This 4×6 Reverse Apex garden bar is a ready-built entertainment space. It’s perfect for those with a more compact space, that still want that outdoor bar feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you need to do is decorate and stock it up with your favourite tipples – and invite your friends over of course!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transform your home on a budget without a complex structure with these garden bar tips from event experts, Groopeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a location that works with your garden layout. The best spots for a garden bar are places that get a bit of sun, but ideally some natural shade, too. <\/p> A sheltered corner near the house is ideal, especially if you’re wanting to run electrics or plumbing out there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re working with a smaller space, a balcony or patio can be transformed into a cosy bar area with a clever layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don’t have to be a master carpenter to build a great-looking bar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pallets are a popular choice because they’re affordable, and easy to work with. But don’t be afraid to repurpose an old potting bench, sideboard or even a vintage wardrobe. Just make sure it’s weatherproofed with an outdoor wood treatment. <\/p> For something more permanent, a small timber-framed shelter or summerhouse-style bar gives you flexibility in all weathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarah Rumbles, Design Expert at Crane Garden Buildings<\/a>, said: \u201cThe beauty of using a fully insulated building is that you can kit it out properly, with a fridge, bar shelves, lighting, even a cosy seating area, without worrying about the weather. It\u2019s like having an extension of your home, just a few steps down the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe make everything to order, so whether you\u2019re after something sleek and modern or full of rustic charm, we can help bring your garden bar ideas to life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However you are laying out your garden bar, you’ll want shelves for bottles and glasses, hooks for bar tools, and ideally a fridge or cool box for drinks. <\/p> Use stackable crates, old kitchen cabinets or even upcycled wine racks to keep things organised. Position your worktop at a comfortable height for mixing drinks and keep the layout practical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to cram in everything you\u2019d find in a real bar. A good selection of spirits, mixers and some nice glassware will go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where you can really have fun. Give your bar a name, add a hand-painted sign and hang up some pub-style decor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Festoon lights or old fairy lights strung overhead instantly make the space feel welcoming and festive. Repurpose items like beer pump handles, chalkboards, or vintage tin signs for a relaxed, nostalgic vibe. <\/p> A couple of bar stools and a small bistro table can make the space feel more like an outdoor extension of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Outdoor lighting ideas, available from a selection at Lights4fun<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The UK weather isn\u2019t always on our side, so make sure your bar area has some form of shelter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A pergola with a retractable canopy, a sail shade or even a large garden umbrella will let you enjoy the space rain or shine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re going bigger, a lean-to with a corrugated roof or a polycarbonate sheet is a practical DIY upgrade. Just be sure the structure is secure and complies with local planning rules if you’re building close to a boundary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make your bar useable throughout the year, think about warmth and lighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A fire pit nearby creates a brilliant focal point and adds heat, while a plug-in heater or gas patio heater can extend your outdoor season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar lights or mains-powered garden lights give a lovely glow in the evenings. And don\u2019t forget blankets and cushions for a cosy touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stock it with what you love to drink. You don\u2019t need a full bar setup, but a good gin, a rum, a whisky, some cocktail basics and your favourite wines or beers are a great start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep mixers, fresh herbs like mint or rosemary, and fresh citrus to hand. A drinks menu on a chalkboard adds charm and helps guests know what\u2019s on offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Music makes a big difference to the atmosphere. Set up a small outdoor speaker<\/a>, or if you\u2019ve got a waterproof smart speaker, link it up to a playlist you\u2019ve made just for the occasion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it’s jazzy Sunday brunch tunes or something more upbeat for a summer evening, the right music completes the vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people question whether it’s ok to have a bar in your garden, as pubs and bars need a license to sell alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The key is in the wording, as in a garden bar you’re sharing your space and alcohol with friends free of charge, it isn’t illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your garden bar was so popular you wanted to turn it into a real venue and sell alcohol and other drinks from it, you would need a special license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever we do any work on our gardens, be that redecorating a room, landscaping a garden, or adding a garden bar – you want to think the money you are spending is adding value to a property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obviously you want to enjoy the changes you make, but it helps if you know you’re increasing the value of a property rather than devaluing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, the consensus seems to be that a garden bar does in fact add value to a property – as much as 10% on top of the original property value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this is only the case if it is built to a high quality, and with connections to electric and running water. So, if you want a garden bar that is going to impact your property price, it’s best to get the professionals in! <\/p>\n\n\n\n As long as your garden bar falls under the remit of a permitted development, you won’t need planning permission for a garden bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The official answer depends on the size and design of the structure. It will also depend on the intended use, and the regulations set by your local planning authority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A permitted development allows you to make certain changes and additions to your property without needing formal approval, however these come with limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These limits will include what the size and height of the garden bar is, it’s location within the property, and whether it will be used for commercial purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The structure must not exceed a certain floor area, and there will be a maximum height of structures set by your local planning authority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of location, some authorities will have specific requirements regarding the distance between the garden bar structure and the boundary of the property, or other buildings. It is really important to be aware of your local restrictions before beginning work on your garden bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to use your garden bar in a commercial way, running a business and serving alcohol, then different rules will apply. You will need additional permissions and licenses, and will need to check with relevant bodies to ensure yours is complying with regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to create a proper vibe at your garden bar, with outside music and dancing, it’s worth noting that in the UK you are legally not to play loud music outdoors after 11pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At that point it might be best to quieten things down, or take the party inside the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Shiplap-Pressure-Treated-4\u00d76-Reverse-Apex-Garden-Bar-1.jpg\")
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What do I need to create a garden bar at home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose the right spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Build the structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/3-v2-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThink about storage and layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Add some character<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Lights4fun-Summer-Alfresco-Lifestyle-with-Storm-Lantern-Warm-White-Outdoor-Fairy-Lights-TruGlow-LED-Mini-Votiv-8002576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCover your bases with shelter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep it warm and welcoming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Direct-Stoves-Chesneys-Large-Smoke-Fire-Pit-with-portland-steel-from-595-directstoves.com-1.jpg\")
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Plan your drinks menu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t forget the soundtrack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is it legal to have a bar in your garden?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do garden bars add value to a property?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do you need planning permission for a garden bar?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is it against the law to play loud music in your garden?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
DIY garden bar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Painting](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Cuprinol-Garden-Bar-how-to.jpg\")
![\"DIY](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Cuprinol-garden-bar-1.jpg\")