An outdoor bar transforms your garden from simple patio to entertainment destination. Whether hosting summer BBQs or creating your own pub atmosphere, a well-designed outdoor bar becomes the focal point of countless gatherings.
With options ranging from £150 DIY kits to £5,000+ custom installations, how do you choose the right outdoor bar for your space and budget? We've reviewed 20+ outdoor bar solutions to help UK homeowners make smart investments.
Quick Picks
Best Ready-Made Bar: Outsunny Rattan Bar Set (£399)
Best Budget Build: Pallets + Worktop DIY (£150-£300)
Best Premium Ready-Made: Maze Rattan Winchester Bar Set (£1,299)
Best Modular System: IKEA ÄPPLARÖ + Customization (£400-£800)
Best for Small Spaces: Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Bar (£200-£400)
Why Add an Outdoor Bar?
Entertainment Value
- Designated serving area for gatherings
- Reduces trips inside during parties
- Creates "destination" feel in garden
- Conversation starter and gathering point
Property Value
- Part of growing outdoor kitchen trend
- Appeals to 30-50 demographic (key buyers)
- Well-integrated bars can add 2-3% property value
- £7,000-£10,000 on £350k home
Cost Comparison
- Pub visit for 6 people: £80-£150
- Home entertaining (with bar): £40-£60
- Bar pays for itself after 10-15 gatherings
Top Outdoor Bar Solutions
1. Outsunny Rattan Bar Set - Best Ready-Made
Why it wins: Outsunny delivers surprising quality at mid-range pricing. The rattan finish looks expensive, weather-resistant construction handles UK conditions, and setup takes under 2 hours.
What's Included:
- Main bar unit with shelving
- Glass rack
- 2 bar stools
- Assembly tools
- Weather cover
✓ Pros
- Excellent value for quality
- Includes stools (save £100-£150)
- Weather-resistant
- Looks more expensive than it is
- Easy assembly (1-2 hours)
✗ Cons
- Limited to 120cm width (small for big parties)
- Stools not super comfortable for long periods
- Glass top can feel cheap
Best for: First-time bar buyers wanting quality ready-made solution.
2. DIY Pallet Bar - Best Budget Build
Why it's brilliant value: With basic DIY skills, create a unique bar for under £300. Perfect for tight budgets or those wanting rustic aesthetic.
Materials Needed:
- 6-8 wooden pallets (free-£60)
- Worktop (laminate or wood): £80-£150
- Wood stain/paint: £20-£30
- Screws and fixings: £20
- L-brackets: £15
✓ Pros
- Cheapest quality option
- Highly customizable size
- Trendy rustic look
- Satisfaction of DIY
- Can repurpose/reconfigure later
✗ Cons
- Requires tools and skills
- Time investment significant
- Pallets can splinter if not sanded
- Needs regular weatherproofing
Best for: DIYers on budget wanting unique, custom-sized bar.
Pro Tip: Use heat-treated (HT stamped) pallets only. Avoid MB (methyl bromide) stamped pallets as they're toxic.
3. Maze Rattan Winchester - Best Premium Ready-Made
Why it's worth the premium: Winchester delivers luxury garden bar experience. Superior materials, excellent design, and includes 4 stools plus LED lighting.
✓ Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- 4 stools included (great value)
- LED lighting creates ambience
- 5-year warranty vs 1-2 typical
- Looks truly high-end
✗ Cons
- Premium pricing
- Heavy (harder to move)
- Overkill for occasional use
Best for: Those wanting best ready-made option, frequent entertainers.
Essential Features to Consider
1. Work Surface Size
- Minimum useful: 100cm W x 50cm D
- Ideal for entertaining: 150-200cm W x 60cm D
- Party-size: 240cm+ W
2. Storage
Must-haves:
- Shelf for glasses (upside-down hanging or standing)
- Shelf for bottles
- Area for ice bucket
- Dry storage for napkins/accessories
3. Weather Resistance (UK Essential)
- Waterproof or water-resistant
- UV-resistant materials
- Rust-proof metal components
- Quality cover included/available
Budget Planning Guide
Under £300 (Budget Starter):
- DIY pallet bar or basic ready-made
- 2 basic stools
- Minimal accessories
- Total: £250-£400
£500-£800 (Quality Setup):
- Quality ready-made bar OR good DIY build
- 2-3 decent stools
- Proper lighting
- Storage accessories
- Cover
- Total: £600-£900
£1,000-£2,000 (Premium Home Bar):
- Premium ready-made OR custom DIY
- 4 quality stools
- Mini fridge
- Excellent lighting
- All accessories
- Total: £1,200-£2,200
Ready to Create Your Garden Bar?
Explore our complete outdoor living guides and transform your garden into the ultimate entertainment space.
View All ReviewsFAQs
Q: Do outdoor bars need to be under cover?
A: Not essential, but cover greatly extends life. At minimum, use a quality cover when not in use.
Q: Can I leave my outdoor bar out all winter?
A: Depends on material. Quality rattan/composite can stay with cover. Wood bars better stored or very well covered.
Q: What's the best material for UK weather?
A: PE rattan (synthetic) or pressure-treated wood. Both handle UK weather well with proper care.
Q: How many people can use a 120cm bar?
A: Comfortably 2-3 seated, 4-5 standing/casual use.
Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: Usually no—outdoor bars are typically considered garden furniture. Exceptions for permanent structures or conservation areas.
The Bottom Line
For most UK homeowners aged 30-50, we recommend:
Best Overall Value: Outsunny Rattan Bar Set (£399)
- Quality construction
- Includes 2 stools
- Looks expensive
- Weather-resistant
- Easy setup
If budget allows: Maze Rattan Winchester (£1,299) delivers premium experience with 4 stools, LED lighting, and exceptional quality.
If DIY-inclined: Pallet bar (£150-£300) provides unique, custom solution at significant savings.
ROI Perspective:
- Typical outdoor bar: £400-£800
- Pub visits saved (10 gatherings): £800-£1,500
- Property value increase: £5,000-£8,000 (as part of outdoor entertainment area)
- Payback period: 1 summer season of regular use
An outdoor bar transforms your garden into an entertainment destination. Choose based on your budget, DIY confidence, and entertainment frequency—every option reviewed here can deliver years of garden party success.
Disclaimer: Prices accurate at publication. Always verify current pricing and availability.