The desire for garden-based leisure has witnessed a remarkable upswing, as indicated by a recent study. Toolstation suppliers engaged with 1,000 carpenters, joiners, and builders to unveil the

prevailing trends of 2023.

Contrary to focusing on interior renovations, a significant 54% of Britons express a preference for enhancing their outdoor spaces. This trend manifests in the burgeoning interest in constructing garden bars, gazebos, and barbecue zones.

The survey revealed that 11% of these tradespeople have been assigned the task of erecting a garden bar or "pub shed" in the current year. Notably, the demand for garden bars has surged by a staggering 400% compared to the same period last year.

Pete Bentley, 44, residing in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, invested £1,200 in creating a garden bar shed, complete with features like three bar stools, a serving hatch, shutters, and a bell for last orders. Bentley shared, "When I invite my friends over, they can hardly believe I've set up a bar in my garden. They take a seat on the stools, place their orders—typically a pint or a glass of wine—and enjoy a bag of crisps."

He humorously added, "I was considering charging them, given the expenses it's incurring!"

Toolstation's spokesperson pointed out that sales of pub benches and bar stools have also witnessed a notable increase. They noted, "Among the tradespeople we surveyed, 11% reported being tasked with building a garden bar in recent months."

Matt Kent from Toolstation expressed, "This summer has already been packed with memorable sports events, and with the World Cup underway, we anticipate more iconic moments. Enjoying these events in the comfort of your outdoor space, surrounded by friends and family, is a wonderful way to do so. The rising demand for garden bars certainly attests to the appeal of this concept among many people." Photo by Amanda Slater from Coventry, West Midlands, UK, Wikimedia commons.