Shipping Container Bars
Create a standout space with a custom-built shipping container bar. We design and build fully fitted container bars that are practical, eye-catching, and ready for service. Perfect for events, venues, or permanent locations, each unit is built around your layout and serving needs, delivered ready to use, and made to handle busy service with ease.
Custom container bars for temporary and permanent setups
Container bars are a flexible solution for everything from pop-up events and seasonal outdoor service to long-term installations at pubs, breweries, and venues. Designed to handle busy service and real-world use, they offer a practical way to add a fully functioning bar wherever you need it.
Every unit is built to order and designed around how you’ll use it, with options including:
- Bar counters, serving hatches, doors, windows, and skylights
- Professional grade lining, insulation, and ventilation
- Bar and catering equipment, including shelving, refrigeration, and back-bar storage
- Electrics, heating, and lighting installation
- Security upgrades such as roller shutters, reinforced doors, and additional locks
- Customer seating areas and equipment
- Full exterior branding
- Any other bespoke fabrication you require
Our shipping container bar conversion process in 4 simple steps
Free consultation
Design & planning
Full conversion
Delivery & setup
Benefits of a shipping container bar
Shipping container bars offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional bar builds. Designed for speed, durability, and everyday operation, they’re a popular choice for events, venues, and permanent installations because of:
- Fast setup – Container bars can be designed, built, and delivered in weeks, making them ideal for pop-ups, seasonal service, or quick expansions without lengthy construction work.
- Lower build costs – Reduced labour, fewer materials, and shorter build times make container bars a smart, high-value option compared to traditional brick-and-mortar bars.
- Built to last – Made from strong, weather-resistant corten steel, container bars are designed to withstand heavy use, busy service, and outdoor conditions.
- Fully customisable – Each container bar is built around your service setup, with layouts, features, and finishes designed to suit how you operate.
- Portable and flexible – Container bars can be moved, repositioned, or reused across different locations and events, giving you long-term flexibility without locking you into one site.
Why choose Universal Containers for your container bar conversion
We know containers inside out! With over 40 years of experience in shipping containers and in-house conversion expertise, we know how to turn containers into fully functioning, high-quality bar spaces that are practical, durable, and built for busy service.
Built by container specialists
Everything handled in-house
Cost-effective without cutting corners
Built for real use
Looking for a different type of space? Check out our other container conversion options
How long does it take to build a shipping container bar?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size and complexity of your build. We’ll always give you a clear timeline based on your specific design and keep you updated throughout the process.
How much does a container bar cost?
The cost of your shipping container bar conversion depends on the size, layout and level of finish. We’ll give you a clear, upfront quote based on your design, with no hidden extras.
Can I choose the layout and equipment in my shipping container bar?
Absolutely. Every container bar we build is custom-designed. You choose the layout, storage options, countertops, lighting, power points, sink and wash-up areas, and any other features you need, and we’ll build it around how you work.
Are container bars suitable for outdoor events and festivals?
Absolutely. Container bars are designed with outdoor use in mind. The steel construction, weatherproof finishes, and secure closures allow them to handle outdoor conditions reliably, making them a practical choice for events and festivals.
How secure is a shipping container bar?
Very secure. Shipping container bars are built from solid steel and can be fitted with secure doors, lockable serving hatches, and additional security features to help protect equipment and stock when the bar is not in use.
Can I add my own branding to the container?
Yes. We can respray the exterior in any RAL colour of your choice and apply logos or custom graphics as well. Your container bar will look like it belongs to your brand from day one.
Can I connect multiple containers together to create a larger bar space?
Yes. We can stack and join containers for multi-level bar builds. Stairs, upper decks, and connected service areas are all possible depending on what your layout requires.
Our containers in action
See some of the ways our amazing customers are using their containers.
Case StudiesDespite restricted site access, we delivered a fully insulated, light-filled container office with carefully planned glazing, heating and electrics. The finished space provides a practical, year-round working environment suited for everyday use.
Case StudiesWe built a fully functional compact coffee shop from a shipping container with doors for customer access, a roller shutter for security, a serving hatch, and a small kitchen area complete with water heater and sink.
Case StudiesIn the pursuit of enhancing their museum and workshop facility, the Locomotive Society sought a creative solution to provide a welcoming space for their members, while adhering to the historical aesthetic of their railway centric environment.
Case StudiesUniversal Containers embarked on an exciting project to enhance a garden centre’s retail experience by supplying and customising two shipping container cabins. The goal was to seamlessly link these cabins on-site and transform them into a vibrant and functional gift shop.
Case StudiesA restaurant had been operating successfully for several years. However, due to increasing demand and limited space within the restaurant premises, the owners decided to expand their operations by introducing an outdoor catering unit.
Case StudiesThe local rugby club had been using a small, outdated ticket booth that no longer met their needs. The club’s management sought a more efficient and visually appealing solution that could accommodate their growing fan base.
Case StudiesThe client, an Industrial Chemical Storage Company specialising in chemical production and storage, faced the challenge of storing hazardous chemicals on their premises while adhering to stringent health and safety regulations.
ShippingUniversal Containers take pride in continually pushing the boundaries in product development within the shipping container industry.
These 2 large 32x10ft cabins were built for a British transport company. They requested a large space to act as a welfare facility for drivers and staff in the peak district. Due to the customer’s specific requirements, one unit was not large enough so we suggested 2 units, however floor space was an issue on-siteContinue reading “32ft × 10ft Stacked Cabins”
OfficesThis particular office unit was completed for a North-West-based container hire company.
Custom Built Atex Coshh store for storing gas bottles. This unit was custom built with corrugated steel panels 20ft long x 10ft wide. It had a fully ventilated floor from galvanised steel mesh, as well as 4 aluminium louver vents in the walls. We also fitted galvanised box section racks with chains on to holdContinue reading “20×10 Gas Bottle Store”
Corrugated steel cabin 32ft x 10ft with adjustable jacklegs anti vandal steel personnel door and anti-vandal aluminium sliding windows in steel shutters. Painted externally in non-corrosive container paint in a vibrant red. Internally with walls where lined in a cost-effective melamine faced chipboard and fully insulated throughout in Rockwool. The floor had hard wearing vinylContinue reading “Corrugated 32×10 Office / Store room”
Standard shipping container transformed into a bespoke storage unit. With multiple purposes across many industries. For example, self-storage companies or engineering companies for members of staff to lock tools away when not in use. The unit was split evenly into 8 small rooms approximately 5ftx4ft each by steel partition walls for security. Each room withContinue reading “20ft Multi-Bay Unit”
10ft container conversion for an off-grid company custom built to house a very large generator. The customer wanted a unit with multiple apertures and louver vents to allow for ventilation, they wanted all openings to have cover hoods to help stop water coming in. The Universal CAD team had a meeting with the client toContinue reading “10ft Generator Housing Container”
Site AccommodationThis 40ft x 12ft custom built flat panel cabin was a container conversion project completed for Eddie Stobart’s site.
Site AccommodationWithin today’s economic climate, many of us face struggles surrounding our finances.
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