Are you ready to host lovely outdoor meals with your friends and family this summer? Having an outdoor living space means plenty of opportunities to throw garden parties, birthday bashes, barbeques, and evening dinners on the patio or by the pool. 

Perhaps you’re excited to serve up your favourite home-cooked meals at your gatherings. But who wants to be stuck inside cooking while everyone else is outside soaking up the sun?

With a beautiful, open-air kitchen, you can be right in the middle of the festivities whilst preparing delicious culinary creations for your crowd. Plus, you can get everyone else involved in the food preparation fun. 

We at Harbour Lifestyle are all about enhancing your space to facilitate good times and luxurious experiences. So below, we’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor kitchen ideas in the UK to help you design your dream outdoor cooking area. 

Just remember that with an outdoor kitchen, customisability is the name of the game. You can opt for an expansive, luxury kitchen with appliances like a fridge, sink, and more — or focus on just a grill and dining table if that’s more your style. 

No matter your vision, we hope these modern outdoor kitchen ideas will help spark the inspiration to bring it to life.

 

1. Shade the Space

PergoSTET 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in White - £3,999

 

While a fire pit will warm your outdoor kitchen in the winter, what do you do on those hot spring and summer days? 

To ensure comfort in the heat, include a luxury pergola in your outdoor kitchen design. This practical addition provides outdoor shade, protecting you and your guests from the scorching sun while you cook and dine. 

Alternatively, opt for a garden parasol that complements the colour scheme of your outdoor kitchen, adding a touch of sophistication while offering relief from the heat. 
If a pergola or a parasol doesn’t fit in with your vision, take a look at our garden shade ideas to help spur your creativity.

 

2. Set Up a Pizza Making Station 

Juno 16" Pizza Oven Bundle with Stainless Steel Pizza Peel and Cover - £459.00

 

As far as outdoor kitchen ideas for small spaces go, you can’t go wrong with a portable pizza oven. 

Create your own outdoor pizza kitchen station with a small stainless steel oven and a tabletop. This is sure to be a hit for birthday parties — just line up the toppings so everyone can put together their own pizza creations. With a portable oven, you can easily enjoy the experience of cooking traditional wood-fired pizzas, even if you have a small space to work with.

To get even more out of a compact outdoor space, check out our list of inspiring small garden ideas.

 

3. Fire Up the Kamado Grill

Kamado BBQ 22" Ceramic Grill Egg in Matte Green - £799.00

 

A kamado grill is a must-have for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. They’re perfect for both simple outdoor kitchens and expansive kitchen setups alike. 

These versatile ceramic grills allow for precise temperature control, making them ideal for grilling and smoking a variety of foods. You can choose from plenty of different kamado grill sizes and styles to suit your outdoor cooking needs. No matter which one catches your eye, the sleek and stylish design of a kamado grill will add a contemporary look to your outdoor kitchen.

 

4.  Cover the Kitchen

Santiago 6 Seat Rattan Oval Dining Set in Grey - £1,899.00

To ensure you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen all year round, consider placing your outdoor kitchen under a covered patio. You’ll guarantee protection from the elements, allowing you to cook and entertain regardless of the weather’s plans. 

Or, install a retractable roof or a pergola with adjustable louvres over your outdoor kitchen to create a versatile space that you can customise based on your desired level of sunlight and shade.
Want even more ways to upgrade your patio? We put together a full list of modern patio ideas here.

 

5. Dine at the Bar

Kalama 4 Seat Rectangular Bar Set with Teak Table in Charcoal £1,649

 

For some truly exceptional al fresco dining, consider an outdoor bar. Eating at an outdoor bar table will make you and your guests feel like you’re dining at a lavish restaurant. 

This elevated feature allows guests to gather around, sip cocktails, and engage in lively conversations while the chef works their magic. 

You can either install an outdoor kitchen bar or purchase a freestanding bar set. One of our favourite outdoor kitchen bar ideas is the one above, which easily creates a relaxed, bar-style dining space to complement an outdoor kitchen. 

You can also opt for an outdoor bar set with a built-in fire pit for an additional boost of intrigue.

 

6. Light a Warm Fire

 

Santiago Deluxe Square Rattan Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table in Grey £2,599

 

Enjoy an outdoor kitchen – even in the colder months – with the simple addition of a fire pit. 

This cosy, upscale addition creates a central area that will draw everyone in. You can gather around the fire and enjoy the crackling flames while savouring delicious meals from your outdoor kitchen.

A fire pit can help you keep the party alive by warming your guests and encouraging them to stay outdoors well into the night. 
Blend functionality with style by choosing a fire pit that complements the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. For example, do you want a rustic look? Choose a freestanding fire pit with log storage. Do you want a modern touch? Consider a glass fire pit built into the dining table. 

 

7. Eat in a Cosy Nook

Palma Rope Rectangular Corner Dining Set with Rising Table in Grey (Left Hand) £3,799

 

Create a dining nook within your outdoor kitchen, providing an intimate and inviting space for meals. 

Place comfortable seating options, such as a plush corner sofa, around a dining table. Then, add decorative elements like throw pillows and blankets to make everything ultra-comfortable. This cosy corner will become a favourite spot for relaxing, playing games, and enjoying your delicious meals. 

Make sure to choose garden furniture with durable outdoor fabric for your dining nook. That way, you won’t have to worry about your sofa degrading in the rain or fading in the sun. 
To browse even more ways to provide comfort to your guests, check out our article on comfortable garden seating ideas.

