Man caves are evolving to become backyard social hubs — and pubs
Have you ever dreamed of building your own pub in the backyard? Many people have, and they are becoming more popular.
Toby Chester has transformed a simple home shed in his Cairns backyard into a replica English pub called the Cane and Council. This backyard pub, complete with leather couches, Union Jack cushions, and a dartboard, serves as a social hub for his family and friends. The idea for the pub emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when people started designing home spaces and sharing them on social media.
Toby saw YouTube videos of English homeowners building pub sheds in their backyards and convinced his wife, Karen, to convert their unused shed into a pub. The project also provided a second living area for their mother-in-law to move into their home.
Psychologist and Relationships Australia chief executive Elisabeth Shaw noted that many individuals invested in home renovations during COVID to create personalized spaces for work and comfort. As the cost of living increased, people began to rethink how they socialized and sought alternative ways to meet friends without large crowds.
The Chesters wanted to give their English pub a unique name, and Karen came up with "Cane and Council." The name pays homage to Toby's father-in-law, a cane farmer and councillor, and his own background in council roles. A graphic artist designed the authentic-looking logo for the pub, and Toby's close friends even received their own keys to access the space.
The Chesters are not the only ones who have embraced the trend of converting sheds into backyard social hubs. Amy Chester and her husband, Phil Young, also built a custom-built social hub in their own backyard. They converted an old stables area into a modern speak-easy-style bar called The Stables. The building features original red bricks, a custom-designed glass bar, double couches, and large television screens.
Amy created a signature cocktail, the Pink Pony Club, to complement the horse theme. The Stables has become a popular hangout spot for friends visiting the area, and the Youngs have even developed it into a secondary lounge room during the week.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
