How to Create Your Very Own Shed Cocktail Bar

Influencer Danielle Zarb-Cousin created a 1970s-inspired cocktail bar out of a shed. Named ‘Crème de Menthe’, the mint green vintage home cocktail bar, complete with seating and an orange interior, went on to win the Cuprinol Shed of the Year Award.

If you fancy following in Danielle’s footsteps and creating your own shed cocktail bar, read on for some top advice to get you started.

A home cocktail bar in your shed makes for a great escape from the main house, perfect for parties and intimate soirees. All shed cocktail bars need a bar and seating, as well as storage and shelving for drinks. You may even wish to go a step further and create your own serving hatch, so we’ve included a guide for that too.

Step 1 – Prepare your shed

Your cocktail shed will need to be watertight and well-insulated. So if you have an existing shed that needs a little attention to get it up to scratch, that’s where you’ll need to start.

Alternatively, you may be in the market for a new shed, in which case you’ll have the exciting task of starting from scratch and choosing the best location in your garden for your home cocktail bar. Choose somewhere with the best possible views, shady in summer, and easily accessible from the main house.

Most cocktail bar sheds benefit from being connected to power, not least because you’ll want to set it off with ambient lighting. You may also want a water supply for washing glasses, and garden room WiFi for sounds and entertainment.

A home cocktail bar in your shed makes for a great escape from the main house.

Step 2 – Build your shed cocktail bar

The best cocktail sheds incorporate ambient lighting, bright décor and functional storage. But of course, the main thing is always going to be the bar area.

You’ll want to make sure the bar fits snugly into your shed. Once you’ve measured up, you can make the frame. You’ll need four main posts, then a front panel, side panels and a worktop. By keeping the inside open, you can create shelving for handy storage.

Now place some bar stools up at the bar, and introduce seating of your choice to the rest of the cocktail shed, space permitting.

Behind the bar, you’ll want more shelving, preferably with front panels to prevent bottles falling forward. A row of hooks for hanging tankards and pigeon holes for other types of glasses will help you keep everything neat and to hand. And of course, no cocktail bar would be complete without a row of wall mounted optics.

Step 3 – Kit out your home cocktail bar

Once you have your bar, there are various things you’re going to need if you’re going to create the ideal cocktail shed.

These might include:

• Electric blender
• Mini fridge
• Ice freezer and ice bucket
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainers
• Measuring cups
• Spoons, stirrers, umbrellas and straws
• Cutting boards and knives
• Corkscrew
• Glasses and nibbles servers
• Napkins
• Rubbish bin

Once you have your bar, there are various things you’re going to need if you’re going to create the ideal cocktail shed.

Step 4 – Theme your shed cocktail bar (if you want to)

It’s fun to theme your shed cocktail bar. Ideas could include:

• Mediterranean holiday bar – with your very own neon lights
• 1970s disco shed – complete with mirror ball
• Tiki bar – the latest trend bringing in Polynesian style with tropical plants
• Traditional pub – install a dartboard and beer pump for authenticity

For help creating the ultimate shed cocktail bar, look to Surrey Hills Garden Buildings

Inspired by our home cocktail bar ideas? Then prepare to make your own! Need a new shed? We have an extensive range to choose from.

At Surrey Hills Garden Buildings, we have earned a reputation as the go-to supplier of all types of garden buildings, including shed cocktail bars, gyms, studios, combination rooms and leisure rooms.

Why not visit one of our dedicated show sites? Our friendly team is ready and waiting to provide you with expert advice on creating the garden room you’ve always wanted, with personalised guidance on kitting it out with all you need to create a shed cocktail bar that everyone can enjoy.

You are also welcome to get in touch to discuss your garden room ideas. We look forward to speaking to you.