A summerhouse already has what many bar sheds lack: big windows, glazed doors and a room people want to sit in. Converting one is mostly about adding a bar without blocking the reasons you liked the building in the first place.
Inspect before you plan
Check the structure as you would any shed conversion:
- Roof covering and edges.
- Floor firmness and base condition.
- Window and door seals.
- Signs of damp or rot.
Our shed conversion guide covers the inspection in detail.
Where to put the bar
With glazing on several sides, wall space is limited. Options include:
- A counter on the back wall, with guests facing it and the view behind them. Simple, but people end up with their backs to the garden.
- A corner bar, using the two solid sections where windows meet.
- A counter under a front window, facing out, so the host serves and still sees the garden.
- A bar outside on the veranda, using the summerhouse as a store and seating room.
Serving outside
Opening the double doors is the simplest serving hatch. Adding a true hatch into a glazed wall is harder; you are cutting into a panel designed around the window. See serving hatches before taking a saw to it.
Glass and sun
Large windows mean solar gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Blinds or curtains help with glare on bottles and screens. Toughened glass and good locks are worth checking for safety and security.
Warmth for winter
Summerhouses lose heat through glazing. Insulating the floor and roof helps, as do thick curtains and draught-proofing. See insulating a garden bar and heating before relying on a heater.
Power and lighting
A summerhouse bar will want sockets for a fridge, lights and perhaps a screen. Plan the supply properly with a competent electrician. See power to a garden bar.
Keep the flexibility
One advantage of a summerhouse is that it can change use later. Freestanding furniture, a movable counter and storage that can be reused keep that option open.
Rules
Changing the use of a summerhouse to a bar for private hosting does not usually change planning, but check if you are adding to its size or if it is near a boundary. See planning and Building Regulations.
Sit in the summerhouse at the time you will use it most and note where the sun and views are. Put the bar where neither will be blocked.