Watford FC fan builds epic Hornets pub in garden near Luton

Mark Lancaster, 53, created the yellow and black masterpiece himself in Bedford – kitting it out with club memorabilia, a bar, fruit machine, dart board and TV.

“Most people can’t believe it when they see it – they’re sort of a bit shocked in a good way,” he said. “They can’t believe it feels like a bar. I’ve had mixed comments about the Watford connection!”

The father-of-three has filled every inch of the five metre by four metre internal space, with an electric fireplace and sofa fitting in nicely.

There is also a retro-style games machine, countless framed pictures and plenty of snacks and drinks to keep the punters (mainly his family) happy.

The Hornet's Nest garden pub. (Image: Tuin)

The Hornet's Nest garden pub. (Image: Tuin)

Mark, who works as a contract manager for Urbaser, decided to have a crack at the project after being inspired by his brother-in-law’s pop-up garden bar. But the Watford angle spawned from his love for the club.

He said: “I’ve been a Watford fan since I was eight years old, used to be taken to the games by my aunt and uncle, still go – though not as regularly as I’d like to.

“I held a season ticket for a number of years in the past, and intend to get a season ticket again once my son has passed the age of 18.”

The Hornet's Nest garden pub. (Image: Tuin)

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The Hornet's Nest garden pub. (Image: Tuin)

Mark stayed tight-lipped on the final cost – but revealed it topped £10,000.

Most of the materials came from log cabin supplier Tuin, while he also got paving stones laid outside and some help with the electrics.

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The Hornet's Nest garden pub was built from scratch. (Image: Mark Lancaster)

The Hornet's Nest garden pub. (Image: Tuin)

The Hornet's Nest garden pub. (Image: Tuin)