2 CREATE A DINING ROOM
There’s no point in cooking up a storm if there’s nowhere to sit and eat! If space allows, try to plan in a dining space close to the culinary action, because then you can chat to your guests while the burgers are grilling without having to dash halfway across the garden to check nothing’s burning. Keep it comfy with an outdoor rug, lots of weatherproof cushions and a pile of cosy throws in case it gets chilly.
4 KEEP COOKING KIT HANDY
Much as with an indoor kitchen, your outdoor cookhouse will benefit from well-positioned access to all the essentials such as chopping boards, spoons, baskets, bowls, etc. Make use of a handy wall and add a few hooks from which to hang items, or invest in freestanding shelves.
Bloomingville wooden cutting boards, basketware and ceramics, from a selection, Trouva. Bloomingville Sole console table, £144, Amara
5 IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE BARBECUE
Outdoor pizza ovens are becoming more popular as people strive to recreate an authentic taste of Italy at home. There are designs to suit most budgets, ranging from tabletop ones to professional brick-built beauties – and, of course, you could always build your own if your DIY skills will stretch to it. A brick-built oven can also be used to bake bread or roast meat, so it’ll definitely get plenty of use.
6 A SEAT AT THE BAR
Why go to the pub when you can have your very own bar in your garden? It doesn’t have to be elaborate – it could be something as simple as a stylish drinks trolley with integral ice bucket (to keep the rosé perfectly chilled), or you could go the whole hog and install a more permanent structure, such as a modified wooden shed with handy serving hatch. If you do go for the built option, make sure you protect the structure from the elements with waterproof paint.