If you’ve ever passed a happy hour watching the world go by while nursing a café au lait in Paris or sipping a glass of prosecco in Rome, you will no doubt have been sitting at a bistro table. Common to all European cities, bistro sets, named after the French cafes where they originated, are tables with a pair of comfortable chairs, most often angled to allow for maximum, side-by-side enjoyment of the view. A popular choice for any size of garden, a bistro set allows you to replicate that relaxed, holiday vibe right here at home.

Location

The position of your bistro set will depend on the trajectory of the sun over your garden, your preference for shade or full sun, and the time of day you’re most likely to sit there. Breakfast coffee on a summer morning or an end of the day cup of tea might require different positions. Bistro sets can be lightweight and surprisingly portable, so you may also wish to opt for a set that can be easily moved around the garden.

The key is having a view that brings you joy. A bistro set is not for family entertaining, but rather for one or two people who want to enjoy a moment of solitude, some quiet contemplation or comfortable conversation. Most are also big enough to accommodate two diners, with enough tabletop space for eating and drinking.

Choice of style and material

More traditionally styled bistro sets in cast iron evoke a bygone era, while synthetic rattan on a powder-coated aluminium frame is one of the most popular choices as the material is so durable, is treated to withstand adverse weather and is also protected against fading and moss and algae growth. Glass-topped tables are helpful too, as they ensure a nice, flat surface, are easy to keep clean and are a particularly excellent choice if you enjoy playing cards or board games in the garden.

For a more modern café style, it’s worth considering sets made from Duresin, a mould-injected polypropylene that provides a smooth, on-trend finish and is lightweight yet sturdy. Wooden bistro sets create a more rustic look and suit a cottage garden or less formal space.

Browse through our range of bistro sets here at Burleydam Garden Centre – we’re sure you’ll find a bistro set that fits your lifestyle and will enhance your garden and bring you joy.