Garden bars don’t have to be tacky – here’s how to create a stylish serving station

From outdoor drinks cabinets and fridges to ambient lighting, we reveal the best solutions for a chic and functional drinking space

Let’s be honest: the makeshift garden bars that became so popular during the height of the pandemic haven’t dated particularly well. Characterised by flimsy tiki structures – such as the cult spring 2021 gazebo that sold out at Argos – and downright tacky accessories (drinks optics, pineapple coolers and neon signs, anyone?), they were, perhaps, a sign of the times, rather than a lasting trend.
Our thirst for spaces to drink and party al fresco, however, shows no sign of slowing anytime soon. Seemingly, we’re only on our first round. “Garden bars” has received 324,200 searches on Google in the last year, and celebrities such as David Beckham and Robbie Williams have jumped on the bandwagon with their own takes on the trend. 
A swipe through Rightmove shows that such dedicated drinking spaces are still coveted by would-be homebuyers, albeit pimped-up since their Covid predecessors – especially at the higher-end of the market.
Fine & Country is listing impressive Westfield House in Northumberland for £1.6 million, featuring a posh garden bar installed within a fabulous party barn. 
Currently on the market with Hamptons is sprawling Aldermans Lodge in Bedfordshire for £4.5 million, complete with a spectacular outdoor bar inside a stilted garden lodge; while Knight Frank is selling an imposing family home in Surrey for £7.5 million, including a slick lounge bar next to the swimming pool (naturally).
If you had the space and means, why wouldn’t you? 
“When pubs and bars were closed, people got creative and started assembling makeshift outdoor bars at home to recreate that pub atmosphere and have a dedicated space for socialising,” explains Joanne Cocking, head of private office (country) at Hamptons.
“But what started as a fun lockdown project has since evolved. Homeowners are now investing significant money into creating stylish, high-spec outdoor bar set-ups. A simple timber frame is no longer enough – people want their garden bar to be a design statement and an extension of their home’s interior style. It needs to be as well-designed as any indoor living space.”
Indeed, next-gen garden bar designers are swapping temporary structures with more permanent ones, while considering premium finishes, secondary appliances, feature lighting and luxurious extras (drop-down projector screen for movie nights, anyone?).
Think dedicated prep sinks to help sort drinks (and clear up afterwards); external boilers that facilitate instant hot water; temperature-controlled fridges for storing and chilling bottles; wood-burning stoves to keep things toasty; retractable screens that make for all-weather spaces; and adjoining decking to connect barbecue areas for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining. 
And how about taking things up a level, quite literally? Garden designer Harriet Worsley reveals: “Many people are wanting outdoor bars on their London terraces. Ground-level gardens are usually reserved for coffee, football or lunch, but it’s first- or second-floor terraces with views that are turning into spaces for cocktail hour.
“It doesn’t need to be complicated: a recent client commissioned a lovely outdoor drinks cabinet on her terrace that flipped open to reveal a hidden ‘speakeasy’ with integrated lights, mirrors and cobalt interior.”
A word to the wise? “Don’t overlook practical features, such as a slimline dishwasher, otherwise the space won’t get used. Carrying glasses up and down flights of stairs is nobody’s idea of fun.”
Today’s high-end bar is finished with finer details, such as the pool-house-turned-beach bar designed by De Rosee Sa at Grade II-listed Ashby Manor House in Warwickshire. Faintly reminiscent of Mediterranean architecture, it’s resplendent with terracotta tiles, brass fixtures, earthy tones, turquoise accents and striped furniture to recall those relaxed European summers that seem so distant on dreary days. 
The options, it seems, are endless, but you don’t need to go all-out on every aspect to keep up with the Joneses. The most important thing, say the designers, is creating something that’s sympathetic to the style of your home while balancing aesthetics with practicalities.
George Nares, director at Blue Book Agency, advises: “It isn’t merely about quenching a thirst, but creating a lifestyle that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the garden and architectural style of the home. Picture a garden bar fashioned from local stone, sitting harmoniously with both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering an inviting yet elegant aesthetic. 
It’s this attention to detail that elevates yours from a makeshift set-up to a sophisticated extension of one’s living space. The ideal garden bar encapsulates both charm and convenience to ensure the host isn’t perpetually darting inside for supplies.”
Don’t even think about a flatscreen, though. “While some might want an outdoor television, I believe that the natural surroundings of a beautiful garden should be entertaining enough.” 
If you lack the budget of a banker, it’s possible to create a chic set-up without spending on a permanent structure. Cassandra Gagnon, interiors strategist at trend forecasters WGSN, says: “At the smaller end of the scale, think about a combination of side tables scattered throughout the garden, or small shelves and trolleys that can be styled as chic serving stations.”
Summer soirée on the horizon? It’s time to raise the bar.
Add these covetable pieces to your wish-list to make the neighbours green with envy…
£71,675, Artemest
While you could pick up something for less at Argos, The Range or Dunelm, you can’t put a price on luxury: this posh bar counter features teal panels hand-decorated with gold leaf and topped with black marble. 
£8,040, Sub-zero & Wolf
Stainless steel is all the rage for both indoor and outdoor spaces and this cutting-edge fridge taps into the trend with capacity for 71 litres of drink (and food) plus adjustable organisation, LED lighting and smart-touch tech.
£240, Mrs. Alice
Fancy something a bit more flexible? Roll out the welcome wagon – and alfresco aperitifs – with this handwoven rattan bar cart from homeware queen Mrs Alice. An investment piece for outdoor and indoor hosting.