Why should you turn your back garden into a beer garden?
Turning your back garden into a beer garden isn’t a move for the weak willed! It takes courage and determination to make your own backyard a masterpiece of brilliance, the hottest new establishment in town! No more ‘last call’ panic or worrying about who will be the designated driver (a.k.a the one who misses out on all the fun) because you’re already there!
Don't worry about the dress code either; feeling like wearing pajamas to the pub? Why the heck not? Plus, think about the money you’ll be saving over time – why waste it out and about (especially in this economy) when you can just be chilling at home, mixing your own drinks with you people you actually know and like, rather than strangers. Do we need to convince you anymore? We personally think, if you're reading this far, you’re probably just looking for more reasons to transform your back garden into the backyard bar of your dreams! Are we right or what?
1. Benefits of a Home Beer Garden
Where do we even start? Believe it or not, there are a lot of benefits here, you just gotta see it in the right light and it depends on what you need. If you’re looking for a place to host that special 50th birthday or anniversary, invite the family over for a day filled with good food and drinks, or just want a place to spend some quality time with your close ones; a beer garden can solve all those planning problems! Think about it, you never have to compete with strangers for the DJ’s attention or wait in line for your drink or squeeze past other humans to get to the bathroom!
With a beer garden, hosting parties becomes a breeze. You can make each gathering a special one by hosting themed events! How about a classic Oktoberfest with pretzels, sausages and German beers? Or a tropical Tiki night with Hawaiian shirts and fruit cocktails? Your guests will never know what to expect, except for a great time of course! The vibe is totally up to you. If you want to keep it chill, add some fairy lights and a little fireplace on the side, or create a bustling social hub with the outdoor speakers – it all depends on your mood and the occasion – it is your place in the end!
But the ultimate reason (for our broke ...selves) is the amount of money that can be saved! Between travelling money, overpriced drinks and the inevitable late-night food cravings, a night out can really drain your wallet faster than you can say “another round”. With your own bar, you can buy your favourite brews in bulk and whip up cocktails that aren’t completely watered down while nibbling on snacks you like without having to spend extortionate amounts of money for four peanuts. And best of all, the beer garden is the place where you create unforgettable memories. From summer parties and holiday celebrations to quite evenings and spontaneous gatherings, it’s going to be the setting for countless cherished moments. So, why wait? Grab a spade, a six-pack and a vision, and get started on transforming your backyard into the best decision you’ve ever made!
2. Planning your beer garden
Did you finally give in? It’s the best decision you’ll make, but where to begin? First things first: location, location, location. You’ll need a spot that gets a nice mix of sun and shade, a spot under a tree, or maybe by the patio or garden bed would do perfectly. The next thing to consider is, unfortunately, money.
While we’re always down to let the imagination go wild, a budget is a necessary evil in fun projects. You’re going to have to make a list of everything you’ll need: materials for the bar, seating, tables, decor, lighting and maybe even some landscaping touching. Estimate the cost for each item and don’t forget to add a little extra for unexpected expenses, like that vintage beer sign! A pro tip; check out our site, we’ve got discounts on real quality stuff!
Even if you’re not much of an artist, you can sketch a rough layout of your beer garden, start with the essentials like the bar. It’s the heart of your beer garden, so make sure you find something that’s sturdy and has plenty of space for all your bar tools and drinks. Comfortable seating is a must, make sure it’s a mix of benches, stools and chairs, and you have got to have tables too. Then you need shelter, a retractable awning, pergola or patio umbrella will keep everyone cool and dry!
After all that, you’ve got decor, ambience and lights. That’s it! Once all the (very important, but) boring stuff is done. Now you can play around with a drink menu, games and entertainment, snacks, food, and any other quirky detail you may want to add to give it a personal tough. I know it sounds like a lot, but Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a beer garden. It’s important to remember to enjoy the planning and the building process. Call some close buddies in for some help (and promise free drink, on the house!), they’ll be more than happy to lend a hand. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small! You got this!
3. Standout features
Creating your own slice of paradise, that’s what this mission is about, and you cannot have a paradise without those little special features and standouts. Make sure the seating options are comfortable but varied, it should be able to cater to all moods and occasions, from lively gatherings to laid-back lounging. Classic picnic tables and benches are perfect for larger groups, BBQs and encourage a communal feel, while nothing can beat a lounge chair on those lazy Sunday afternoons; bar stools are a must for that traditional pub vibe and why not throw in a hammock for the ultimate relaxation station? It all depends on what you want.
Even thinking about the bar tools and glassware to stock up on, we’re talking bottle openers, cocktails shakers, wine glasses, maybe a special engraved piece could be it, or a retro ice bucket, or even a stylish bar mat! You could even name your bar and add a sign that will make it super authentic and personable too. You could designate a space for photos too; as your bar gets busier and as memories are made, you could commemorate them as part of the decoration! Who isn’t going to love that idea?
Set the mood, no matter what the occasion, with your favourite tunes – what's a bar without some noise? Create a playlist – upbeat tracks for parties and mellow tunes for chill evenings – grab the gang and get them to add their sing-along songs so they feel involved too! Incorporate plenty of plants and flowers to create a lush, inviting space. Use potted plants, hanging baskets, and garden beds to add color and texture. Even consider growing your own herbs for cocktails!
And lastly, don’t forget the little details that make a huge difference! Keep things tidy with napkins and coasters, add an outdoor heater for the colder evenings, get some bug zappers and citronella candles – because bugs and beer have never been a thing! Creating a beer garden is all about crafting a space that brings joy, relaxation, and a touch of whimsy to your home. With these features in place, your backyard will become the go-to spot for good times, great drinks, and even better memories.
