January in the South West often brings a chill to the air, but for the clever homeowner, it is the perfect time to start a project. We are seeing a big change in how families in Clifton, Bath, and the Chew Valley use their gardens. The garden is no longer just for summer; it is now a permanent part of the house. Bespoke outdoor kitchens can transform your garden into a year-round living space, making it more functional and enjoyable throughout the seasons.
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At the heart of this change is the bespoke outdoor kitchen-also known as a garden kitchen. We aren’t just talking about a small barbecue. We are talking about luxury cooking spaces that work all year round, designed to help you create the perfect outdoor kitchen. These kitchens are tailored to your needs, allowing you to fully customize and tailor every aspect of the design and build process. The various elements—such as appliances, finishes, and design features-are carefully chosen and integrated to create a cohesive and functional space. Your kitchen becomes a true reflection of your personal style. Bespoke kitchens can also be designed to enhance indoor-outdoor flow, using matching materials to create a cohesive look. You have total customization over size, layout, materials, and appliances, ensuring every detail fits your vision. These allow you to cook and host parties 365 days a year, no matter the weather, and are tailored to meet the unique needs and styles of the homeowner.
Introduction to Bespoke Outdoor Kitchens
A bespoke outdoor kitchen is more than just a place to cook-it’s a reflection of your personal style and the way you love to live. By tailoring every element to your taste, a bespoke outdoor kitchen design transforms your outdoor space into a vibrant hub for alfresco dining, entertaining friends, and making memories with family. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the flawless installation, is carefully considered to create the perfect setting for your lifestyle. Whether you dream of a luxury outdoor kitchen for grand celebrations or a cosy garden kitchen for intimate gatherings, a bespoke outdoor kitchen brings quality, style, and lasting pleasure to your home. With expert design and craftsmanship, your outdoor kitchen becomes a seamless extension of your living space-ready to host BBQ nights, summer parties, or quiet evenings under the stars.
Why Winter is the Best Time to Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen
If you want to be making handmade pizzas or grilling steaks by May, you must start the design work in January. Wealthy families in the Bristol and Bath areas often face special rules to follow. For example, homes in historic Bath must use specific types of stone.
Planning in January is smart because:
- Paperwork takes time: It takes a few months to get “planning permission” for listed buildings or protected countryside areas.
- Getting the best parts: High-end pizza ovens and stone worktops are popular. Ordering early ensures they arrive on time.
- The “Messy” Work: Digging for gas, water, and electricity pipes is best done in winter so your new grass can grow back in spring.
The Secrets to a Year-Round Garden Kitchen
To build a kitchen that can withstand the British winter, we use three main ideas: Strength, Movement, and Feeling.
High-quality materials are essential for building durable outdoor kitchens that can withstand the elements.
1. Picking Strong Materials
In the South West, it rains a lot and gets very cold. A kitchen that lasts all year must be made of materials that do not soak up water.
- Porcelain Worktops: These are better than some natural stones because they won’t crack when it freezes. They also don’t stain if someone spills juice or wine.
- Special Steel: We use “marine-grade” stainless steel for cabinets. This type of metal does not rust, even in wet weather.
- Local Stone: Using Bath stone or local lias makes the kitchen look like it has always been part of your home.
2. The Cooking Triangle
Just like inside your house, the way you move in an outdoor kitchen is important. You need a short path between where you chop food, where you cook it, and the fridge.
For families, safety is the most important thing. We design the kitchen so the “hot” grills are away from where children run and play, but the chef can still talk to everyone.
3. Roofs and Heat
A 365-day kitchen needs protection from the rain. We often add:
- Oak Gazebos: These allow you to cook even if there is a light drizzle.
- Heaters: We use invisible “infrared” heaters to keep guests warm while they eat.
- Fire Pits: A fire pit table is a great place for the family to gather and stay cosy.
Outdoor Cooking and Living
Outdoor cooking and living go hand in hand, turning your garden into a true extension of your home. A thoughtfully designed outdoor kitchen gives you the freedom to cook, relax, and entertain in your outdoor space all year round. With a range of appliances-like pizza ovens, wood-fired ovens, and high-performance grills-outdoor cooking becomes a pleasure, whether you’re preparing a quick family meal or hosting a lively BBQ with friends. Pergolas and covered areas enhance your outdoor living experience, providing shelter and comfort no matter the season. From summer evenings filled with laughter to winter gatherings around the fire, your outdoor kitchen is the perfect place to create lasting memories and enjoy the best of outdoor living with those you love.
Luxury Outdoor Kitchens
Luxury outdoor kitchens set a new standard for outdoor living, combining elegance, performance, and practicality in every detail. Using only the finest materials-such as rich wood, natural stone, and premium appliances—these kitchens are designed to impress and built to last. A luxury outdoor kitchen design is all about creating a sophisticated space that’s as beautiful as it is functional, with bespoke outdoor features and handcrafted worktops that add a touch of refinement. Every element, from the layout to the lighting, is tailored to suit your lifestyle and enhance your ability to entertain in style. Whether you’re hosting a large party or enjoying a quiet dinner, a luxury outdoor kitchen transforms your outdoor space into a place of true elegance and pleasure.
