The Best POS Systems for QSRs in the UK
The Best POS Systems for QSRs in the UK
While owning or managing a coffee shop is an exciting opportunity, you should never underestimate the sheer amount of work it requires. Running a cafe is a fast-paced lifestyle and having an efficient and reliable Point of Sale (POS) system is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
From streamlining daily operations to improving customer experiences, the right POS system can be the backbone of a successful cafe. It helps manage everything from order processing and inventory tracking to customer engagement and detailed sales reporting.
This blog will guide you through the best POS systems available for UK cafés, highlighting the key features, pros, and cons of each.
Whether you’re a small, cosy cafe on a busy London street or a trendy spot in a quiet village, we’ll help you find the system that suits your business needs and budget. Read on to make an informed decision that can improve your cafe’s efficiency and profitability.
Coffee shops need POS systems to streamline their operations, improve the customer experience, and boost efficiency.
With features like quick payment processing, inventory management, and sales tracking, a POS system helps baristas and staff handle orders swiftly, reducing wait times and allowing for faster service during busy hours.
Inventory management tools help keep popular items, like coffee beans and pastries, always stocked, minimising interruptions in service.
POS systems also provide valuable insights into sales trends and customer preferences, helping coffee shop owners make informed decisions about menu offerings, promotions, and staffing.
These systems also facilitate loyalty programs, encouraging repeat visits and building a loyal customer base essential for long-term growth.
Choosing the right POS system involves more than just picking the most popular brand. Each café has unique needs, and it’s crucial to consider what features will best support your business. Here’s what to look for when selecting a POS system for your cafe:
A café environment is fast-paced, especially during peak hours when long queues can form. Your POS system should have an intuitive, user-friendly interface that enables staff to process orders quickly and accurately.
Integrated payment processing allows you to accept multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), and contactless options. This feature helps speed up checkout times, making the customer experience smoother and reducing the need for third-party payment solutions.
Inventory management is a major part of running a cafe, as it helps avoid situations where popular items are suddenly out of stock.
The right POS system should offer real-time inventory tracking that’s specific to food and beverage businesses, alerting you when ingredients or products are running low.
Some advanced systems also provide forecasting tools to predict future needs based on sales trends.
Detailed reporting and analytics features allow café owners to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like daily sales, average transaction value, and peak business hours. This data can inform staffing decisions, menu adjustments, and marketing efforts.
A robust POS system that offers customisable reports should allow you to easily interpret and use them to optimise your business operations.
Building a loyal customer base is essential for any cafe. A POS system with CRM capabilities can help track customer preferences, purchase history, and contact information. This enables personalised promotions and loyalty programs that can encourage repeat business and increase revenue.
In today’s tech-driven world, mobility can be a game changer. POS systems that are compatible with mobile and tablet devices provide flexibility for cafés with limited counter space or those that offer table-side ordering and payment.
Mobile compatibility also ensures that owners can manage the system remotely and handle sales on the go.
A cloud-based POS system allows you to access your café’s data from anywhere, offering flexibility and peace of mind. With a cloud solution, updates and backups are automatic, which reduces the risk of data loss and keeps the system running smoothly.
Remote access is especially beneficial for owners who manage multiple café locations or work off site.
Redcat ePOS system is a powerful, popular and reliable POS system tailored for the hospitality industry, including cafés, restaurants, and quick-service establishments. Its intuitive design helps keep fast and efficient service at the front-of-house, while providing full management control at the back-of-house.
The system's flexibility allows for customisation to meet your specific business needs as a cafe, helping to improve your operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Redcat ePOS integrates seamlessly with other Redcat software solutions, such as loyalty programs and online ordering platforms, creating a cohesive ecosystem that streamlines various aspects of business operations.
Beyond standard POS functionalities, Redcat ePOS offers advanced features like comprehensive inventory management, allowing for real-time tracking of stock levels and recipe costing. Its powerful back-office reporting provides detailed insights into sales trends, customer behaviour, and staff performance, facilitating informed decision-making.
The system supports both cloud-based and local installations, offering built-in redundancy to uphold continuous operations even during internet outages.
Redcat ePOS includes integrated EFTPOS for seamless payment processing and supports various hardware configurations, including fixed terminals and handheld tablets, to suit different service environments.
Redcat also has a range of hospitality tech options on offer, including a kitchen display system, POS-less ordering services, and a self-service kiosk. Unlike many other POS systems, Redcat has hardware options that integrate seamlessly with the software.
Redcat is among the best restaurant POS systems in the UK. Whether you're a full-service restaurant or a small coffee shop, point of sale systems play a major role in your success.
Boost Juice Customer Story
Boost Juice introduced smoothies to the Australian mainstream, transforming a health niche into a popular favourite. With over 700 stores globally managed from Melbourne, Boost’s success relies on sophisticated IT support from Redcat, their trusted hospitality management partner.
Redcat's platform, chosen for its reliability and responsiveness, maintains seamless sales tracking across all locations, with Managing Director Claire Lauber highlighting the 24/7 support as crucial to operations.
Redcat’s relationship with Boost goes beyond technology provision; they actively bring innovation ideas to the table, helping Boost adapt to market trends. Their approach includes research, platform customisation, and strategic input to drive Boost’s growth.
Redcat's team even participates in Boost’s state meetings and conferences, immersing themselves in the company culture to understand the brand’s unique needs.
One standout innovation from this partnership is Boost’s ‘Order Now’ app, designed to reduce in-store queues by allowing customers to order in advance.
The app, fully integrated with Boost’s POS and loyalty system, offers a personalised experience with location-based store selection, easy order scheduling, and loyalty rewards.
Customers have responded enthusiastically, appreciating the convenience, exclusive offers, and loyalty points for redemption options.
Through a client-focused approach and a flexible platform, Redcat empowers Boost Juice to meet customer demands and continue expanding, blending technology and service for a smoother customer experience.
Clover POS is a versatile and user-friendly point-of-sale system designed to meet the unique needs of cafés and small restaurants. Known for its sleek design and customisable interface, Clover offers a wide range of hardware options, including countertop terminals, mobile devices, and kiosks.
The system’s flexibility allows cafés to choose the right setup for their space, whether it's a compact, tablet-style POS on the counter or a handheld device for table-side service.
Clover POS also integrates seamlessly with various payment processors, making it easy to handle card, contactless, and mobile payments quickly and efficiently. This adaptability ensures that cafés can offer a modern, smooth checkout experience that minimises wait times and improves customer satisfaction.
Beyond payment processing, Clover POS includes robust features tailored for food and beverage establishments.
With options for menu management, order tracking, and customisable modifiers, it allows cafés to handle everything from simple coffee orders to more complex meals and customisation requests.
Clover’s reporting and analytics capabilities help cafe owners gain insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and inventory usage, enabling better decision-making. Clover’s App Market further enhances functionality, offering apps for loyalty programs, online ordering, employee scheduling, and more.
This flexibility and range of features make Clover POS an appealing choice for cafés looking to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and grow their business.
Dough Customer Story
Angelo Lonardo, CEO and co-founder of Out the Dough, leads this family-run cookie dough company based in Concord, California. Out the Dough offers a range of cookie dough flavours that are both safe to eat raw and bakeable. "We worked really hard in developing our recipes to be both safe to consume and still bakeable," Lonardo explains.
In May 2020, Out the Dough gained national attention on Good Morning America’s “Deals and Steals,” which led to a surge in sales. With Clover Online Ordering, the company was able to handle the sudden demand without straining its operations, scaling seamlessly to meet the influx of orders.
Throughout the pandemic, online sales became essential for Out the Dough, making up 15% of total revenue. "Our guests loved having the comfort of ordering on their own time," Lonardo notes, adding that online ordering offered both convenience and safety. Customers could schedule pickups, making it easy to grab treats on their way home or to work.
Grateful for Clover’s support in adapting to changing demands, Lonardo praises the system’s role in Out the Dough’s growth. "Clover has been a huge part of our business since day one," he says. "It’s an amazing asset to the company."
SpotOn Restaurant is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system tailored specifically for the foodservice industry, including cafés, restaurants, and bars. It offers a customisable interface that adapts to various service styles, ensuring seamless integration into diverse operational workflows.
The system's cloud-based architecture provides real-time access to sales data, inventory levels, and customer information from any device, facilitating informed decision-making and efficient management.
SpotOn Restaurant also supports offline functionality, allowing transactions to continue smoothly even during internet outages, thereby enhancing reliability and minimising service disruptions.
Beyond standard POS capabilities, SpotOn Restaurant delivers advanced features designed to optimise restaurant operations. Its integrated online ordering platform enables businesses to accept orders directly through their website, reducing reliance on third-party services and associated fees.
The system's loyalty programs and marketing tools help cultivate customer relationships by offering personalised promotions and rewards.
SpotOn Restaurant provides detailed analytics and reporting, offering insights into sales trends, employee performance, and customer preferences, which are crucial for strategic planning and growth.
The platform's flexibility and robust feature set make it a valuable asset for foodservice establishments aiming to enhance efficiency and customer engagement.
Shep Customer Story
With a sprawling 12,000-square-foot space, a party room for 200 guests, and just one kitchen, Shep’s has no room for mistakes.
Owners John and Jennifer Shepherd knew they needed tools to help their staff work efficiently and provide valuable data for menu updates and easier accounting.
Shep’s cloud-based restaurant POS serves as the restaurant’s central hub, delivering key insights that highlight underperforming menu items.
To improve service speed across their large venue, servers use handheld POS devices, ensuring guests receive their orders promptly and large groups enjoy quicker service. The system’s intuitive design keeps managers out of the back office and on the floor, enhancing the guest experience directly.