4. Food and beverage
Congrats on making it this far in your beer garden journey! Now that you’ve laid the foundation of your backyard beer garden, it’s time to get to the delicious heart of the matter – food and beverages! After all, what’s a beer garden without the tantalising array of drinks and mouth-watering snacks? Starting with the beers, because it is a beer garden.
The selection of beer should be as diverse, showcase the local craft beers, take your taste buds on a trip around the world with a variety of international beers and then keep things fresh by rotating your selection with seasonal brews – from light and crisp to pumpkin ales! While beer is the main attraction, a well-rounded bar should offer more than just brews (apparently not ever likes a cold beer, we don’t get it). Stock your bar up with essentials for a timeless cocktail, a basic selection of spirits – vodka, rum, whiskey, gin and tequila – along with mixers like tonic water, soda and fruit juices will have you covered. Create a signature cocktail while you’re at it!
And for those who don’t drink alcohol, you should be prepared – make your bar inclusive for everyone! Don't forget about hydration amidst the festivities, but keeping water readily available is essential. Set up water dispensers, ready with lemon or cucumbers and a variety of soft drinks too!
Since it’s summertime right now, we are living in BBQ season right now! And imagine your beer garden while the grill is sizzlin’! You’ll be the talk of the town, a beer garden and your grilling skills? Pfft. Talk about the perfect day! Keep things simple with burgers, hotdogs and chicken wings and don’t forget the veggie options! Make sure there are plenty of toppings. It doesn’t always need to be a huge thing, mini sliders or sandwiches, a homemade pizza or a family recipe could do the trick! Cook up a big batch and share the love. And for the days when the main event is drinking, you need bar snacks. Classic salty bites with a nice drink; chips and dips, pretzels and nuts, cheese and charcuterie and for those who have a sweet tooth; mini desserts, s’mores station, fruit platters – do i need to say much more? Get your guests involved in each process for a more interactive feel. Cheers to culinary adventures and unforgettable gatherings!
5. Entertainment
You’ve got the beer, you’ve got the snacks, and you’ve got the perfect setup—now it’s time to bring on the entertainment! What’s a beer garden without some friendly games to keep the fun flowing? Gather some bits for a game of cornhole, darts and Jenga! Throw in some classic board games as well, we know you’ve got some old ones hidden somewhere at the bottom of the cupboard – we all do. Don’t overcomplicate the game, you want something that’s easy to set up, so no one has to wait around for the fun to begin. Easy to set up, simple to play, and just competitive enough to stir up some good-natured trash talk. Personally, we think “I spy” is a great game!
As nice as it is to listen to your friends laugh, no beer garden is complete without the right soundtrack to set the mood. Opt for some portable Bluetooth speakers, they’re easy to move around, can connect to multiple devices and come in a range of sizes to suit your space. Plus, no wires to trip over after a few pints! For the audiophile, an outdoor sound system offers superior sound quality and durability. Curate playlists to match the vibe of your gathering. Chill acoustic tunes for laid-back afternoons, upbeat classics for lively evenings, and maybe some sing-along anthems for when the party really gets going.
Add some flair to your beer garden gatherings with themed events. From Oktoberfest to beer and wine tasting nights, Tiki night, movie night, live music, game night, karaoke sessions and whatever else you can think of! Keep your guests engaged and entertained and let them come up with the next party’s theme! Water fights for those super-hot days, DIY drink stations, gardening days (get them to do your work for you, the list is endless! If you can think of it, it can be done. So, get creative, embrace the playful spirit, and let the good times roll.
6. Maintenance and safety
Your beer garden is a masterpiece of merriment, a haven of hops, and a sanctuary of suds. But even the best of times needs a little upkeep and a touch of common sense to ensure everyone has fun safely. Accidents happen, especially when the fun is flowing as freely as the drinks are. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit handy, Band-Aids for minor cuts, antiseptic wipes for scrapes, and maybe even a cold pack for those who think they’re still 21 and can handle the giant Jenga tower collapse.
Your beer garden is designed for fun, but some days it's best to keep the pint-sized crowd at bay. Designate kid-free days where the adults can go wild and kid-friendly days for the family to come by. Take extra precautions, make sure there are no sharp objects or breakable items within reach. Set up a designated play area with toys and activities to keep the little ones entertained.
Remember to ‘clean as you go’ (if you ever worked in hospitality, that one triggered me too – but damn it helps). Keep a brush and mope nearby for quick cleanups and have a designated glass bin – it keeps things tidy and makes recycling a breeze! Place trash bins around the garden, clearly marked for recyclables and general waste. Fairy lights create a magical ambiance, but let’s keep the magic away from electrical hazards. Keep all electrical cords and plugs far away from the drink stations. Beer and electricity do not mix—unless you’re looking to host an impromptu science experiment, and we strongly advise against that.
Use outdoor, weather-proof fairy lights and electrical equipment. And lastly, a few simple steps such as ensuring your furniture is stable and secure, keeping pathways clear and if you’ve got a firepit, then keep an extinguisher nearby! In conclusion, a well-maintained and safe beer garden is the key to endless fun and relaxation. By taking a few simple precautions and keeping things tidy, you ensure that your backyard remains the ultimate destination for good times and great memories.
7. Conclusion
Let’s take a moment to toast to your hard work and the delightful chaos that lies ahead. You’ve mastered the art of seating and making sure your guests have a cosy spot while sipping a drink. Your food and drink setup is legendary! Plus, with snacks from pretzels to cheese boards, no one goes hungry in your domain. You’ve nailed it with entertainment; themed nights, music and all the games. Plus, with all the fun, you’ve also got safety. In short, you’ve created a backyard beer garden that’s a haven of happiness, a fortress of fun, and a palace of practicality. So raise your glass, pat yourself on the back, and get ready to enjoy endless epic evenings in your personal paradise. Cheers to you and your beer garden brilliance!