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Garden pubs are booming in the UK as more people turn their sheds and outdoor spaces into personal pubs. Blending DIY creativity with classic British pub charm, a garden bar offers the perfect place to relax or entertain without leaving home. In this guide, discover stylish and practical garden bar ideas to give you inspiration for your new leisurely zone.
Why Build a Pub Shed?
Having your own bar at home means enjoying that pub feel without the queues, noise, or closing time. You choose the drinks, set the playlist, and keep it all within a few steps of your back door.
A wooden shed is the way to go. Timber gives the place a warm, homely feel and lets you make it your own. You can fit some shelves, hang lights, and paint to match it to your home or garden theme. It keeps the chill out far better than metal or plastic, especially if it’s insulated.
If you look online, you’ll see plenty of bar sheds with a serving hatch in the front, which is handy for summer drinks. But they do have limits:
- You’re at the mercy of the weather, so outdoor counters aren’t great once it’s cold or wet.
- Some don’t have shutters, leaving the inside open to rain or even the odd curious bird.
- They’re usually designed for drinks, so the space isn’t very flexible.
If you want something more versatile, a garden room is an excellent alternative. You still get a dedicated bar space, but with a roof over your head and room for some fun games.
And the best part? You don’t need to hire someone. Take our BillyOh buildings, for instance. All comes with pre-cut panels that slot together for easy building. Overall, they’re rewarding and much cheaper than a full installation. No need to be a DIY expert either!
Sonia’s Picton Cabin Bar and Retreat
Popular Garden Bar Ideas to Try
There’s a garden bar style for every vibe and space. One of these could be just what your garden needs.
Traditional British pub shed
Recreate the feel of your local right in your garden. Dark-stained timber, brass details, and a solid bar counter set the scene. Then add a dartboard, vintage signs, or a corner with old pint glasses for character. It’s a place for a pint, Sunday roasts, or a catch-up with mates, all a few steps from the back door.
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Modern minimalist bar
This setup is a good match if your pub shed isn’t massive and is ideal for drinks on your own or with a couple of friends.
Keep things simple with neutral colours and a few neat pieces of furniture. Add some LED lights along the bar or shelves for a soft glow. Also, think about decking or glass panels to make the space feel bigger. You could even use a small corner for stools or a cosy seating area.
Garden pub and games room
A pub isn’t really a pub without a bit of fun, and your garden bar can be the same. Pop in a pool or snooker table, hang a dartboard on the wall, or even set up a corner for video games. You could add a jukebox, some quirky board games, or a mini shuffleboard. And you’ll get a space where mates can hang out, have a laugh, and enjoy a few drinks without stepping outside.
Sports bar theme with TV
Bring the match-day atmosphere into your garden bar. A TV in the corner, comfy chairs, and a fridge stocked with cold drinks will give you everything you need for game day. Throw in team colours or a few bits of memorabilia, then gather your friends for the World Cup in 2026!
Tropical tiki bar vibes
Bring that island feel to your evenings, with drinks and laughs in the mix with this shed pub idea. Use bamboo cladding, thatched roofing, and colourful accessories for a beach-bar feel.
Serve fruity cocktails, hang string lights, and maybe even install a palm or two in planters. It’s a laid-back, summer-ready option – great if you often host get-togethers during the warm months.
Bright colours inspo by one of our customers
The colour scheme makes all the difference, especially for daytime use. Just look at this image from one of our customers. The white paint choice with grey trims keeps it neutral, but it makes the space brighter. This makes it easy to see where everything is, as well as carrying a welcoming vibe for the whole family.
In this case, the customer also modified the garden room with laminated flooring. The addition of electricity also allows them to run a mini fridge and plug in some lights. It keeps the space ready for evening drinks or a quick catch-up with friends.
Note: Any modifications are at your own risk, as any guarantees on the building can’t cover such changes.
Bars for Small Gardens
Got a small garden? Corner buildings are some of the best options for space saving, partly because of the sheared-off corner design. Not only does this enable you to place this in the corner (but not too snugly – it needs airflow around all sides), but they generally have windows on 2 sides to give you a great multi-angled view of the garden while you’re enjoying your drinks. Corner summerhouses are your best options here.
Pub Shed Lighting Ideas
The above themes might have already given you some ideas, but here are some specific types of lighting you can use for your garden bar.
Remember, you might need to install electricity in your garden room for your chosen lighting option to work. But battery-operated lights that fix to the walls and ceilings can work, too.
- Ceiling lights – Keep them small, as most garden rooms don’t have particularly high ceilings. Spread them out to get a good coverage of lighting, and pick a style that matches your pub vibe.
- Wall lights – Often more noticeable than ceiling lights, these can be classical sconce style or modern cylinder shapes to create soft ambient lighting.
- LED strips – These are really popular as they create that lovely, soft lighting that lets you change colours to fit the mood. Place along the ceiling corners to illuminate the room, or under the bar top as a highlight. Bear in mind that separate light zones usually require multiple kits.
Garden Bar Furniture Ideas
Of course, your bar shed needs a bar counter to start with. You might even be able to find a bar tap attachment to be able to serve fresh cold pints from the keg. Here are some other furnishings you’ll need:
- Bar stools
- Chairs or armchairs
- A sofa
- Coffee, dinner or bistro table
- TV stand or wall mount
Garden Pub Essentials
These must-haves will make your garden bar even better.
- Mini fridge and freezer for ice cubes
- Music speakers for adding to the mood
- Shelving for your bottle collection
- Glassware supply
- A box for carrying away the glasses to be washed
- Wall signs, posters and photos
FAQ
What size shed do I need for a garden bar?
At least 8×6 feet is a good rule of thumb for a minimum size. Of course, it depends on how else you want to use the space. We’ve explored the possibilities of more options here: What size of shed or cabin for a garden pub?
How do I make a pub shed weatherproof?
Keep the wood in good condition. Pressure-treated timber helps, but it’s still a good idea to paint or stain it each year. Don’t put the shed right against a wall or fence. Otherwise, it stops airflow and lets moisture build up, which makes maintenance harder.
Do I need planning permission for a garden bar?
Your garden bar won’t need planning permission if it’s under 2.5m high, single-storey, and/or it’s in your back garden. If you plan to go taller, add extra floors, or place it near a boundary, check with your local council first.
