Why venture out to a bar when you can have the party right on your doorstep? Following the rise of pandemic home improvements, outside bars are now a hit for those who love to entertain.
If you’re planning on setting up an outdoor bar, make sure you tick off everything on this list.
Remember that bar care is year-round!
Not feeling brave enough to get your friends outdoors in the winter? We can’t blame you. But you still need to take care of your bar to make sure it gets through the winter, just like you.
Protect from the inevitable rain
First, if your bar is made from wood or organic materials, make sure you apply a waterproof varnish every six months. This will help to protect its strength and shine during damper weather.
Keep everything clean and dry
Next, we need to think about cleaning the bar. If you’re shutting down for winter, start by taking everything movable – think drinks, barware, and accessories – into the house or pack into plastic storage boxes. Next, dust down any furniture such as pillows or umbrellas. Clean off any cobwebs from roofs and covers. Wipe down all sinks, shelves, doors, drawers, and cabinets.
Stop mould
Finally, make sure you give the refrigerator a clean – the last thing you need is to discover mold when you re-open in summer.
Plan for the space you have
If it’s your first time erecting an outdoor bar, you need to be realistic with the space you have. For example, have you considered the height of the bar itself? This may affect which bar stools you use, or potentially limit your storage options.
Pay careful attention to the back bar. Often, people tend to overestimate the size and cram it full of spirits and other bottles. This will look cluttered and unwelcoming for your guests! Never position one bottle behind another as this creates a smash hazard. Rotate your items seasonally – for example, fruitier liqueurs in the summer.
Design around your guests
While you might want your bar to look great, you also need to remember its functionality. You can do both by positioning your props and tools appropriately.
Glasses
Start with glassware. Think about the drinks you’ll be making and put all popular choices within easy reach – if you’re planning to serve a lot of martinis, for example, make sure they’re easy to grab.
Ice on hand
What’s the next thing bartenders go for after serving a drink? Ice. Have the ice bucket positioned near your glasses, as well as garnish if required. (You can also add some garnish to the back bar wall – but this is for decorative purposes only.)
Stock up
Have a speed rail to keep all your drinks stocked up. This applies to mixers, too – have these ready in a chiller in the back bar.
Prepare for spills
Once that’s all set up, make sure you have plenty of napkins or bar towels in the serving area. No matter how careful you (or your guests) are, spills are part of the fun.
Make a bar shopping list
You should make your bar shopping list once you’ve decided how much space you’ll have, as well as budgets and the overall functions of your bar. Consider the aesthetic – do you want solid wood bar stools or something more contemporary?
Remember all the accessories that you might not first have considered. This could be anything from a small knife to chop lemons, to storage boxes and hosepipe fittings for water sources. (Keep these shut off during the winter.)
A speed rack is a great addition. This should be out of the view of your guests, positioned around your knees. It should be stocked up with extras for the most popular drinks. If you’re feeling really clever, you might even organize the drinks in order of guest preference.
Think about storage
An outdoor bar is susceptible to the elements, as well as mildew and nature’s little visitors. If it’s portable, disassemble your bar and move it to the garage or to a place where you can guarantee there’ll be no moisture. Dry everything down before you pack up to prevent mildew.
You may need to add large plastic covers to your shopping list, depending on where your bar is stored. Make sure you’ve removed any critters taking up residence in the nooks and crannies of your bar. This could be a scary surprise come next summer.
Bottoms up!
With these tips, you can create an outdoor bar that looks the part and survives all weather conditions. Have your guests coming round time and again with perfectly organized and well-stocked bars. Happy hour is on!
