Best garden bistro sets for a stylish al fresco setup

Arriving already assembled, this is an easy-to-enjoy bistro set from the outset. I love how simple it is to pop up and also fold away, as well as how lightweight it is to move about. Its eye-catching design makes it look like it’s been lifted straight from the streets of Paris, and it’s just calling for a glass of wine to be placed on it in the early evening sun.

The seat, back and table top are covered in blue-and-white flat woven polyester resin for easy cleaning, although I’d recommend storing it away or buying a well-sealed furniture cover if you plan to keep it outside year-round.

Affordable, stylish and functional, this Ikea set has been one of the brand’s most popular products for a while, and for good reason. As well as being foldable, it’s made from natural acacia hardwood that’s been pre-treated with semi-transparent wood stain, which gives it a lovely finish.

I can vouch for its longevity, too, as I’ve had this table for years. On its second summer, I did have to re-sand the wood, but this gave me the chance to customise the set with a lick of paint. That said, there are different finishes available, including a white and green combination. Plus, there’s the option of buying an accompanying Tosterö cover to protect the bistro set from the elements.

The smallest of details have been considered when it comes to this well-thought-out, quality set – there’s even an allen key included, to help you put everything together. While it’s on the larger size, it comes complete with a parasol (which can be removed), making it ideal for creating a shady dining spot.

The high-back chairs are sturdy, and the weather-proof nutmeg rattan finish is high-end. The comfy cushions are made from recycled plastic bottles and are easy to clean and well-padded. The glass tabletop is reassuringly robust, though it is very heavy, so take care when putting the table together. This set may be expensive, but you are certainly paying for quality and longevity here.

If comfort is key, this set is for you. The included padded cushions are very comfortable, and I must admit that I nodded off each time I lounged in one of these seats. It’s a sturdy bistro set, too, with the anthracite steel frame seeming like it will last a while. The cushions are good quality, but while they’re made of weather-resistant fabric, you need store them away in the winter or during heavy rain if you want them to look the part for years to come.

The accompanying table is a handy size – especially for enjoying a nice G&T in the sun – although it’s worth bearing in mind that because of the chairs’ relaxed tilt, this is not the best bistro set for enjoying al fresco dining. That being said, for reading or sipping an aperitivo, this set is definitely a winner.

This is a great set for larger groups and families (it also comes in a six-seater version). It boasts a sleek and modern tabletop made from glass, which the brand says is scratch-resistant. The wicker rope-weave, wood-effect chairs are weather-resistant, and, as well as looking good, boast a durable aluminium frame underneath.

The table is a sociable size, while the seats are comfy and made with what feels like a high-quality fabric (the cushions are waterproof, too). However, I found this set tricky to put together, as the instructions are not as clear as they could be. It’s also relatively expensive compared to the Dobbies set above.

With its vibrant green hue, this versatile set really pops, adding a touch of colour to your garden, balcony or conservatory. I particularly enjoyed the smooth powder-coated steel finish of this curved design, which looks and feels more expensive than it is. It comes with two chairs and a table, which are easy to fold away, if you’re looking for something that is space-saving or ideal for storing until guests come over.

The set comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, too. Overall, despite not coming with cushions, this was a comfy seating experience and ticked all the boxes for us. Just note it is only available to buy in store at Dobbies.

This is one stylish bistro set – the comfortable chairs feature durable aluminium frames finished in a wood effect, with the rope-weave backs adding a nice mid-century touch.

However, the wood-effect finish of the accompanying table doesn’t look as premium as the chairs. It’s also worth noting that this set can’t be folded away, so you’ll need to think about where you’ll store it when it’s not in use.