How Do You Start A Beer Garden

5 ways to transform your backyard into a beer garden

Johner Images Getty Images

Securing a pub table might be a challenge, but one way to keep the drinks flowing is to make your very own backyard beer garden. From stringing lights to propping up a bar, there are lots of ways to create a personalised, fun garden retreat.

Whether you have a sprawling space or a smaller balcony, here's everything you need to know about creating your own boozy backyard getaway...

1. Make your own bar

Can't get a pub table? No problem! Keep the good times rolling by making your own outdoor bar from reclaimed materials. Whether you have a pile of unused bricks or old concrete blocks, there are plenty of creative ways to make a bar out of materials that might otherwise be thrown away.

Alternatively, you can also buy your own bar from a selection of retailers. Garden bars have increased in popularity in recent months, with both Habitat, Aldi and Homebase launching their own versions. Great to consider if you're lacking the DIY skillset to make your own.

2. Set the scene

'Creating a place to sit and drink does not need to cost the earth,' says Elizabeth Waddington, garden designer at Horticulture. 'There are a range of cool DIY projects to consider. Many revolve around turning old wood pallets or other reclaimed wood into a range of furniture.'

As well as this, why not scatter a few outdoor cushions and string some festoon lights to really set the scene. You'll have the ultimate pub garden in no time...

3. Improve your garden's privacy

Keep nosey neighbours out by placing carefully-positioned trees close to your seating area, such as privacy-giving bamboo, dwarf trees or climbing plants. As well as this, if you're being overlooked by upper windows, try propping up a parasol, arbour, pergola or gazebo to increase privacy levels further.

'There is no need to shell out on expensive structures when you can often achieve the privacy you crave with a few carefully placed plants,' Elizabeth adds. 'Carefully placed lush planting will make all the difference.'

4. Reuse your old beer bottles

Don't head to the recycling bin with your old beer bottles; instead of chucking them, why not turn them into something useful? Once you've properly cleaned them, there are plenty of ways to bring them back to live.

Elizabeth explains: 'Even old beer bottles can potentially be used to build up a wall for the base of a bar area. Beer bottles can also be used, for example, as lanterns, with fairy lights stuffed inside each one. Or used as candle holders on an outdoors table. The options are endless for using old bottles in creative ways.'

an unopened bottle of cold rosé wine on a midsummer dinner table in sweden focus on the dripping fresh bottle in the foreground

luza studios Getty Images

5. Grow your own beer

Ever wanted to make you own beer? Why not take your garden pub one step further and wow guests your own homemade beer.

'As well as growing fruit and veg in your garden, consider growing ingredients to add to a home brew,' adds Elizabeth. 'Hops, for example, can potentially be grown against a wall or fence, or could also climb a pergola or other structure in your beer garden. And there are also plenty of other plants you could add to your home brewed beers.'

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