When a top official from Barbados heard about a quirky tribute to his country nestling in the Kent countryside he had to pay a visit.

His Excellency Guy Hewitt left his official residence in London at the weekend and swept onto the drive of Nick and Debbie Siminson’s home in his limo to view – and sample – a smaller version of their favourite bar on the Caribbean paradise island.

Retired insurance broker Nick, 59, established the bar – christened Rum Corner – at their home in Conyer and entered it for Channel 4’s Shed of the Year competition.

He spent more than two months building the shack using various materials with friends donating some of the colourful fittings inside.

Pals of Nick and his teacher wife have spent many an evening partying at the bar in the corner of their large garden at their house – a former chapel – of 32 years.

The couple have a holiday apartment in Barbados and have made more than 25 visits since 1989. They are so highly regarded there they were given a special official welcome on a recent visit.

Mr Hewitt arrived on Saturday with his small entourage, including Euclid Goodman, Minister/Counsellor at the High Commission, and his son Dominic, in glorious weather more akin to that of his own country.

They entered the garden to the mellow strains of music from the YMS Steel Band from Canterbury before inspecting the bar and sampling some of the rums on offer. High Commissioner Mr Hewitt, who studied theology at Kent University in Canterbury about 12 years ago, heard about the bar from a mutual friend of the couple.

“This is superb,” he exclaimed. “It is very authentic and there is a good balance of Bajan rum.

“I really wanted to see the bar to say thanks to Nick and Deb for their love of Barbados.

“Much of my role involves dealing with challenging matters such as getting a new trade agreement with the UK after Brexit, so it is great to get out of London for something as joyful as this.”

Nick said: “We were absolutely stunned when we heard such an important official wanted to come and visit our little bar. We are very humbled.

“We had a special plaque made which Guy did us the honour of unveiling and officially naming Rum Corner for us. We found him very down to earth as he mingled with our friends, making it a truly memorable day.

“He expressed the wish to return and we will be pleased to welcome him here again.”