What Is The Best Pub Memorabilia For A Pub Shed

Whether you have a home bar or pub shed, to get the authentic look you will want some pub memorabilia. While it is great to have real vintage pub stuff, you can also get new pub mementos that look original. But what type of pub stuff should we look out for?

The best pub memorabilia to include in a home bar or pub shed are: Vintage beer signs, pub coasters, pub mirrors, bar towels, brewery merchandise and pub advertising posters. These are some great things to look out for, but there are plenty more to add to the look of your home bar.

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What Is Pub Memorabilia?

Pub memorabilia comprises of various collectible items associated with pubs, bars, and breweries. They add character and a touch of nostalgia to a home bar or pub shed. But also reflect the essence and history of pub culture.

It all adds to the pub feel when you have real pub items that tell a story, each with its own unique background. That’s the magic pub memorabilia brings to your bar.

Whether it’s aged beer signs that speak of older times or glasses that once held pints for countless patrons. All these items transform your bar in a tradition that’s been cherished for generations.

Besides the aesthetic appeal, collecting a selection of pub memorabilia is about capturing the essence and celebration that pubs represent.

It’s not just about decorating; it’s also about embracing these items where every piece has a tale to tell.

What follows is a list of iconic pieces that are a must-have for your collection. These items will create authenticity and atmosphere to your pub shed.

Vintage Beer Signs

Getting hold of vintage beer signs is not just about decoration, they’re storytellers. Each one comes with a tale of a different era.

In pubs of the past, these signs were the beacons that drew in the weary traveler or the local looking for a pint. Today, they serve as the perfect blend of nostalgia and style for your pub shed.

There are several types to look out for:

Neon beer signs glow with a retro allure that’s hard to ignore, they reflect images of classic bar scenes.

The tin beer sign, often embossed and featuring memorable slogans and artwork. For a more rustic appeal, wooden beer signs offer a handcrafted charm that represents the old-world tavern.

Choosing something that resonates with you is a good start. Maybe it’s a sign from a brand your grandfather loved, or perhaps it’s one that represents your hometown brewery.

Whatever it is, these signs aren’t just about decor, it’s also about connection and tribute to the pubs of the past.

While real vintage beer signs might be hard to come by, but great if you can get them. There are plenty of new ones that replicate those old signs.

Also it doesn’t have to be just beer signs, there are other slogans relating to pubs you can get. I have got some music related ones, not vintage, but made to look vintage.

Collectible Beer Glasses

Collectible Beer Glasses are not just for serving; they’re a look into the past, often representing iconic breweries or marking special events.

Whether it’s a pint glass, a snifter, or a tulip, each shape is designed to enhance the beer drinking experience. But you may not want to use them, after all they are a piece of history.

Instead display them in a cabinet or on a shelf, it all adds to the decor of your bar. As well as being talking points among your guests.

Again it is great to get hold of the real thing because the history behind it. However there are some new glasses that reflect these vintage ones.

Pub Coasters

Pub Coasters are a great item to collect; they wear the logos of beers and breweries. Laid upon your bar top or tables, these simple additions are both protective and decorative.

However they will perish with time, so you may not want to actually use them. Instead decorate your bar with them, display them on a dedicated wall.

I have a growing collection that myself and friends have acquired on our travels. These are making their way around my pub door and window frames.

Vintage pub coasters are not that common now, but you do find a past collector selling them off now and again.

However there are plenty of new pub coasters available, you can even have them custom made with your own designs.

Brewery Merchandise

Brewery Merchandise is another great pub item to collect. It’s a great way to connect with the culture of your favourite ale producers.

A lucky catch if you can get some original vintage brewery items, but they are quite hard to find. However there are many breweries today that sell merchandise. So the newer stuff is easier to source.

But if it’s vintage you want, then keep an eye out on auctions sites and antique shops.

Pub Mirrors

Pub Mirrors have a dual purpose: they beautify your space while advertising beers and liquors. Often framed with ornate wood or metal, they can make a small space feel larger while paying homage to classic brands.

Think of how many beer brands and liquors there are and that will give you an idea of how many mirrors there are.

So pub mirrors are fairly easy to source, but can be expensive.

Beer Tap Handles

If you have some beer taps in your home bar or pub shed, it doesn’t matter whether they are for show or hooked up to your favourite beer. Beer tap handles are easily swapped so are great items to look out for.

Often customized and always striking, they’re more than just a tool for pouring; they’re symbols of your favourite brews.

There are plenty of these available both old and new, and you can even get them custom made for your bar.

Beer Bottle Openers

Beer Bottle Openers come in all shapes and sizes, with vintage or contemporary designs that add a twist of personality to your bar.

Mounted on the wall or displayed on countertops, they’re always within reach for the next round. While it is nice to find some vintage ones, there are so many available.

Some breweries sell them, but you can also get plenty of designs, as well as having your own custom openers.

Use them or collect them and display them, they are a great item to look out for.

Beer Steins

Beer Steins, with their intricate designs and solid build, offer a nod to beer’s heritage. They function as both drinking vessels and striking shelf displays.

Or hang them by their handles on hooks across the top of your bar. They will add to the decor and feel of your home bar or pub shed.

Old or new, beer steins are pretty easy to find, so keep your eyes peeled.

Pub Advertising Posters

Pub Advertising Posters capture the art and slogans of the drink trade. They are a great addition to a bar with vibrant graphics and sometimes funny messages.

