Outside Garden Bars – Bring the Pub to Your Back Garden!

27th January 2020

Outside garden bars are one of the most coveted home additions for people who love to entertain. Why bother with your local, when you can enjoy the company of your friends, have a tipple and not compete for a seat on a Friday night?

Building a bar on your property is one of the best things things you can do if you love to host. Outside garden bars come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, meaning there’s an option out there for any garden. 

Planning, Building & Decorating Outside Garden Bars

There can be a fair bit involved with planning outside garden bars, and this article should help you figure out exactly what you need to think about. From what type of garden bar you’ll need, to how you’ll furnish it and what drinks you’ll serve – we’ve thought of everything!

Types of Outside Garden Bars

This is the biggest and most important decision to make. What will your garden bar be like? How big will you need it? Is it something you’ll build yourself, or did you have something bigger and better in mind?

There are a few options when it comes to garden bars:

A Freestanding Wooden Bar

The cheapest approach is to make a small, free-standing bar out of wood that stays outside in your garden. This is the sort of bar people who are confident at DIY often attempt to make themselves; there are plenty of Pinterest tutorials to help you on your way. It doesn’t take long and it doesn’t cost much, but use is restricted to certain seasons and weather conditions.

A Garden Bar Room

A more multi-functional choice is to go for a garden room and use it as a small pub. You could hang shelves for bottles and build a bar to stand behind and serve drinks on. This option will cost a little more, but it can be used all year round. Garden buildings are usually insulated and come with built-in heating, meaning even on the coldest nights, your garden bar will be a cosy place for a glass of red and a catch up. Another plus is that you can set up a TV for big games, making your garden bar the place to be!

A Small Bar in an Existing Building

If you’ve already got a shed or a garage, it might be tempting to build a bar to use in one of these buildings. On one hand, it’s a great way to save money on an indoor bar. On one hand, this is a great way to keep costs low, but the building might not be suitable. Garages and sheds often aren’t insulated or heated, making them cold in the winter. Lighting might also be unsuitable, especially if you’re relying on natural light from a small window.

If you’re considering this type of garden bar, it would be sensible to look into installing appropriate lighting and heating for added comfort.

What to Stock in Your Outside Bar

Stocking your garden bar is a big part of the fun. Once your bar is built and ready for use, it’s time to buy some drinks! Wines and spirits are always a go to, but if you’re looking to have a small gathering for the first night in your new bar, you’ll need something a little more special.

A keg of beer will go down well (and probably cost less than stocking up on cans). It’ll give the bar a more authentic feel, as well as broadening your choices. Prosecco or Champagne is an ‘opening night’ necessity, as are the ingredients for some fancy cocktails. Stock up on ice, plan the cocktails you’ll make and write a shopping list so you don’t miss anything. 

If you’ve got a guest list, it might be a good idea to check on your friends’ tipples of choice before buying lots of booze that could go untouched.

Furnishing Your Garden Bar

Last of all, you’ll be needing some seating. If your bar is a freestanding, outdoor set up then patio furniture should suffice. When buying the furniture, think about the maximum number of people you are likely to have round. On nights when you’re entertaining 10+ people, it’ll be a bit awkward if you only provide four chairs.

An indoor bar gives your a little more choice when it comes to decor. You can easily do it up to look like a traditional pub but hunting around charity shops for bar mirrors and bar stools. Setting up areas with chairs and small tables should be easy too. For a finishing touch, you could even get some personalised beer mats made and a neon sign with your bar’s name on it.

Outside garden bars are fun projects to undertake and they keep on giving once they’re finished. Done right, they can provide a wonderful place to socialise and entertain for years to come.