Garden Bar Ideas: 15 Ways to Create the Perfect Pub Shed

A garden bar can turn an unused corner of your outdoor space into somewhere to entertain, watch sport or relax with friends. From traditional pub sheds and compact serving-hatch bars to cocktail lounges and sports bars, there are options to suit almost every garden. 

Here we cover all the inspiration you could need with 15 ways to create the perfect pub shed, plus all the practical considerations you’ll need to make about size, layout, electrics, heating and security. 

What is a pub shed? 

A pub shed is a garden building that’s been turned into a private bar or entertainment space. It can be as simple as a compact shed with a serving hatch and drinks shelf, or as elaborate as a fully equipped garden pub with seating, lighting, a fridge, TV and all the decor you’d expect from a pub. 

There are two main ways to create one: 

1. Convert an existing shed by adding a bar counter, storage, seating and decoration. 

2. Choose a purpose-built garden bar. 

How you style it is completely up to you. The key, however, is to choose a design that matches the size of your garden, how many people you want to entertain and how you plan to use the space throughout the year. 

Key takeaways

• A garden bar or pub shed can be tailored to almost any space, from compact serving-hatch designs to larger sports bars, cocktail lounges and games rooms.

• When planning your pub shed, think carefully about size, layout, storage, seating, electrics, insulation and weatherproofing so the space works comfortably year-round.

• Smaller garden bars can work well in sheds from 6x4ft to 8x6ft, while larger buildings give you more room for seating, TVs, games and additional storage.

• Garden bar costs vary considerably, with ready-made options starting from around £300–£800 and larger or premium designs costing £1,500+, before extras such as electrics, heating and furniture.

• Many garden bars in England can fall under permitted development, but height, location, boundaries and properties in conservation areas or with listed status can affect the rules.

15 garden bar and pub shed ideas 

The beauty of a garden bar is that there are plenty of ways to make the space your own. Here are some pub shed ideas to get you started. 

1. Traditional British pub shed 

Create the atmosphere of a classic local pub with dark wood finishes, bar stools, traditional signs and warm lighting. Add shelves for glasses and bottles, framed pictures and perhaps a chalkboard drinks menu to complete the look. 

If space allows, a small table and a couple of chairs can help make the interior feel more like a traditional pub, rather than simply a drinks station. 

2. Compact serving hatch bar 

A serving-hatch design is ideal for smaller gardens because most guests can remain outside while drinks are served from inside the shed. 

Install a bar counter beneath the hatch and add outdoor stools or seating on a patio or deck. This means you can still have a sociable space without the need for a large building. 

3. Modern minimalist garden bar 

Keep the design simple for a more contemporary look. Choose clean lines, uncluttered shelving and neutral finishes, then add a small number of statement features such as pendant lights or stylish bar stools. 

Built-in storage can help keep bottles, glasses and equipment out of sight when they’re not being used. 

4. Sports bar shed 

Turn your shed into a dedicated place for match days by adding a wall-mounted television, comfortable seating and sports memorabilia. 

Think carefully about where the screen will be positioned so everyone has a clear view. If you are installing electricity, sockets should be planned around the location of the TV, fridge and other equipment. 

5. Cocktail bar 

A cocktail-themed shed works well if you enjoy entertaining. Create a dedicated preparation area for mixers, garnishes and glassware, with shelving behind the bar for bottles. 

Good lighting can make a big difference. Under-shelf lights, pendant lighting or subtle decorative lighting can give you a more polished evening atmosphere. 

6. Rustic garden bar 

Timber buildings naturally suit a rustic theme. Leave some of the wood visible and combine it with wooden stools, vintage signs, crates and simple shelving. 

This style can also work well with reclaimed or repurposed furniture, helping the bar feel relaxed rather than overly formal. 

7. Tiki bar

Bring a holiday feel to the garden with a tropical tiki-style bar. Bamboo-effect accessories, colourful decorations and outdoor lighting can quickly transform a simple timber building. 

A serving hatch works especially well with this theme because guests can sit outside while drinks are prepared inside. 

8. Gin bar 

If you have a favourite drink, consider designing the bar around it. A gin bar, for example, could include dedicated shelving for bottles, glass storage and a preparation area for garnishes and mixers. 

This same idea can be adapted for whisky, wine, spritzes or craft beer. 

9. Home brewery bar 

Home brewers can use a pub shed as both a hobby space and somewhere to serve their creations. 

Before adding brewing equipment, think carefully about ventilation, water requirements, electricity and storage. It may be better to keep the brewing area separate from the main seating or serving space where possible. 

10. Pub and games room 

If you have a larger garden building, combine the bar with games and entertainment. 

A dartboard needs very little floor space, while larger sheds might have enough room for table football, a pool table or a game console area. Plan the layout before you buy the furniture so there’s still enough space for people to move around comfortably. 

11. Retro bar 

Give your garden bar some personality with a retro theme inspired by a favourite decade. 

