Having a garden bar in your outdoor space makes entertaining a breeze. Rather than nipping in and out of the house and attempting to remember everyone’s order, you can sit back and relax, and have your bubbly, beer and cocktails all within reach.
A modern outdoor bar can also function as a beautiful garden feature, and you can have fun decorating your design with cute fairy lights and lovely paint colours.
In our roundup of the best garden bar ideas, we’ve included a range of styles – from the rustic to the sophisticated – for all kinds of spaces. So whether you want a nifty drinks trolley for a compact garden, or a large outdoor bar that doubles as a shed, we’ve got you covered.
Looking for hosting inspiration? Discover how to throw the ultimate garden party.
Garden Bar Ideas for Summer 2022
Shiplap Pent Garden Bar
Garden bar with storage
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A classic design that doubles as a convenient storage solution during the colder months, this garden bar is both attractive and practical. With a little shelf for your drinks and glassware and easy side door access, this is a cleverly thought out design, ideal for a gathering.
Featuring a pressure treated, timber boarded floor it should be sturdy enough for holding heavier items such as garden furniture and tools, and you can add a padlock for extra security.
At 203cm x 183cm x 120cm, it’s a decent size, suitable for mid to large gardens. It’s a top choice for personalising and you can get creative with your choice of shed paint. Why not opt for a dark grey or black for a contemporary look? Add yellow or pink garden furniture for a bit of contrast.
Marcelle Bar Set
Modern outdoor bar idea
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If you’ve got the space, rather than propping a garden bar against your wall or fence, you can go for a bar top style design. Place in the centre of your garden as a striking centrepiece.
This is a particularly sociable style as you can huddle round and enjoy a catch up and drink in the garden. The set comes with two powder-coated aluminium stackable chairs, so when you’re not hosting a party, you can enjoy a relaxed dinner for two.
The unit opens up and inside you’ll find shelves for your glasses, plates and cutlery. There’s space for wine bottles too, so you can keep your favourite reds and spirits close by.
- £4,999.99
Buy the Marcelle Bar Set now from Wayfair
St Mawes Drinks and Planter Bar Table
Versatile garden bar idea
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Ideal for smaller gardens, this sleek drinks table offers a chilled-out vibe, perfect for BBQs and family get-togethers. Stock the galvanised steel trough with your ice, tonics, beer bottles and champagne and let everyone help themselves. A glamorous alternative to filling your paddling pool or sandpit with chilled drinks.
Fill the trough with beautiful plants and flowers when it’s not needed for parties. There’s also the option to cover the trough when it’s not in use, and you can tuck a few bar stools underneath if you fancy a perch.
- £850
Buy the St Mawes Drinks and Planter Bar Table now from Garden Trading
Corner Bar Table
Best lightweight garden bar
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Pop this straightforward yet effective design in the corner of your garden and keep your visitors’ glasses topped up all evening. Made of poly rattan, this garden bar should be easy to move around so it’s a bit more flexible than some of the more permanent garden features in the list. There are three shelves underneath where you can store the garden party essentials.
Measuring 100 x 50 x 105 cm in size, this garden bar idea isn’t too bulky and thanks to the L shaped design, this model should slot into a range of garden layouts.
Apex Bar
Bar for large gardens
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A white outdoor bar is a particularly glamorous choice, and helps take us back to sunnier climes.
For shade and shelter, huddle under the overhanging roof. This sort of style is suited to larger gardens, and you can make use of the extra garden storage when the bar is not in use.
If you prefer a homier feel, add your own bunting or garden lights.
- £870
Buy the Apex Bar now from ATMliving.com
The Lilly Drop Down Bar
Compact outdoor bar
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If you’re tight on space, a drop down bar is a practical – and fun – option. Simply fold the bar away when not in use for a compact space-saving solution.
We love the rustic charm of this garden bar and it’s well designed too with four shelving units and space to hang five wine glasses. The door once folded down functions as a table, so you can enjoy some nibbles and a tipple in the sunshine after work.
The design can be mounted onto a fence or wall, and of course you can paint as you wish. A soothing sage green would look sweet, or you could opt for a loud yellow for a bright pop of colour.
Pergola with LED Lighting
Outdoor bar idea for parties
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More an attractive garden feature than a garden bar, but this pergola is perfect for those who love to host and unwind in their garden. This style of pergola would look great over a large decking area. You can fill the space underneath with garden furniture, a drinks cabinet or a hot tub.
The pergola even features remote control LED lighting, so it’s the perfect setup for a spontaneous post BBQ dance floor. Add an outdoor speaker, throw a couple of garden games into the mix, and you’re ready to go.
When you’re not hosting a soirée, make use of the adjustable roof panels and drop the sides down for a lovely shady reading spot.
- £4,299
Buy the Pergola with LED Lighting now from Cuckooland
Wood and Iron Bar
Best rustic bar
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A sturdy yet charming choice, we love the rustic look of this garden bar idea. The reclaimed wood and iron design features a drop down serving hatch and there’s plenty of room for your wines and spirits. There’s also a convenient drawer so you can keep any cutlery and napkins close by but out of the way.
The matt black finish gives it a stylish vibe, and it would look fabulous in a space surrounded by thriving wildflowers, or place next to a living wall for a really striking look.
- £495
Round Drinks Trolley
Bar for smaller gardens
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For a faff-free, easy and more affordable option, this cute green drinks trolley is a delightful way to enjoy a garden cocktail. Pile high with your choice of mixers and garnishes, and simply wheel inside when the weather turns.
It also works well as an indoor side table for your cups of tea and books, so you can use it all year round.
- £70
Buy the Round Drinks Trolley now from Garden Trading
Take a look at the best Acapulco chairs for your garden and offer your guests a stylish seat.