EURO 2024 is well underway and the knockout rounds are rapidly approaching as the final group games conclude over the coming days.
England take on Slovenia at 8pm this evening at the RheinEnergieStadion, in Cologne and fans across Germany and at home will be cheering on the Three Lions as the Euros enters its crucial stage.
Many of those away from the hubbub on the continent will be supporting Gareth Southgate’s men in pubs but plenty have built their own garden bars in recent years, to enjoy sport from the comfort of their homes.
The term “garden bars” has received 324,200 Google searches in the last 12 months, as Brits try to save on rising costs.
One of those is Sean, from Bradford, who has built a £20,000 multi-use log cabin that has come in handy for the Euros, and the Telegraph & Argus has taken a look inside thanks to garden-building specialists, Tiger, who have spoken to enthusiasts across the country.
Sean said: “It’s great being able to get out of the house without going too far when you don’t fancy going to the pub, with no expensive drinking and having a space where I can enjoy a few drinks and watch the football with friends.
“Finding a seat in the local can be difficult when the Euros are on, so we always enjoy watching big events in our garden.
“I love to have everyone round for the football and I’m a big darts fan too, so we also watch that.
“Sometimes the kids even have film nights in there!”
The log cabin features a large TV, seating, a bar-style area with a hefty fridge underneath, speakers, a darts board for Sean’s weekly dart nights, and Lego Star Wars builds that act as ornaments.
There’s even some signed memorabilia – including a football and two retro Bradford City shirts.
The outside pad is geared up for the Euros, with bunting featuring the competing nations hung inside the cabin, alongside a large England flag standing proud on one wall and England bunting outside.
It has everything you need and the cabin also doubles up as a place for Sean to work at home.
Sean said: “Our garden bar is great for keeping the noise and mess out of the house. Everybody loves it!
“It's a great space to get together and socialise where friends and family can make themselves at home.
“Friends bring their own drinks, so it makes it much cheaper for everyone, rather than going to the pub all the time.
“Although it’s a big initial expense, we’ve found the time and money saved from fewer trips to the pub will eventually pay it off.
“With all the fun we have and the memories we’ve made in the garden bar, the space is truly priceless.
“A few friends have even bought one themselves after seeing ours!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel