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There is nothing quite like getting home from a hard day at work and sitting in the sunshine, enjoying all the summer has to offer.
We all crave that vital vitamin D and what better way to enjoy the sun whilst topping up our essential levels of nutrients?
Talking of topping up, for many of us, the first thing we do when we arrive home is pour ourselves a nice, cool refreshing drink, whether it is a fine cold beer, a gin & tonic, a glass of wine or a soft refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
That delightful feeling of heading out to the garden, as pure contentment and joy washes over us as we sip our libation in the comfort of our own home. If you are lucky enough to have a hot tub too, it’s the ultimate way to unwind after work.
If you enjoy that routine, then maybe you should build yourself an outdoor garden bar complete with electrics, outdoor lighting, furniture, and something special you can’t find anywhere in hospitality.
Depending on your budget, garden space and imagination, you could have a full-time structure or a temporary space for the warmer months. Covered or open, it can be your new outdoor entertainment space where you can host your family and friends.
Temporary or Permanent
That again depends on the available budget, space and imagination as you can have a brand new building specially constructed for this one purpose or convert an existing outdoor building into your new bar area.
As we in the UK will know, the weather is not the most reliable in the summer months but do not let that put you off, as the bar can easily be converted to another usage or heat the place on those cold winter evenings. A garden room with bi-folds could be an ideal multi purpose room.
Whichever you decide to undertake, be assured that once it is up and running, you will get as much use from it as possible.
Do you need permission to build a home bar in your garden?
Planning permission is optional for the majority of garden buildings; however, once they pass a certain height, planning permission is required. The maximum height is 4 metres (with a dual-pitched roof) and 3 metres for any other roof. It must have a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and be single-storey.
Fundamentally you can build a small garden bar without seeking planning permission, but always check local guidelines prior to any building work.
Our Favourite Garden Bar Ideas
Used Pallets
An easy, affordable, and stylish way to have a designated area for entertaining in backyard bars. Pallets are easy to return to and can be stored in winter. The added bonus of pallets is they are treated to be water resistant, so they can be continually used.
If you are concerned the bare wood might look a bit plain, put some plant pots
Reclaimed Timber Bar
Once again, an affordable option using reclaimed timber. The bar counter can be as big or small as your outside space requires, and is perfect for tiny garden and can be used as a temporary structure. Throw in some fairy lights to make the space welcoming, and finish off with some bar essentials.
The Pergola Bar
You may already have a pergola in the garden that is used for seating or cooking barbecues, so why not add a bar, optics and lighting for a more definitive look?
Decking Bar
Place a table and chairs on a decked area, add a few touches and even a canopy for shelter, and you have a simple yet cosy garden bar.
Fire Pit Bar
By far and away, the most versatile of all the garden bar ideas as this can definitely be used all year round. Add some seating, an outdoor kitchen or pizza oven, and enjoy that bar; throw some logs on the fire and enjoy the bar all through the winter too.
Garden Pod
Installation is easy and can be stored away if not used in winter. The clear pods give you uninterrupted views too.
