Enjoying an outdoor entertaining experience is one of the most popular reasons for adding a summerhouse or garden building to your property. A dedicated fun space away from the house that combines the benefits of indoor and outdoor living is perfect way to enjoy your garden with friends and family. We are always fascinated by the ways in which our customers adapt Scotts’ summerhouses into quirky, fun and elegant settings to host parties and gatherings. In this blog, we provide some inspiration with some thoughts on creating your very own garden gin bar or palace.
Your Garden Gin Bar Project
Before sitting down with a glass of your favourite tipple, there is work to be done. First, choose a plot for your garden gin bar that is close enough to the house if you need more ice, and far enough away from your neighbours if you plan to party into the night. While you should not need planning permission to set up a bar in your summerhouse, it is always worth double-checking any planning restrictions that may apply to your property or in your locality. Keep neighbours informed of your plans even if your gin-drinking soirees are intended to be relaxed and sophisticated.
All garden buildings need a firm, level base, away from encroaching trees and bushes, or over-hanging vegetation. Think about the light in your garden whether its faces north or south or all points in between. You may wish to benefit from the sun’s warmth in the evenings so check its trajectory across your lawn.
The size of your garden is no barrier to setting up a gin palace. Even Scotts smallest summerhouse model, the Balmoral, has plenty of room for a glass or two, and you can always spill out onto the decking or patio if you are hosting a large cocktail party.
Summerhouse Size and Shape
Scotts’ models lend themselves perfectly to a garden gin bar with their classic, timeless lines, high quality finishes and decorative features. Choose a cedar shingle roof with elegant copper finial and a cream fabric roof lining, decorative leaded glass, tongue and groove effect wall lining, and brass or chrome window and door fittings. For the ultimate gin bar experience that will wow your friends, why not introduce a little movement, and install a summerhouse with a rotating base? An ingenious piece of engineering, discreetly hidden by a timber skirt, you can turn your summerhouse through 360 degrees using a smart handle, ensuring that you will always have the best view no matter what time of day it is. A rotating base can be fitted to Scotts octagonal summerhouse models.
For a garden gin bar on a permanently firm footing, you might be interested in a corner summerhouse such as our Newhaven model, or really spread out in our Sun Ray Garden Room. Scotts summerhouses start at 2m and go up to 4.4m in width so choose a model that will comfortably accommodate all your guests.
Create a Warm Welcome
Inside your garden gin bar, you will need to consider where to store and serve the drinks. In a larger garden building, you might want to install a bar, but space-saving furniture can create an equally attractive setting with a drinks cabinet or trolley.
Ensure that there are plenty of seats for everyone, both inside and out on the deck or patio. Funky bar stools can save space when tucked under an overhanging worktop. Or you can opt for Scotts’ modular seating option that hugs the inside walls and provides integral storage under lidded seat pads. For additional space, choose the Scotts bay shelf feature and you will always have somewhere to rest your glass.
Free-standing furniture can bring a touch of luxury with chairs and footstools reflecting the current velvet trend. Or change up your interior design to suit the occasion with interchangeable rugs and throws, or Kirsty Allsopp’s ‘cushionscape’ ideas.
You could even team up your upholstery style with your favourite flavour of gin. Our Williams Morris Strawberry Thief fabric is complemented perfectly by this Strawberry Gin Infused liqueur. This Fig, Vanilla and Cardamom Gin is perfect with Honeysuckle Fig cushion option. And if you have chosen our Sanderson Jackfruit Olive fabric, you get to relax with a perfect martini made with gin and dry vermouth and garnished with olives.
Glass Half Full
Gin is best sipped from a voluminous balloon glass also known as a Copa glass. Waterford crystal produce an elegant model, and there is a wide range of gin glasses at John Lewis. There are some ingenious ways to store glasses when you have limited space like this gin rack with space to suspend the stems upside down. Serve your drinks on a mirrored tray for some 1920s Art Deco glamour and add any number of cocktail stirrers and swizzle sticks.