They tell the story of beer’s role in society and can transform a bar wall into a gallery of humorous and historical reference points.

There are plenty available old and new, so easy to source and vary in price. You can also get music, film and sport related posters too, which also have their place in a bar, especially if you have a themed bar.

Bar Towels

These days we have different size bar runners, which are a great item to have on your bar top. Plus they are more efficient than the old bat towels of pub days gone by.

Old Bar Towels, are often overlooked, and are steeped in history and charm. They might not be as practical as those we can get today, but they make great items of decor.

Pick up some featuring your preferred beer logos to hang on your bar walls. An item that are still fairly easy to get because it is not so long ago they were still being used in most pubs across the land.

My sons friend Lewis recently found some in his attic and kindly sent them to me. They now hang on the wall and look great. One is Skol and the other Manns.

The Hunt for Authentic Pub Memorabilia

There’s a real thrill in tracking down these items, each with its own backstory that adds to the personal story of your bar. However where can you find these items, old or new.

Start by scouring secondhand shops, estate sales, and flea markets in your area. These places are often goldmines for vintage items, and the hunt itself is a whole lot of fun.

You might stumble upon a neon beer sign that once beckoned patrons into a speakeasy or a set of beer glasses etched with a long-forgotten brewery’s logo.

If you prefer the comfort of your own home, search online marketplaces and auctions. Platforms like eBay or Etsy are full of sellers specializing in pub memorabilia. There, you can find almost anything, from beer tap handles to antique beer steins.

Don’t forget direct purchases from breweries. Many breweries offer their own line of merchandise which can include unique beer glasses, bar runners, or exclusive beer tap handles. These items won’t have the patina of age, but they often carry a modern twist on classic designs.

Lastly, networking with local pub owners can provide an inside track to one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

Many pubs renovate or update their branding from time to time, which means they might be willing to part with some pieces.

Antique fairs and collectible shows are also worth a visit. They typically host vendors who deal with vintage collectibles, giving you a chance to inspect items up close and negotiate prices.

These are my top pub memorabilia items, ones that I have sourced myself and added to my own pub shed. However there are plenty of other things to consider and collect for your own home bar or pub shed.

More Pub Memorabilia

Collecting and displaying pub memorabilia in your bar is a fun thing to do and adds a real pub like feel to it. However you can collect anything of your choice to display in your bar.

You may theme your bar on your favourite football team, in which case you will want to add plenty of football memorabilia of your team.

Sports, film and music are all great themes, but what about your local history, this makes for a good theme and also some great memorabilia.

But if pub stuff is your thing then here are a few more items to consider in your pub memorabilia collection.

Beer Bottles And Cans

One of the easiest items to collect and decorate your bar with is beer bottles and cans. I review beers, so I keep the beer bottles and cans for displaying on shelves.

The good thing is that you can easily replace these if you try many different beers. If you only drink one brand, then you won’t have many options.

But like I say these items are one of the easiest to collect and add to your bar.

Pub Ash Trays

Once upon a time, people use to smoke in pubs, and you would find an ash tray on every table as well as a few on the bar.

Those days are over and these items have become collectable. You don’t have to be a smoker, these are items that carry a history and make for good display items.

They are still fairly easy to source too, many come up on auction sites all the time.

Wall Clocks

Okay wall clocks are not something you want to collect on mass, no one wants there bar walls covered in clocks.

However there are many clocks that relate to pubs, or the theme that your bar follows. So choosing a clock which has your favourite beer, or brand on will add to the overall look of your bar, all while serving a practical purpose too.

Serving Trays

Do you remember those trays a bartender would give you when you had more than two drinks to carry back to a table.

Many times they would have a beer brand on them, and many of these trays are still around, so keep an eye out.

You can get new trays with beer brands on, but they are not as common as they once were.

Beer Garden Umbrella

If you have a beer garden outside your pub shed, then what about a beer umbrella. You can still find vintage ones with beer brands on. And nothing has changed, because there are plenty of new designs around too.

They make for a good sun shade as well as looking the part if you have a table and chairs outside your pub shed.

A couple more items that come to mind are Toby Jugs and Horse Brasses. You will find both in many old style pubs, so they are an item you will find in pubs.

These are very collectable and easy to source, so if you like a toby jug or horse brass add a few to your home bar.

Also you can collect and display liquor miniatures, flags and world currency in notes too. The list is pretty much endless, so get collecting.

Raising a Glass to Your Own Pub Shed History

In my opinion, building a pub shed isn’t just about creating a space to kick back and enjoy a pint, it’s also about crafting it to your own personality.

Every piece of pub memorabilia tells a part of a story – your story and the broader story of pub culture. As you build your collection, you’re not just gathering objects. You could be preserving history, as well as creating an atmosphere that’s uniquely yours.

A pub shed is an ever-evolving project. Your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last, and you can always adjust your approach down the road.

Why not invite your friends to be a part of this authentic experience? Encourage them to bring a piece of memorabilia that resonates with them.

This way, your pub shed becomes a collective memory bank, holding stories of you and those closest to you.

And finally, whether you’re sipping a local ale surrounded by antique tap handles or raising a beer stein under a vintage sign, know that your pub shed is more than just a space.

It’s a sanctuary for friendship, a gallery of craftsmanship, and a living monument to the legacy of good times shared.

What do you collect and display in your home bar or pub shed? Share your thoughts below and let me know your favourite pub memorabilia.