The best outdoor bar ideas for entertaining

A high but slim bar table will bring a sociable dash of Boho chic to an evening of al fresco entertaining with friends, but also doubles as a useful perch for garden meals. Pairing tactile rattan and rope detailing with a slim black steel frame, the chairs are comfy enough for guests to linger long after sunset. It’s best to cover or stash this set inside when not in use to extend its life, but removable legs make for easy storage. Habitat Malta 4 Seater Rattan Effect Garden Bar Set in Natural (table H105 x W68 x L137cm).

Give your garden a Club Tropicana vibe with this backyard tiki bar. Made from a sturdy steel frame and rattan-effect weave and with a faux grass roof, it comes with two high-backed bar stools. Equipped with a glass hanging rack plus four handy side shelves, there’s plenty of room to prepare and mix garden cocktails. Designed for summer use, this set will need to be covered or stored somewhere dry when not in use. Habitat Beach Bar Gazebo with Stools, H227 x W148 x D113cm

Wow friends and entertain in style with this freestanding dream garden bar set. Including a built-in ice bucket, roomy kitchen cabinet (H91 x W50 x L68cm) and handy drinks trolley (H91 x W50 x L84cm), you can have every garnish, glass and utensil ready to go. Made from a matt-grey powder-coated aluminium frame and durable polywood teamed with chic brass detailing, it won’t rust or deteriorate and the wood finish is UV fade-proof. And there are plenty of high-end features to justify the high price tag, including a brass bar footrest.

Transform an empty corner of your plot with this roomy bar. With three angled sides and two serving hatches, plus a generous roof overhang providing shade and shelter, it’ll ensure the drinks will always be at yours! With pre-assembled panels formed from 15mm pressure-treated shiplap spruce timber, it’s easy to assemble and the slate-effect roof is made from a wood-plastic composite for durability. Hangover Corner Garden Bar III, H2.19 x W1.8 x D1.8m.

There’s room for a bar in the smallest of gardens with this clever wall-hung design. Simply fold down the table-bar surface and supporting leg to reveal a nifty set of shelves with just enough room to stash a favourite tipple or two. Made from pressure-treated softwood, you can paint, stain or personalise to suit your style. Fold Down Wall Garden Bar, H1m x W77cm x D14cm

Turn your patio into a bar in seconds with the addition of this clever side table, whose top raises to reveal a trough to fill with ice and drinks. Made from waterproof resin, the wicker-look polypropylene looks smart and just needs an occasional wipe-over. At the end of the night, a built-in plug makes draining the contents a cinch, and there are handles for easy carrying. Norfolk Leisure Bevy Bar, H52 x W84 x D41cm.

Give your sundowners some serious style with this cheery set in on-trend terracotta tones. With a compact footprint and tall chair backs for comfort, the powder-coated steel won’t need much maintenance aside from an occasional wipe-over with warm soapy water, but for longevity it’s best to store somewhere dry or protect with a cover in winter. Metal Garden Bar Table (H93 x Dia70cm) & Chairs Set in Baked Clay

This open shelved unit can easily multitask as bar, barbecue prep table or potting bench when floorspace is tight. The slimline design teams plenty of shelves with a rustproof zinc-coated worktop, making clean-up easy. And as it’s made of wood, it’s simple to customise with hanging rails, hooks or optics. Rowlinson Multi Functional Wooden Mini Bar, H162 x W103 x D53cm

If you’d prefer a year-round set-up, then this spacious wooden design has everything you need. Measuring 1.8 x 1.2m and constructed from anti-rot dip-treated tongue-and-groove, it’s the perfect model to pimp into the gin palace or ale bar of your dreams. The chunky timber bar is protected by an overhanging pent roof so a shower won’t stop play, and it’s wide enough to pull up a trio of stools. Robust panels are easily fitted to close the serving hatch at the end of the evening and, along with a lockable door, will keep all your drinks and glasses secure. Paradise Bar 6 x 4ft

Never traumatise garden guests with a warm beer again, thanks to this bar table with central drinks holder. The sturdy table has all the beauty and benefits of kiln-dried teak with a galvanised steel sunken trough, neatly concealed beneath a removable wood panel. Perfect for filling with crushed ice and loading up with cans, fizz or mixers, it takes the stress out of hosting and lets everyone feel at home. Protect yearly with teak cleaner and oil and it’ll survive winter weather. St Mawes Drinks Bar Table, H110 x W180 x D70cm,

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