Light up your bar with strings of LEDs or one of these cunning gin bottle lamps. Scotts offer a solar-powered lighting solution so you can maintain a festive atmosphere in your own eco-friendly gin bar.
How does your Gin Garden Grow?
Bring your garden gin bar to life by growing your own aromatic ingredients to flavour plain gin or create attractive garnishes. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and mint (try growing Ginger Mint and thank us later), work well so make sure you plant some near to your summerhouse in a raised bed or in pots that you can suspend from the walls. Check recipes online to find out how long herbs should steep to deliver the optimum flavour bearing in mind that some are much stronger than others.
Fruit flavoured gins can easily be re-created by adding sloes, elderflower berries or blackberries that you have foraged from the hedgerows or your own garden. Whatever brand of gin you are drinking, keep fresh garnishes such as cucumber, lemon, and berries on hand to bring your drinks menu to life.
Once your garden gin bar is complete, you could hang up a sign to let all your friends know that you are open for business and let the fun begin!
A Gin Palace in 9 Steps
Creating the perfect gin palace in your garden can be achieved through the following step-by-step guide:
- Selecting the Location: Choose a spot for your gin palace that strikes the right balance between convenience and privacy. It should be close to your house for easy access but also secluded enough to ensure a relaxed atmosphere.
- Planning and Permissions: Check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before starting your project. While setting up a bar in your summerhouse typically doesn’t require planning permission, it’s wise to double-check to avoid any issues.
- Preparing the Foundation: Ensure your garden building has a firm, level base away from trees and overhanging vegetation. Consider the orientation of your garden in relation to sunlight to make the most of warmth and light.
- Choosing the Right Size and Shape: Select a summerhouse model that suits your space and accommodates your guests comfortably. Consider classic designs with elegant finishes and decorative features for a timeless appeal.
- Designing the Interior: Plan the interior layout to include storage and serving areas. Opt for space-saving furniture like bar stools or modular seating with integrated storage.
- Personalising the Decor: Add personal touches to your gin palace with interchangeable rugs, throws, and cushions. Coordinate upholstery styles with your favorite gin flavors for a cohesive aesthetic.
- Selecting Glassware and Lighting: Invest in voluminous balloon glasses for the perfect gin experience. Enhance the ambiance with strings of LED lights or innovative gin bottle lamps.
- Growing Ingredients: Cultivate aromatic herbs and fruits near your gin palace to flavor your drinks and create attractive garnishes. Experiment with different combinations to craft unique gin concoctions.
- Final Touches and Opening: Add signage to announce your gin palace’s grand opening to friends and family. With everything in place, open your doors and let the festivities begin!
By following these steps, you can create a luxurious and inviting gin palace in your garden, perfect for entertaining guests and enjoying relaxing evenings outdoors.
Your Perfect Summerhouse Gin Palace
Adding a summerhouse or garden building to your property offers a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor entertaining experience. Transforming this space into a garden gin bar not only maximises the enjoyment of your garden but also provides a unique setting to host gatherings with friends and family. By selecting the right location, ensuring a solid foundation, and incorporating stylish and functional design elements, you can create a charming and sophisticated retreat. Whether you opt for a rotating summerhouse for panoramic views or a fixed model with modular seating and elegant finishes, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, growing your own herbs and garnishes adds a personal touch to your gin creations, making each drink a delightful experience. With careful planning and creative touches, your garden gin bar will become the highlight of your outdoor living space, offering countless opportunities for memorable moments and celebrations. Start your journey with Scotts today and turn your vision into reality.
Start your Gin Bar Journey here
If you are intrigued by the idea of a gin palace or garden bar for your home, talk to Scotts about the possible options. We can supply the ideal summerhouse structure that meets your needs and advise on additional features to deliver a truly luxurious experience.
Contact Scotts of Thrapston via our web form or get in touch by phone on 01832 732366.
You might also like to read this: Summer House Bar Ideas