Hastings man through to final of national shed competition

Patrick Seaman, 53, is one of three on the shortlist in the 'budget' category at the 2020 Cuprinol Shed of the Year.

The pub shed, named The Dragon’s Rest was built in homage to Patrick's late father, Mike.

Patrick said: “The idea of creating a pub shed with a flap down bar came to me one day during a family dinner.

"I had help from time to time from my son, Finn, and my wife, Hattie. Hattie was the interior designer and decorator, and even painted the Dragon’s Rest sign on the front of the shed. We all built and styled the pub garden area together.

"My dad would have loved to enjoy a few ales at The Dragon’s Rest, so the shed means an awful lot to me.

“Since Lockdown, we have dined there, enjoyed evening drinks and entertained friends. As a family, we have never spent so much time in the garden.”

The competition sees 27 competitors battling for the crown across nine categories. A winner from each will be decided by public vote, then an overall winner will be crowned by a panel of shed experts with a giant golden crown for the winning shed.

Alongside eternal shed glory, the overall winner will also receive £1,000, a plaque and £100 of Cuprinol products.

Head judge and founder of the competition Andrew Wilcox said: “More than ever, the events of recent months have shown us what a valuable role sheds can play in our lives.

“They are spaces where we can help our NHS heroes, educate our children and care for our family.

“They highlight all that is great about Britain - our ingenuity, our eccentricity and our determination to help others.”

Last year’s Cuprinol Shed Of The Year was won by Chris Shield of Buxton, Derbyshire, whose Hobbit-inspired hideaway was described by Andrew Wilcox as 'brilliantly creative'.

Public voting is now underway for the 14th annual competition and will close on Sunday (August 9).

Cast your vote at www.readersheds.co.uk