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Alfresco dining is possible all year round, even in the UK! You just need to know how to create the ideal socialising or relaxing space for you, your friends and your family, which means you will save on pub prices and choose the opening hours. We will offer you eight exciting garden bar ideas to keep you at home this year. Read on to learn more about our outdoor bar selection and garden bar ideas.
Introducing garden bars
Garden bars are all the rage! During the pandemic, socialising at home became the norm, and it has become popular as a fantastic alternative to going out. Now, you can enjoy a drink without mingling with strangers you are not fond of. The pub or cocktail bar experience is right in your back garden or outdoor space.
You can recreate the bar from cocktail or design your version of a gastropub, without the hassle of paying the tab at the end! Do you want to play music? Your playlist is always available on the integrated sound system. If you love movies or sports, your bar can reflect your passions and interests, and what’s more, no one can stop you.
All in all, a garden bar in your garden room is a winning formula!
8 exciting garden bar ideas
From a cocktail bar to a games room there are many garden bar ideas. Which one is best for you will depend on your available space, needs and budget. Below we list eight of the best ideas to consider for your garden setting.
1) Cocktail bar
Cocktail bars in the UK have a fascinating history that dates to the late 19th century. The cocktail, or the "mixed drinks", began to take shape in Victorian Britain, with the first notable cocktail bar opening in 1851 by Alexis Soyer during the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London. Soyer's bar offered a variety of drinks and showcased the early enthusiasm for sophisticated beverages. You, too, can create a cocktail bar in your garden with our outdoor bar ideas by investing in the Forest 6’x3’ Shiplap Pressure Treated Garden Bar.
2) Gastropub simulation
The gastropub concept emerged in the UK in the early 1990s. The term ‘gastropub’ combines ‘gastronomy ‘and ‘pub,’ reflecting a focus on high-quality food in an upbeat pub setting. David Eyre and Mike Belben pioneered this idea when they took over The Eagle Pub in Clerkenwell, London 1991. More than thirty years later, gastropubs can have an undeservedly poor reputation and the term ‘gastropub is used in a derogatory fashion. To turn the tide and create your own garden bar in your garden (food optional), buy the Palmako Kira Premium Extra-Large Garden Bar.
3) Integrated sound system
If you love music, an integrated sound system can bring the bar vibe right into your garden. Products from Sonos, Audio Pro, as well as the Apple HomePod 2 let you connect your Spotify or iTunes playlist to every room in your home, including your garden. Installing one of our larger garden bars, like the Palmako 10’x8’ Stella Premium Large Garden Bar, and having an electrician power it up makes the possibilities for at-home entertainment endless.
4) Movie bar theme
If you love Casablanca, Cheers, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Friends, you can have your own version of Ricks Café American, Cheers Bar, Paddy's Pub or Central Perk. While you might lack the central characters, by adding a Forest 6’x4’ Shiplap Garden Bar, you are halfway there. The rest, including the décor and the soundtrack, is up to you. All that is left to say is ‘In all the bars in all the world, you had to walk into my garden’.
5) Sports bar theme
Sports bars are a tradition shared by the UK and the US. We love sports bars and 24-hour sports on the TV, what is not to love? You can create your own sports bar in one of our super log cabins. With our garden bar seating ideas, you can watch as much football, Wrestling, darts, cricket, NFL or NBA as you like without anyone complaining. Every sports fan needs their own space, and this is it.
6) Traditional British pub
A traditional pub always has a garden. You can recreate a traditional British pub in your garden by adding the Palmako Stella Premium Extra Large Garden Bar to your outdoor living space. Imagine the excitement of a dart board, the fun of a pool table and the nostalgia of a jukebox, all in your back garden, or outdoor space.
Whether hosting a summer BBQ, a cosy winter gathering, or just enjoying a quiet evening, you will have the best traditional British pub atmosphere in your garden, no matter where you are in the UK. Do not forget to add enough garden bar seating ideas. Cheers to creating unforgettable memories in your very own pub garden!
7) With a hot tub
Create a spa room to accommodate your hot tub, keeping the area around it cosy and away from prying eyes. We recommend the Forest Timberdale Tongue and Groove Double Door Apex Shed with Log Store as the ideal garden spa. The double doors open to reveal your garden from your tub. Add garden seating to the log store area to act as a changing room, include heating, and enhance the ambience with lighting, some aromatic candles, or a glorious fire pit.
Consider adding lush plants for a touch of nature and privacy screens for extra seclusion. With these additions, you will have a perfect, serene retreat right in your back garden, offering relaxation and comfort all year round. Enjoy your personal spa oasis!
