There's nothing better than a few drinks in the evening, but why should you have to leave the house to get them? There's no need to venture out into the cold and dark when you have a well-stocked bar at home. But instead of just having a drinks cabinet, why not go the whole hog and create a bar and seating area to rival anything you would find in the city? If you have space in your home, perhaps in your kitchen, basement or attic, you can turn it into a feature where you can sit with friends and family for a drink or five. Try some of the tips in this guide to set up a fun space for all seasons.

Jason Dean

Somewhere to Sit

If you want your bar to be a special area of your home, and not just a drinks cart in the corner of the room, you need somewhere to sit. You could create a bar surface with traditional stools if you want to recreate a big night out or maybe a '70s sitcom. If you have the space, it's an excellent idea for playing host to your guests, as you stand behind the bar and make cocktails for them. If there's a showoff inside you, desperate to come out, you'll love this option. But you could also go with a comfortable seating area with comfortable chairs or sofas, or even combine it with a dining space.

Drinks Storage

Next there's the question of how to store your drinks. There's the classic drinks cart, which will sit proudly wherever you put it and has the bonus of being portable. You can use them to store your various bottles, as well as creating a dedicated area for mixing drinks. But if you don't want everything so exposed, go with using a console table, sideboard or similar surface. You can keep everything hidden away in cupboards and drawers, and add a tray or two on top for drink making. You can also store everything on bookcases or other shelves, or install a dedicated wet bar with a sink.

Supplies

It's not just the drinks you need, but the correct equipment for making them too. No one wants to try and find any old container to mix a cocktail in, when you could be using a proper shaker. What you need will depend on what sort of drinks you want to make, and you can look at pattersons.co.uk for inspiration. If you mostly pour drinks straight from the bottle, you're unlikely to need much. But anyone interested in mixology could need a whole range of accouterments. And even people who prefer simple things, like single malt whiskeys, need a few things, like water jugs.

Glasses

For some people, it's all about the presentation, and they won't settle for anything less than the correct glass. Who wants to drink a Cosmopolitan from a highball? If you wish to serve everything in traditional glasses, from wine and beer to spirits and cocktails, you'll need a well-stocked cupboard.