Vintage-style signs, record covers, neon-style lighting and period-inspired furniture can all give the intended look without needing structural changes. 

12. Winter pub shed 

A garden bar doesn’t have to be reserved for summer. With suitable insulation, draught reduction and safe heating, it can become a comfortable space throughout the colder months. 

Soft furnishings, warm lighting and a more enclosed layout can help it to feel cosier during winter. 

13. Garden bar with outdoor seating 

You don’t need to fit all your seating inside the shed. A bar building positioned beside a patio, decking area or pergola can serve as the centre of a much larger entertaining space. 

Use this layout when you regularly host more people than could comfortably sit inside the garden pub. 

14. Small garden micro-pub 

Even a relatively compact shed can become a convincing micro-pub. 

Prioritise the essentials: a narrow bar counter, wall-mounted shelving, drinks storage and one or two stools. Fold-down furniture can also help make better use of limited floor space. 

15. Pub shed with a personal theme 

One of the advantages of having your own garden pub is that there are no rules about how it should look. 

You could base the interior around your favourite football club, music genre, holiday destination or local pub. Personal signs, photographs and memorabilia can make the space individual to you. 

Whatever style you choose, avoid filling the shed with too much furniture or decoration. Keeping enough clear floor space will make the bar feel more comfortable and easier to use. 

How to turn a shed into a garden bar

Converting a shed into a garden bar can be a relatively straightforward project, but it is worth planning the layout and practical requirements before you start buying furniture and accessories. 

1. Check the condition of the shed 

If you’re converting an existing shed, start by making sure the structure is in good condition. 

Check the roof for leaks, inspect the timber for signs of rot or damage and make sure doors and windows close properly. Any structural or weatherproofing problems are best dealt with before the interior is fitted out. 

You should also check the base and floor, particularly if you plan to install heavy furniture, appliances or drinks storage. 

2. Decide how you will use the bar 

Will it mostly be used for serving drinks? Do you want people to sit inside? Will you need a television, fridge or games area? 

Answering these questions early helps you choose the best layout and keep the space from feeling overcrowded. 

3. Plan the bar layout 

Measure the shed carefully and sketch a simple floor plan. Give enough space so you can move comfortably around and make sure doors and windows can be opened without being obstructed. 

In smaller sheds, wall-mounted shelves and a narrow counter can help maximise floor space. In larger buildings, you may have room for internal stools, tables or an additional seating area. 

4. Think about weatherproofing and insulation 

Protect a garden bar from the weather, especially if you plan to keep furniture, electrical items, or drinks equipment inside. 

Make sure the roof and walls are weather-resistant, and address any obvious draughts or leaks. 

If you want to use the pub shed year-round, insulation is a must. It helps to heat the building more easily in winter and makes it more comfortable to use in the colder months. 

5. Plan your electricity safely 

Many garden bars benefit from electricity for lighting, a fridge, television or a music system. For permanent electrical work in an outbuilding, using a suitably qualified electrician is the safest approach. 

Decide where you want the appliances positioned before installing sockets so you don’t have to rely on trailing extension leads. 

6. Install the bar counter 

The counter is usually the main feature of a pub shed. It could run along one wall, sit beneath a serving hatch or form an L-shaped bar in a larger building. 

Make sure the height and depth are comfortable for serving drinks and leave enough working room behind it. Shelving or cupboards beneath the counter can provide useful storage for glasses, bottles and accessories. 

7. Add storage 

Good storage can make even a small garden bar much easier to use. Wall-mounted shelves are useful for bottles and glassware, while cupboards can hide less attractive equipment and supplies. 

If you’re adding a fridge, you’ll need enough room around it for ventilation and easy access. 

8. Choose seating carefully 

Bar stools are a practical option because they take up less room than many conventional chairs. If it’s a small pub shed, consider moving the seating to outside. 

9. Add lighting 

Use a combination of practical and decorative lighting. You’ll need enough behind the bar to prepare your drinks, while warmer decorative lighting makes the seating area more inviting.  Exterior lighting is a must for when you’re using the bar after dark. 

10. Add the finishing touches 

Once the practical elements are complete, you can personalise the space. Signs, frames, pictures, mirrors, and not forgetting the personalised pub name. Try not to overcrowd the walls or floor. A few well-chosen features will have more of an impact than filling every available space. 

What size shed do you need for a pub? 

The best size depends on how you’ll use it. A bar designed to serve drinks through a hatch will be much smaller than one that needs internal seating and entertainment equipment. 

Before you decide on a size, think about how many people will be using the space, and which features are essential to you. 

Small pub sheds 

A 6x4ft to 8x6ft shed can work well for a compact garden bar. Prioritise a serving area, drinks storage and a small fridge, with guests sitting or standing outside. 

Medium pub sheds 

An 8x8ft to 10x8ft shed gives you more flexibility. There should be room for a proper bar area, appliances and a few seats without making the interior feel cramped. 

