hand-built the bar in tribute to his 90-year-old father, who calls everyone 'Bucko'.

The bar has now been shortlisted as one of five UK finalists in the International Backyard Bar Awards, with five also selected from across the USA. Len, from Heald Green, near Cheshire, said: "My dad used to take us to Ireland on holiday every year when we were kids in the 70s and we would end up sitting in an old Irish bar.

“My dad is now 90, so I wanted to recreate that scene so my sons could enjoy it too," said Len, adding: "We scoured online sites and car boot sales everywhere to find all the old stuff to put in it.

"I got the seats from an old club that was closing down, an old electric fireplace, an old cd jukebox, 300 beer mats for the roof, an old door used as a picture frame and loads of little odds and ends to make it feel like a proper 70s vintage Irish snug."

Len's family at 'Bucko's Bar'
Len's family at 'Bucko's Bar'

The other UK entries include Lionesses' Den in Kent, Rock Horror Bar in the West Midlands, Luker’s Own Junkyard in East London, and Siren’s Call in Devon, which will now go head-to-head with Bucko’s Bar before one UK winner is decided.

Len added: “I built the bar five years ago, and probably the best night was the first day I revealed it to my dad. He thought he was just coming round to have a few drinks in the garden, I sent him down to the shed to get a brush, and when he opened the door, he was completely shocked.

“The bar is all based on family memories, and it is one-of-a-kind. You would not know it was there, it just looks like a normal shed from the outside, but once inside it is like a Tardis. It is special to me, as I built every inch myself, it was a labour of love, and it has a 'Holy Corner' where we raise a glass to celebrate the lives of family members who have passed on.”

Five bars from across the USA have also been shortlisted, including Sadie’s Haus in Mississippi, The Cabana in Oregon, The Plastered Pelican in Richmond, Lago Bar in Virginia and Swampy’s Bar n Grill in Pennsylvania will also go head-to-head before one US winner is decided.

The two winners will then go head-to-head for the title of the International Backyard Bar Awards on October 4, organised by brewing tech firm Pinter. All shortlisted entrants receive a Pinter bundle, while the respective US and UK winners will receive a trophy, a Pinter brewing pack and an Ooni Pizza Oven.

The overall international winner will then receive a $10,000 cash prize plus four Pinter machines to give to friends, merch from breweries including Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Signature Brew and Sycamore Brewery. The winner will also receive the opportunity to design, name, and brew their own beer with Pinter.

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