8) With a games room
If you have teenagers or family members who are young at heart, then a garden games room is a must. Our garden bar ideas include versatile garden rooms that adapt to your needs. By day, your garden room can serve as a productive work-from-home space; by night, it can transform into a lively games den for teenagers.
The entire space can quickly become a party room with a bar for any occasion. All you need are guests, some delicious food, and cocktails, and you have the best party venue in town with no Uber required!
The importance of adding outdoor heating and insulation
We might be excited about the prospect of alfresco dining, but we are not unrealistic. The weather in the UK can be more than challenging and could turn your occasion into a catastrophe. However, if you prepare correctly with outdoor heating, decking and enough overhead weatherproof awnings or canopies, you can ensure the wind and rain will not dampen your style. People love a garden party and are happy outside if you set the scene. Keep your guests warm and dry, fed and watered, and the chances are they will not want to leave (even if you want them to).
Outdoor bar ideas frequently asked questions
You can create your own garden bar, but it is important to follow a few tips, regulations and hints to achieve the perfect blend of practicality and fun.
1) Do you need permission to build a bar in your garden?
Building a bar in your garden or outside space can be a fantastic addition, but you might wonder if you need permission. Generally, garden buildings like bars are considered permitted development, meaning you do not need planning permission if they meet certain criteria.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Coverage - additions or other buildings should cover no more than half the area of land around the original house
- Height - it should be a single-story with a maximum eaves’ height of 2.5 meters and an overall height of 4 meters if it has a dual-pitched roof or 3 meters for any other roof
- Location - the bar should not be in front of your house or in your front garden
- Proximity - if it is within 2 meters of your property boundary, the maximum height should be 2.5 meters
- Special areas - in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or close to World Heritage Sites, the maximum area covered by buildings over 20 meters from the house is limited to 10 square meters
Always check with your local council’s planning authority to make sure you comply with any specific regulations in your area.
2) What accessory options are there for my garden bar?
The great news is that there are so many fabulous accessories for your garden bar. You can buy the following to ensure your garden bar has everything it needs to create the perfect outdoor living scenario:
- Fire pit or fire bowls
- Garden arches with seats or stools
- Garden external lighting
- Garden storage
- Garden tables and garden chairs
- Modular seating options
- Planters and garden section planters
- Wooden gazebos
If you want to extend your living space without engaging in costly building work, you can do this quickly and easily with our selection of garden products and outdoor bar ideas. Read more in our blog titled “The Best Patio Table, Chairs and Sets for Alfresco Dining" or “Buying the Best Solar Lights: A Sustainable Outdoor Lighting Guide”.
Before you know it, we will be in BBQ season, so do not wait for the weather to turn. Get yourself an outdoor lifestyle that does not take you too far away from home.
3) Is it sensible to create your own garden bar?
Yes! It is a great idea to create your garden bar. Is it sensible? We cannot answer that question, but if saving money and never uttering the phrase ‘I could have made that better at home’ when handing over vast amounts of money for a mediocre meal sounds appealing, then yes, you are on to a winner.
Plus, using our outdoor bar ideas to create a unique space for entertaining and making memories in your garden is priceless; add the garden bar seating ideas for a comfortable personalised touch, and you have cracked the elevated entertaining formula. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start building your perfect garden bar!
Final thoughts
Garden bar ideas are a great way to turn your garden area into a relaxation and entertainment haven. Whether you have a small corner or a big lawn, there is a design available for every style, budget and taste. From sleek cocktail bars to sheds repurposed into mini pubs, the options are endless. With clever outdoor bar ideas, you can have a space that is as practical as it is pretty and can be used by your family and friends all year round.
Add personal touches like garden bar signs or a custom lighting setup to make your bar stand out. Whether you are seeking a classic or modern look, combine elements like string lights, a sound system and comfy seating and you will be onto a winner. When you create your own garden bar it becomes more than just a structure, it is a space where memories are made, and life is lived. Do not forget to think about garden bar seating ideas so your guests can relax and soak up the atmosphere, in comfort!
Contact us
Whether you are inspired by the garden bar ideas above or are keen to plan your dream garden bar, Shedstore is here to help make it happen. From selecting the perfect garden building to enhancing it with outdoor lighting, comfortable seating, and unique garden bar signs, our expert team is ready to guide you. Whatever your vision, we aim to provide the right solutions to suit your style, space and budget.
Our contact details are:
• Calls - call us at 0333 003 0518
• Emails - our contact form enables you to send emails
• Live chat – instant messages can be sent through our Live Chat feature. Text chat with our team live by clicking the green button at the bottom left corner of the page