BBQs, bars and more outdoor kitchen ideas to upgrade your garden
When long summer days filled with sunshine arrive, there's no better place to be than the garden, enjoying good food and great company. If your space needs a refresh, these creative outdoor kitchen ideas will help you transform it into the ultimate alfresco dining spot.
An outdoor kitchen can transform your garden into the ultimate entertaining space, whether it's a rustic pizza oven, a sleek gas barbecue, or a stylish outdoor bar. Keep it simple with a few key additions, or go all out with a full setup, including a sink and fridge, so you can host without ever having to dash indoors.
To begin, it's worth thinking about the design of your garden, how much space you’ve got, and what kind of placement would be convenient. Get inspired to upgrade your setup with these ideas…
Outdoor kitchen ideas that bring a summer vibe to your garden
Simple outdoor kitchen ideas
Pizza oven
Bubbly mozzarella, sizzling toppings, and a perfectly crisp base – nothing beats a pizza oven for outdoor cooking. It’s a fantastic addition to your garden kitchen, especially if you love entertaining.
Most pizza ovens heat up to a higher temperature than a conventional oven, meaning you can cook a pizza in as little as 60 seconds. A great option for garden parties with lots of guests.
You can also get your guests involved by having them add their own pizza toppings while you handle the cooking.
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Kitchen island
Forget having to dash back inside every few minutes for kitchen essentials. If you want everything within reach, adding a kitchen island to your garden can be a game changer.
Depending on how much space you have, you could opt for a kitchen island with a sink, too, like this one from B&Q. It includes a workstation with a sink, a cabinet with a hidden ice bucket, and a portable serving trolley – perfect for summer cocktails!
Buy a 3-piece kitchen island from B&Q
Herb garden
Add a herb garden within easy reach of your cooking station to enjoy fresh, aromatic ingredients for your outdoor meals.
Not only will it elevate the flavours of your dishes, but having herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary just a few steps away makes cooking more convenient and enjoyable.
This tiered herb garden from B&Q offers ample space for planting while taking up minimal room in your garden.
Covered outdoor kitchen ideas
Add a pergola
A pergola is a great addition to your garden kitchen. It offers protection from the elements and shading your cooking area to prevent overheating. It also helps define the space and creates a focal point.
Available in wooden and metal options, pergolas often feature material across the top for added shade. For a simple choice, try this metal-framed pergola from The Range. It's available in two sizes and four colours to match your style.
Add an awning
If your garden kitchen is directly next to your house, an awning is a great option. It attaches to the side of your house, providing shade and shelter, while adding a modern, stylish look.
For added versatility, consider a retractable awning like this one from B&Q.
Small outdoor kitchen ideas
Mini outdoor bar
A portable bar is a great addition to your garden for entertaining. Pop the champagne, mix up fruity cocktails, or serve ice-cold colas with ease.
This foldable wooden bar features a handy shelf for storing drinks, so there’s no need to keep running inside. It folds away in seconds and comes with a 10-year warranty.
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Portable BBQ
There are plenty of BBQ options, but a self-contained BBQ on wheels with built-in storage is a great choice for small spaces.
If you’re short on kitchen surfaces, opting for a BBQ with storage keeps everything in one place, making outdoor cooking more convenient.
Small table and chairs
If you need seating that doesn’t take up too much space, a two-seater bistro set is a great option. Perfect for relaxing while grilling or enjoying a morning coffee, this table and chair set folds away neatly when not in use.
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Outdoor kitchen ideas that will bring a summer feeling to your space
Get ready for hot, sunny days, the sizzle of the BBQ, and the buzz of friends and family with our outdoor kitchen ideas to try now.
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