Bring the party to your outdoor space with a garden bar
Nobody could have predicted, in March 2020, the impact that our outdoor spaces and gardens would have on our health and well-being. They became a place to enjoy the sun and fresh air and, more importantly, somewhere to de-stress and relax.
Forbidden to leave our homes – apart from essential visits to the supermarket or to walk our dogs – we were in lockdown. Holidays were cancelled, days and evenings out a thing of the past, and even walks in the park were put on hold.
Covid threw us into a state of limbo and isolation. We searched for things to do that would occupy our time, overcome lockdown boredom, and peel us away from our televisions. Decorating, DIY and decluttering our homes all became popular activities.
With a desire to be outdoors, garden maintenance and re-designing our outdoor space also became a favoured trend. Money saved from social outings and holidays was spent elsewhere. Hot tubs, garden furniture, and perhaps one of the most popular and fun additions to some gardens was the outdoor bar. Pining for the pub, many decided to create their own watering holes, and the popularity hasn't waned. At least we can invite our friends and family to our homes for a pint or cheeky glass of wine now!
Outdoor bars - a place to entertain and hang out.
It's the ultimate way to enjoy the summer months, and there's nothing better than relaxing in your own space. There's no need to dress up, and you decide when closing time is! Invite friends to bring a bottle, enjoy a barbecue and experience a fun and unique experience.
From rustic to sleek contemporary and tiki, to name a few, there's a design and size that's perfect for you. Whether you purchase a garden bar, convert a shed or summerhouse, or install a wall-mounted bar, you'll find endless choices.
Design and decoration.
This is the fun part, and you can be as creative as you like, after all, it is your bar! Add those all-important personal touches that will create an ambience and bring your bar to life:
- bar signs
- wall art
- lighting
- plants
- and, of course, your favourite tipples
Pallet bars
Pallet bars are simple yet effective, and if you're good at DIY, you can build your own using recycled materials. There are plenty of online tutorials and set-by-step guides available on YouTube.
Add bistro tables, garden benches, or picnic tables for an authentic pub garden feel. String lights add the final touch and are a simple addition that will create a soft glow on warm summer evenings.
Convert a shed or summerhouse
This is an excellent idea if you want to create an enclosed space with a pull-down hatch or shutter window that will open for your guests. Add a fold-down bar top and bar stools, attach optics to a wall and install an ice machine and wine fridge. Finally, add lighting with low-wattage bulbs to give a pub-like atmosphere.
Tiki bars
Turn your garden into a tropical paradise and serve cocktails such as the Mai Tai or Zombie to your guests. If you have a dedicated area with decking, this option is ideal. Vibrant and fun decorations will bring your bar to life: tiki masks, carvings, hula girl motifs, tropical plants and bright throws and cushions in your seating area. When the sun goes down bring warmth and light to your garden with a fire pit or fire bowl.
Pre-built bars
You'll be serving drinks in no time when you opt for a pre-built garden bar. Add bar stools, a personalised illuminated sign, mirrors and hanging glass racks above the bar top. Relax in a cosy seating area, and finally, when night falls, a fire table will complete your garden bar and mesmerise you with its dancing flames.
- Judith Ray