 

8.  Showstopper Pizza Oven

 

Fontana Mangiafuoco Stainless Wood Pizza Oven Including Trolley - £2,699.00

 

For those who frequently entertain or have a passion for cooking, a large pizza oven is a hugely valuable addition to an outdoor kitchen setup. 

A modern pizza oven with storage space will quickly become the star of any outdoor gathering. With it, you can make not only pizzas but also bread, desserts and other foods. You’re bound to create unforgettable dining experiences with one of these outside your door. 

 

9. Install an Outdoor Sink

Palma 8 Seat Rope Oval Dining Set with Ceramic Table in Grey - £2,999.00

An outdoor sink is an ultra-convenient addition to any upscale outdoor kitchen. No more running inside and outside to prep the food and clean the plates. 

Installing a sink outside makes outdoor cooking so much more versatile and efficient. Choose a durable and weather-resistant material, like stainless steel, for the sink. This will make sure it withstands the elements while still looking gorgeous and modern.

 

10. Add Adequate Space for Food Prep

Bamboo Pizza Board 16" £29.99

 

Make sure to allocate ample counter space in your outdoor kitchen for food preparation — you’ll thank yourself later! Incorporate a durable and heat-resistant countertop material to handle chopping, slicing, and meal assembly. A dedicated food prep area ensures convenience and efficiency, allowing you to cook and serve with ease.
This doesn’t have to mean installing countertops. If you have a small outdoor kitchen, consider grill extensions for your kamado grill or a simple stainless steel table.

 

11. Install Sturdy Countertops

 

Monterrey 8 Seat Rope Dining Set with Oval Ceramic Table in Grey - £2,649.00

 

If you want to undertake a full outdoor kitchen renovation project, invest in high-quality outdoor countertops that can withstand various weather conditions while maintaining their beauty. 

Quartz, concrete, and natural stone are popular choices for modern outdoor kitchens. Other outdoor kitchen worktop ideas include tile, stainless steel, and porcelain. These are some of the easiest countertops to clean and maintain in an outdoor setting. 

You can also use countertops as an opportunity to define the space. Install them along one wall of the covered patio, or place an island in the middle of the space to make a statement and create a focal point in the outdoor kitchen.

 

12. Gather at the Masonry BBQ

 

Buschbeck St Moritz Masonry Barbecue £569

A masonry BBQ is a rustic, charming, and functional piece for any casual outdoor living space. Built with high-quality stone, these grills are durable and visually striking. Their solid construction allows for excellent heat retention, resulting in extremely flavourful meals. 

Plus, a masonry BBQ can double as a stone fire pit that can help heat up the area on chilly nights. Guests can gather around to warm up, watch you grill, and enjoy a laid-back, campfire vibe.

 

13. Illuminate the Outdoor Kitchen

 

Bob Large Table Light in Charcoal £69.99

Don’t forget about lighting your outdoor kitchen. Use multiple outdoor light sources to illuminate the space and create a captivating ambience when the sun starts to set. Incorporate a combination of overhead patio lights, wall sconces, and walkway lights to illuminate the outdoor kitchen area. 

Other outdoor kitchen lighting ideas include lanterns and floor lamps, which come in many different styles. 

Consider using LED lights for their energy efficiency and customizability. Choose something especially moody to help set the tone for your outdoor dinners. For example, set the scene for a romantic evening using bistro-style string lights or elevate your space with eye-catching hanging fire displays.

 

14. Set the Table Outside

 

Kalama 10 Seat Rectangular Extending Dining Set with Teak Table in Charcoal £2,999

Complete your outdoor kitchen with a spacious and stylish dining table where everyone can enjoy your creations from the grill.

Opt for durable materials that exude elegance, such as teak, aluminium, and rope. Make sure to choose a table that will accommodate enough guests. For example, if you anticipate hosting a large crowd, consider a table with an extension. An outdoor dining set is a sure-fire way to create amazing dining experiences under the open sky.

 

15. Grill on a Gas BBQ

 

Image Source: Photo by Evan Wise

 

A classic gas BBQ is a staple in any outdoor kitchen. Choose a high-quality stainless steel grill with multiple burners and adjustable heat settings. From classic burgers, ribs, kebabs, and sausages to deliciously smokey vegetables, you’ll effortlessly prepare all kinds of mouth-watering meals.

Other outdoor kitchen grill ideas include meat smokers and grills built into the kitchen countertop. 

 

16. Create a Transitional Space

Kalama 8 Seat Rectangular Dining Set with Teak Table in Charcoal - £2,399.00

 

Instead of installing a kitchen that’s entirely outdoors, consider designing a kitchen that seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Incorporate large sliding doors to connect the kitchen to the patio or garden area. This will allow for effortless flow between the food prep area and the outdoor entertaining area, making it easier to host outdoor gatherings while still protecting your kitchen equipment from the elements.

  

Wrapping Up

Ready to feel like an accomplished dinner host? If you love to prepare dishes for others, a modern outdoor kitchen is a wonderful upgrade that will make your home feel all the more like you. With a fully stocked kitchen right in your garden, you’ll feel ready to take on any social event with finesse. 

If you’re installing appliances, just make sure to consider where they’ll connect to the electric, gas, or water mains. A design firm or contractor can help you draw up outdoor kitchen layout ideas and bring a full-scale renovation project to life. And when you’re ready to add beautiful garden furniture and outdoor cooking accessories to the mix, Harbour Lifestyle has your back. Check out our post on garden furniture ideas for even more inspiration for your outdoor space. 

Bring your dream outdoor kitchen to life and create lasting memories by cooking great food out in your garden this summer.