Large pub sheds 

If you want the full garden pub experience, consider 12x8ft or larger. The extra space gives you more freedom for seating, televisions, games and additional storage. 

Small garden bar layout ideas 

A good small garden bar layout keeps the centre of the shed as clear as possible. Some options include: 

• Back-wall to bar: Keep the counter and bottle storage along one wall. 

• Corner bar: Use an L-shaped counter to make use of an otherwise empty corner. 

• Indoor-outdoor bar: Position the serving area towards the garden and keep most guests outside. 

• Standing bar: Skip internal chairs altogether and use narrow ledges or counters instead. 

Try making the layout on the floor before installing anything permanently. It’s an easy way to check that the space still feels comfortable. 

How much does a garden bar cost? 

The cost depends on whether you’re converting a shed or buying a purpose-built bar, as well as the size and specifications you choose. 

Remember to budget for extras, like: 

• Electrics

• Fridge or drinks cooler 

• Heating 

• Furniture 

• Flooring 

• Decorations and accessories 

Keeping your pub shed warm and weatherproof

If you want to use your garden bar beyond summer, concentrate on stopping heat loss and keeping moisture out. 

Insulating the walls, roof and floor will make the biggest difference. Draught seals around doors and windows can also help, although the building should still have enough ventilation to prevent condensation. 

Keep on top of the exterior timber treatment, roofing and seals too. Small maintenance jobs are much easier to deal with before they become leaks. 

Electrics, lighting and appliances 

Work out what needs power before arranging the electrical installation. A fridge, television, heater and lighting can quickly increase the number of sockets you need. 

For a permanent supply, use a registered electrician rather than relying on extension leads from the house. Outdoor electrical installations should use suitable cabling and RCD protection. 

A typical garden bar might have: 

• Sockets behind the bar 

• A dedicated socket for the fridge 

• Television or sound-system sockets 

• Ceiling or wall lighting 

• Exterior lighting near the entrance 

Planning the positions early helps to keep cables hidden and the finished bar looking tidy. 

Do you need planning permission? 

In England, many garden bars can be built under permitted development rights, meaning you don’t need to make a planning application. 

But there are still restrictions. For example, an outbuilding within two metres of a boundary must generally be no more than 2.5 metres high. There are also rules covering its position, overall height and how much of the land of the original house is covered. 

Don’t forget, if you’re in a listed building or conservation area, you’ll have different or additional rules to follow, so make sure you check them before you start building or have something installed. 

Garden bar security

You’ve spent your time, money, and effort creating your garden bar, so you'll want to keep it safe. Security should also be on the agenda; here are some options to consider: 

• Fit a secure lock to the main door 

• Make sure serving hatches can be locked firmly from inside 

• Avoid leaving expensive equipment visible through windows 

• Consider motion-activated exterior lighting 

• Add a shed alarm 

• It’s also worth checking if your items will be covered by your current home insurance 

Converting a shed vs buying a purpose-built garden bar 

Both options can work well, but the right choice depends on your budget and how much work you want to take on. 

If your existing shed is solid and weatherproof, converting it can make sense. If it needs extensive repairs or alterations, starting with a purpose-built garden bar may be the easier option. 

Why choose an Altas Sheds garden bar? 

Atlas Sheds garden bars are quickly installed, giving you a purpose-built space that’s ready to personalise. 

Depending on the model you choose, features can include: 

• Tanalised tongue-in-groove timber 

• Built-in serving hatch and bar 

• Roof canopy for extra shelter 

• Choice of sizes and door positions 

• UK manufacturing 

• Free delivery and installation in eligible areas 

• 10-year anti-rot guarantee on tanalised sheds 

That leaves you to concentrate on the enjoyable part: choosing the furniture, appliances and finishing touches that turn it into your own pub. 

FAQs 

Can you use a garden bar all-year round? 

Yes, so long as it’s insulated, has suitable heating, good ventilation and is adequately weatherproofed. These will all make it much more comfortable to use in the autumn and winter months. 

Does a garden bar need electricity? 

Not necessarily; you can create a simple serving bar without power, but electricity is useful if you want a fridge, television, heating or permanent lighting. 

What is the best size for a garden bar? 

For a simple serving bar, around 6x4ft to 8x6ft may be enough. Pick a bigger one if you want to have people sitting inside. 

Can you put a fridge in a pub shed? 

Provided you have a suitable electrical supply and enough ventilation around the appliance. Check the manufacturer’s operating temperature guidance too, particularly if the shed gets very cold in the winter. 

Can a garden bar go next to a fence? 

It can, but its position may affect planning requirements. In England, outbuildings within two metres of a boundary are generally limited to an overall height of 2.5 metres under permitted development rules. 

Do you need a licence for a garden bar?

No, you don’t need a licence if you’re creating a private bar where you’re providing friends and family for free. If you’re planning to sell alcohol, you need a licence.