Over the last few years, a lot more people are choosing to stay in rather than go out, and want somewhere that they can invite people and entertain, and the latest trend in home design is building a bar in a garden room or extension building.
The momentum for home bars and having exciting nights in has been growing for a while, and one of the most popular songs from a decade ago was even about not having to go out. That becomes even better if you have a great place to socialise and enjoy yourself.
Whilst garden rooms are typically associated with relaxing and summer dining, they are uniquely well-suited for being turned into a wide range of functions, but the unique selling point of having a bar in the garden has become particularly appealing in recent years.
Here are some of the reasons why you should think about getting a bar in your garden or converting an existing garden building into one.
A More Intimate Social Setting
Most bars and pubs are generally quite busy, particularly at the times and days you are most likely to want to go.
This can mean that you sometimes cannot get in at all, or it can lead to a loud, crowded and typically less than ideal social experience when you can. Sometimes the music is deafeningly loud, or sports broadcasts are playing that distract you from a proper conversation.
With a bar at home, you control the clientele, and the intimate space means that everyone can feel involved and included in the conversations around the bar and the tables.
Cheaper In The Long Run
Going out to drink is expensive, and some places have even experimented with “dynamic pricing” to charge even more at peak hours, according to a Forbes article.
This does not even go into the many ways in which bars can cut corners, adulterate spirits, or alter the bar environment to cut costs and nudge people towards buying even more expensive drinks.
None of this is the case with your own bar. Drinks are cheaper to buy, even with a supermarket markup, you can make them to measure however you like, and you can tailor the setting to be as comfortable as you want it to be.
You can also choose the drinks as well, and stock up on all of your favourites, cocktail staples and anything your friends want as well.
You Make The Rules
Even if you have a favourite haunt, there is usually something you are less than enamoured with.
Maybe they play music you do not like or keep playing the same five songs on repeat. Maybe you smoke, and obviously cannot do so indoors. Maybe last orders are a little too early for you?
With your own bar, you make the rules and set the dress code. If you want to stay up until the sunrise in your bar, you can do that. If you want to go and get a nightcap during the night, that’s an option available to you as well.
Saves Kitchen Space
A lot of people tend to use their kitchen as a makeshift bar area, storing spirits, mixing equipment and glasses alongside everything they need to cook and clean.
That can lead to a shortage of space, particularly if you need to chill a lot of drinks in the fridge, and by storing these in a dedicated bar space, you will have more usable room in the process.
As well as this, it saves you making frequent trips to the kitchen from your living or dining room; everything is in front of you, ready to mix, serve and sip.
Creates A Space For Memorable Moments
A bar is one of the few third spaces out there that many people frequent, and is where so many memories, eventful nights and meaningful deep conversations take place.
It is very hard to find places with that atmosphere that invite people to connect and really reach out to each other. Even many bars struggle to provide that at peak times.
A bar at home is a perfect place for a home date night, meet-up with friends or host guests, and the ambience allows people to relax into themselves at least for a moment.
Potentially Adds Value To Your Home
If you have been tempted to set up a bar in your garden room, you are far from the only one, and if you need to sell up and move, the bar could potentially add a little extra value to the right buyer.