Outdoor Kitchen - I have one too now!

I've seen some fantastic outdoor kitchens on the internet and my response has always been, 'wow I'd love one but my garden isn't that big and as it is also my home, I'm not sure it is something I would want to look at when I am not working (imagining how messy it would get!)'.   However, it was a post by Anna at the Imagination Tree that convinced me that I needed one! But where to put it?  I decided on the area to the side of our house which was currently used for storage.  Ideally it would have been better positioned close to the sand and soil, but there just wasn't space (and I didn't want to be looking at it constantly:)).  So I just needed some sort of cupboard or storage unit...  I couldn't find anything suitable at the local tip (this was a project where no expense was going to be spared:)) but did spot these at the carboot sale yesterday.

Okay, so they did look a bit too nice to go in the garden, BUT I got both of them for £4!! bargain, so it didn't really matter.  I have put a piece of plastic across the top to try to protect them a bit.  So then I searched the internet for a bit more inspiration. 

Mud was a definite requirement unsurprisingly! 

I solved this problem by placing a bucket  of mud in the area. They would have to walk the sand across from the sand tray if they wanted that!

Having a nose at Teacher Tom's outdoor kitchen, I pinched his idea and used foam circles for the cooker. 

Then he got me thinking.......as he said, 'outdoor kitchen's need a sink and a tap'.......but how.  The hose pipe?   hmmm we are on a meter, maybe not!  But a camping water storage container might work. I got a couple of these in Poundland a few weeks ago.  I sat one on a few bricks, put a bowl underneath and voila, one sink!

I also managed to get a few saucepans and a teapot at the carboot sale and raided the cupboard for containers, dishes, cups etc. 

We also went to Asda and brought some of their budget cooking utensils (35p each).

So what did they think of it.....

Well they have been very busy!  I think they like it:)  Tea anyone?

Links to EYFS: