Aug 11, 20203 min read

How we created a POPUP BAR out of our garden shed!

That eureka moment when a negative turns into a positive!

It all started when the builders told us that in order to lay out the patio properly at the back of the garden they would have to to also lay it under the garden shed, meaning emptying and dismantling the shed (horror face emoji!!!).

We gathered the courage (and the time) to do as we were told, and it wasn't until time came to build the shed back up that lightning stroke! My partner suddenly went "could we rebuild it so it can be a bar?". I knew at that moment he had no idea how much work that entailed, but I was so keen on the idea, I just went: OMG YEEEES!!!

We started out with this box standard 6'x8'shed

It used to face towards the house, so

We basically extended the shed upwards on one side. All we did was add vertical batons on the higher side for support and we got some long strips of wood to create the added piece for the bar. Fitted some hinges to the piece and some chain, job done. (can't seem to find the pictures of the process, I shall add them when I do!)

When we put the shed back together, we changed its orientation, so it is now facing towards the pergola and the drinks can be served straight from the bar to the guests seating in the lounge.

STICK TO YOUR ROOTS!

My partner is originally from Trinidad, Caribbean, so when it came to restyling the shed into a cool bar I went for a Carribbean beach hut kind of vibe. I painted it in this purple pansy colour (Cuprinol Shades) for a great summery feel all-year-round.

I made those window blinds out of some Clarke & Clarke fabric I had leftover from a shoot.

I keep this set of folding high stools within reach in the shed so that whenever the bar pops out, the stools can be conveniently laid out in front very quickly.

Here you can see the full layout with the shed in the far right corner. I love that it is a bit hidden behind the banana plants, so as the guests walk in they first see the pergola inviting them to come and seat, and as they make their journey through the garden BAM! they realise there is another surprise around the corner!

"Friday nights are meant to feel special, even if spent at home"

APERITIVO TIME!

I was delighted when the bar even featured in this recent shoot I did for APÉROL with amazing photographer Natasha Alipour-Faridani. My partner and a friend even got to model for the occasion, whoooo!!!