If your ideal night out includes staying in the garden, it might be time to build your bar. Whether you're drinking pints with friends, lemonade with the kids or enjoying quiet cocktails an outdoor bar adds fun and function to your space. Here's how to plan, build, and enjoy it without overcomplicating things.
Planning Your Garden Bar
Before you start building, take a moment to plan the essentials, this helps you avoid surprises and get the most out of your space.
1. Choose your location
Look at your garden and ask:
- Is the area flat and accessible from the house?
- Will you need protection from wind or rain?
- Is there access to power, or will you use battery/solar lighting?
Even a small patio or corner can become the perfect pub.
2. Set a Budget
Break your budget down into:
- Structure: shed, bar kit, or custom build
- Furniture: seating, tables, or stools
- Shelter: gazebo, pergola, or parasol
- Lighting and accessories: solar lights, signage, storage
- Optional extras: mini fridge, heating, or a sound system
Start with the essentials, then add the extras as needed.
3. Check Permissions & Practicalities
Most garden bars don’t need planning permission, but keep in mind:
- Adding electrics or plumbing may require professional sign-off
- Tall structures or those near boundaries can cause neighbour issues
- Selling alcohol requires a licence
For more details, see the Planning Portal: Outbuildings Guidance.
Garden Bar Style Inspiration
Explore these creative bar style ideas, from classic pub vibes to beach-bar fun, to help you design a space that suits your personality, whether you want a lively spot for entertaining or a peaceful retreat.
1. Traditional British Pub Style
- Timber cladding or exposed brick
- Hanging baskets or wall-mounted taps
- Chalkboard menu board
- Warm, ambient lighting
2. Modern Minimalist Bar
- Clean lines and neutral colours
- Metal and wood finishes
- Hidden storage
- Uncluttered counters and simple decor
3. Tiki or Beach Bar
- Bamboo or thatched roofing
- Rope or rattan accents
- Bold, bright cushions
- Neon signs or string lights
4. Sports Bar Setup
- Weatherproof TV mount or projector screen
- Fridge stocked with cold drinks
- High stools and relaxed seating
- A bottle opener fixed to the wall
5. Rustic and Vintage
- Upcycled wood and reclaimed worktops
- Old pub stools or vintage crates
- Tin signs and Edison bulb lighting
DIY or Professional Build
Choosing between a DIY build and hiring a professional depends on your skills, budget, and the complexity of your garden bar. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| DIY | Professional Build | |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher cost, but cleaner finish |
| Skill level | Basic woodwork skills needed | Any complexity catered for |
| Best for | Simple structures and bar kits | Electrics, plumbing, or large builds |
| Time | Weekends and evenings | Faster with the right trades |
| Flexibility | Build at your own pace | Work to a fixed schedule |
For a straightforward DIY starting point, the Zest Garden Bar and 2 Stool Set comes ready to assemble and doesn't require any specialist skills. If you're planning something more involved with electrics or plumbing, think about bringing in the professionals.
Features and Finishing Touches
From comfy seating to clever lighting, here's how to outfit your garden bar with all the extras that make it work and feel right.
- Bar top: a flat surface for mixing drinks, serving food, or just resting a glass makes a real difference to how usable the space is. Reclaimed wood, laminate, or tiled surfaces are all popular choices and easy to wipe down.
- Refrigeration: a cool box will keep drinks chilled or for a bar that gets regular use consider installing a mini fridge.
- Storage: you don't want to keep running inside for glasses, so plan for lockable storage, built-in shelves, or pull-out drawers.
- Seating: every garden bar needs somewhere to sit or lean. Tall stools work well at a counter, while dining sets suit garden parties and soft seating or loungers are better for relaxed drinks. The Charles Taylor Deluxe Alfresco Bar Set adds comfort without the faff, or for something more sociable, the Forest Garden Sleeper Pew Bench fits easily into any layout.
- Lighting: good outdoor lighting turns a garden bar into something magical, especially once the sun goes down. String lights are easy and decorative, solar wall lights are low-effort and long-lasting, and LED strips work well tucked under shelves or counters. Feature lighting, such as signs or themed lamps, adds personality and makes a great talking point.
- Weather cover: even in summer, rain happens, and you'll thank yourself later for adding cover. A gazebo or pergola gives you space to host whatever the weather, and some come with built-in lighting for the evenings.
- Power supply: worth thinking about early on if you want lighting, speakers, a fridge, or water heating, as retrofitting an outdoor socket is more disruptive once the bar is built.
Entertainment & Extras
Want to go beyond the basics? Here are the fun extras that turn a good garden bar into your favourite place to hang out.
- Bluetooth speakers: music sets the tone and a good outdoor speaker is one of the easiest additions to make.
- Games: table football, a dartboard or outdoor games give everyone another reason to stay outside. Protect board games by storing them in a weatherproof box.
- Snack station: a dedicated area for nibbles and snacks means nobody has to head indoors mid-session.
- Cooking area: integrating a BBQ, pizza oven, or prep counter alongside the bar creates a space that works just as well for cooking and entertaining as it does for drinks. See our outdoor kitchen ideas for inspiration.
- Fire pit: a fire pit brings everyone together when the temperature drops and extends how late you stay outside.
- Hot tub: a hot tub turns your garden bar into a full-on retreat. Visit the Jacuzzi Hot Tub Centre at Bents for expert advice.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keep your garden bar looking sharp and ready to use with these simple upkeep tips for every season.
Day-to-Day Care
Keep your bar prepared for action by:
- Wiping down surfaces
- Storing soft cushions inside
- Checking woodwork for signs of wear
Read Bent's complete guide: How to Clean Garden Furniture.
Seasonal Checks
Before winter:
- Cover or pack away bar equipment
- Drain taps or pipes
- Reseal or treat wood as needed
Build Yours Your Way
Garden bars don't need to be big or expensive. You can accomplish a great deal with creativity and the right tools. Whether it's a corner bar for two or a summer-long social spot, the best one is the one you use.
Visit Bents Garden & Home for help with kits, accessories, outdoor furniture, and everything you need to bring your garden bar idea to life.
FAQs
What materials are best for a garden bar?
The best materials for a garden bar depend on the look you want and how much maintenance you're happy to do. Timber gives a classic pub feel but needs treating regularly to stay in good condition. Composite decking materials and powder-coated metal are both more weather-resistant and easier to maintain over time.
How can I make a garden bar feel cosy?
Making a garden bar feel cosy comes down to lighting, seating, and shelter. Warm string lights or LED strips, comfortable seating with cushions, and some form of weather cover all make a difference to how inviting the space feels after dark or on a cooler evening.
Can a garden bar work in a small space?
Yes, a garden bar can work well in a small space. Wall-mounted shelving, fold-out counters, and compact seating all help keep the layout practical without taking up too much room.
What extras are worth adding to a garden bar?
The most useful extras depend on how you plan to use the space. A fridge or cool box, outdoor speakers, heating, and built-in storage are all popular choices that make the bar more functional through the year.