A shelf of sparkling glasses looks great on the first night and dusty, cobwebbed and spotted with condensation a fortnight later. Storage is what keeps a garden bar feeling like a bar instead of a shed with drinks in it.
Keep glasses closed away
Open shelves gather dust, insects and condensation. Closed cupboards or glass-fronted cabinets keep glasses clean. If you prefer open display, keep it to a few glasses and store the rest in a cupboard.
Rack them so they dry
Store glasses upright on a mat, rack or grid so air circulates. Glasses stored wet in a closed cupboard can turn musty. Let them dry fully after washing.
Washing up
Without a sink in the bar, glasses go back to the house. Plan a crate or tray to carry them safely, and a place to put used glasses in the bar so they don't pile up. If you want washing in the bar, see sink and water.
Bottles and cans
- Store spirits and wines away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep heavy items low.
- Lock away spirits if children visit.
- Chill only what you need; fridge space in a garden bar is usually limited. See garden bar fridges.
Outdoor-friendly alternatives
Glass and bare feet or paving don't mix. For outdoor areas, consider shatter-resistant drinkware made for outdoor use. Keep proper glass for inside the bar if you prefer it there.
Bar kit
A drawer or tray for openers, measures, spoons, towels and a first aid kit keeps the counter clear. Hooks under shelves are handy for towels and tools.
Winter storage
Over winter, bring delicate glassware and anything that could freeze, like bottles of soft drinks, back to the house. Cans and some bottles can burst if left in a freezing building.
Safety
- Sweep up broken glass immediately and keep a dustpan and gloves in the bar.
- Keep a bin with a lid for broken glass, separate from general rubbish.
- Don't stack glasses so high that they topple when a door slams.
See back bar shelving for planning the shelves themselves.
Count the glasses you actually use on a busy evening, keep that many in the bar and store the rest in the house. Less stock means less dust.
Quick answers
Can I leave glasses in a garden bar over winter?
Sturdy glasses in closed cupboards usually cope, but bring delicate glassware indoors and store everything dry.
Is plastic or glass better for an outdoor bar?
Shatter-resistant drinkware is safer on paving and near children. Many hosts keep glass for inside the bar.
How do I stop glasses smelling musty?
Let them dry fully before storing, keep the bar ventilated and avoid closed cupboards against cold walls.