There’s nothing like a tall, cold one after a long day, and the best place to enjoy it is at home. That doesn’t have to mean sitting alone in your La-Z-Boy with no one to talk to but the dog. Why not follow a growing trend and create a pub space right in your backyard?
This bloody good idea began in Britain, where people began building little home bars in their own yards – er, gardens – as a place to gather with friends and neighbors and enjoy a drink or two. The trend surged during the pandemic lockdown months of 2020 and has now caught on strong in the U.S., as homeowners are building or renovating sheds of all sizes to have a backyard bar of their own.
While the English pub style is the most common, you can go with whatever theme strikes your fancy. Set up an outdoor TV and make it a sports bar. If you’re into Harleys, deck it out as a biker bar. Or rustle up a Western theme and craft a side-yard saloon of your very own. There are companies that sell convenient kits for completing the shed-to-bar transition. If you’re getting a new shed for the purpose, the customization options are extensive: you can even order an opening on one wall to create a serving portal so that guests don’t have to go inside the bar.
How you configure your backyard bar will be limited only by your imagination – and the size of the space. A larger shed may have enough room inside for a few barstools, or even more comfortable seating such as cushioned chairs or a sofa. Some seats around the outer perimeter of the building will be everyone’s favorite spot when the weather is agreeable.
As for the bar itself, you can have an actual service counter – with draught taps, even – or just a shelf to keep the bottles on. Some shed bars are elaborate affairs with running water and electricity (think about how much fun a neon sign would be!), while others are simpler structures where you just crack open a can or bottle and enjoy a beverage among friends. You can start out completely rustic and plan to upgrade in the future by adding decorative touches and upscale materials like granite, copper, overhead lighting, and even wall art. Regardless of how much or how little you deck it out, once your shed has been transformed into an at-home watering hole, your place will be the hottest hangout in your neighborhood.