Top Features for Modern Families in 2026
When we talk to families in Wiltshire and Somerset, they want more than just a grill—they want a complete outdoor cooking experience with bbqs and a range of appliances. They want a new lifestyle. Here are the most popular features:
- The Wood-Fired Pizza Oven: This is a favourite for children. It’s fun to make your own pizza, and the oven gives off a lot of heat. Bespoke outdoor kitchens can integrate specialized appliances like pizza ovens, teppanyaki grills, and wine coolers.
- Drinks Fridges: Having a fridge outside means you don’t have to keep running back inside for cold drinks. Custom outdoor kitchens can include a variety of appliances such as gas grills, wood-fired ovens, and outdoor fridges. Gas grills are becoming a more popular choice for outdoor cooking.
- Outdoor kitchen designs can include a variety of features such as built-in barbecues and wood-fired ovens.
- Smart Lights: We add bright lights for cooking and soft, glowing lights for eating dinner. Smart technology integration is a trend for bespoke kitchens, with features like Wi-Fi-enabled grills and app-controlled lighting.
Electric access points open a raft of opportunities for your outdoor kitchen. Power sockets, speakers, and USB phone charging stations can all be incorporated into the design. Hot and cold water access with a sink is a huge quality of life addition to your outdoor kitchen.
Handcrafted Furniture and Quality
The heart of a bespoke outdoor kitchen lies in its handcrafted furniture and commitment to quality. Each piece, from custom tables to built-in benches, is crafted with care and designed to complement your outdoor space. Using durable materials and weather-resistant finishes, these furnishings add a luxurious touch while standing up to the challenges of the British weather. Attention to detail and expert craftsmanship ensure that your outdoor kitchen not only looks stunning but also remains practical and inviting for years to come. By choosing quality materials and bespoke outdoor furniture, you enhance the beauty, comfort, and longevity of your garden kitchen-making it a space you’ll be proud to share with family and friends.
Utilities and Installation
A dream outdoor kitchen is only as good as its practical features and professional installation. Thoughtful planning ensures that every utility—whether it’s a sink with hot and cold water, a reliable gas supply, or safe electrical access-is seamlessly integrated into your outdoor space. Professional installation guarantees that your wood fired oven, grill, or pizza oven is set up to the highest standards, so you can cook and entertain with confidence. Every step of the process, from the initial design to the final installation, is managed with care and attention to detail. This means your outdoor kitchen is not only beautiful but also fully functional, safe, and ready to enhance your lifestyle. With expert installation, you can relax and enjoy your new space, knowing that every element has been tailored to suit your needs and built to last.
Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Perfect
Living in the South West is beautiful, but our weather is tough on buildings. Here is how we make sure your garden kitchen stays looking new:
- Water Drainage: We make sure the ground is slightly sloped so rainwater doesn’t puddle around the kitchen.
- Hidden Wires: All the electricity is hidden inside the cabinets to keep it safe from the rain.
- Winter Covers: We suggest using heavy-duty covers during the coldest months to keep the equipment clean.
How Compass Garden Design Helps You
From our office in Bradford-on–Avon, we do more than just build a kitchen. We offer a complete service, designing a whole landscape that includes all the features and appliances needed for a fully functional outdoor cooking and entertaining space. We look at the view from your windows and how easy it is to walk from your back door to the grill.
A bespoke outdoor kitchen is fully custom-made to fit your specific garden layout and homeowner needs. Custom outdoor kitchens can enhance the overall aesthetics of your home and add significant value to the property. High-quality outdoor kitchen units can further enhance the overall aesthetics of your home.
Whether you have a modern house in Redland or a large country home in Somerset, we make sure your outdoor kitchen feels like a natural part of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to build an outdoor kitchen?
Most of the time, you do not need permission. However, if you live in a very old “listed” building or want a very high roof, you might need to ask the council. We help you check this during our design meeting.
How do you clean an outdoor kitchen in winter?
It is very easy. Because we use porcelain and high-quality steel, you only need warm soapy water and a cloth. We also suggest a quick check-up once a year.
Is it safe to use at night?
Yes. We add lots of lights so the chef can see what they are doing and the guests can see their food. It actually looks very magical at night!
Is a sink and fridge really necessary?
If you want to spend the whole afternoon outside without going back and forth to the house, then yes. It makes hosting much more relaxing.
Author Bio
Tom Murphy Tom Murphy is an expert garden designer and a member of the Society of Garden Designers. Since 2016, he has been making beautiful gardens for families in Bristol, Bath, and the South West. He specialises in “lifestyle gardens”-spaces that feel as comfortable and luxurious as the inside of a home. Tom’s work has won awards from the Association of Professional Landscapers and has been shown at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.