Epos Now is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed to cater to the specific needs of cafés and other hospitality businesses.
The user-friendly interface ensures quick training for staff, which facilitates smooth daily operations. The system offers comprehensive inventory management, allowing cafe owners to monitor stock levels in real-time and set automatic reordering alerts to prevent shortages.
Epos Now provides detailed sales reporting and analytics, enabling businesses to identify popular items and peak sales periods, which aids in strategic decision-making.
Beyond standard POS functionalities, Epos Now integrates with various third-party applications, enhancing its capabilities to include online ordering, delivery management, and customer loyalty programs.
This flexibility allows cafés to expand their services and improve customer engagement. The cloud-based nature of Epos Now ensures that business data is accessible from anywhere, providing owners with the convenience of managing their operations remotely.
Furthermore, the system supports multiple payment methods, including contactless and mobile payments, offering customers a seamless and modern transaction experience.
Blanc & Rouge
Originally founded in 2012 by Mary Pat to share her love of quality wines, Blanc & Rouge passed into Mina and Bruce's hands in 2018, with Mary Pat’s assurance that the shop’s warm, accessible approach would continue.
The team, which includes Stephanie and Quill, is dedicated to maintaining the community-focused atmosphere that keeps locals coming back. “It’s a beautiful store, and the community is incredible,” says Bruce. “We know these people; we go to dinner, and they come to our homes.”
Specialising in international selections, Blanc & Rouge features wines from South Africa, South America, France, Spain, and Italy, along with options from Washington, Oregon, and California. After taking over, Bruce realised the need for a more reliable POS system. "We tried Shopkeep after Square, but tech issues and poor support became frustrating," he explains. In 2022, after weathering Covid-19 with delivery and curbside pickup, Mina and
Bruce switched to Epos Now. “The sales consultant was genuinely helpful, and the team trained us to get the most from the system, assisting with transferring customer data and inventory. They patiently answered all our questions—many calls were made to learn the ins and outs,” says Bruce.
When we asked Bruce how his team is adapting to the system, especially with the addition of new hires at their Arlington store, he shared, “My team members, who are younger and more tech-savvy, find it very user-friendly!”
And what does Bruce think of Epos Now?
“Would I recommend Epos Now? Absolutely, without question. We considered other POS providers, but systems like Clover require so many extra components to meet our needs, and that quickly becomes costly. We've had numerous companies reach out about switching our POS, but I have no desire to change. I don’t need to switch, even with those that claim ‘no fees’—which is misleading, because there’s always a fee somewhere!”
Lavu is a cloud-based iPad point-of-sale (POS) system specifically designed for the food and beverage industry, including cafés, restaurants, and bars. Its user-friendly interface allows staff to process orders quickly, manage tables efficiently, and handle payments with ease.
Lavu offers real-time inventory tracking, enabling cafe owners to monitor stock levels and receive alerts when items are running low, which helps prevent shortages and overstocking. The system also provides detailed sales and labour reporting, giving insights into business performance and assisting in making informed operational decisions.
.Beyond standard POS functionalities, Lavu integrates with various third-party applications, enhancing its capabilities to include online ordering, delivery management, and customer loyalty programs. This flexibility allows cafés to expand their services and improve customer engagement.
The cloud-based nature of Lavu ensures that business data is accessible from anywhere, providing owners with the convenience of managing their operations remotely. Lavu supports multiple payment methods, including contactless and mobile payments, offering customers a seamless and modern transaction experience.
Reviews
"Needed to refund a tip on a card and couldn't do it on my end. Called support and they did it for me right away! Thanks for the help!" - Neil, April '24
"Rep willing to do what was necessary to resolve issue including making several phone calls to me and my business partner," - Chuck, August '24
Hike POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed to streamline operations for cafés and retail businesses. Its user-friendly interface allows staff to process transactions efficiently, whether on an iPad, PC, or Mac.
Hike POS offers robust inventory management, enabling real-time tracking of stock levels and facilitating seamless transfers between locations. The system's comprehensive reporting tools provide valuable insights into sales trends, customer behaviour, and employee performance, assisting business owners in making informed decisions.
Beyond standard POS functionalities, Hike POS supports omni-channel selling, allowing cafés to manage in-store and online sales from a single platform.
The system integrates with various eCommerce platforms, ensuring a unified inventory and customer database. Hike POS also features customisable loyalty programs and gift card options, helping businesses enhance customer engagement and retention.
Hike POS's offline mode guarantees uninterrupted service by automatically syncing data once an internet connection is restored. Hike POS offers 24/7 customer support and integrates with popular accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks Online, streamlining financial management.
Reviews
“Hike are a very easy company to deal with and has a great POS system that effectively helps us day to day with our business requirements.” - David Voulgras, Owner, JD Pinoy
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad point-of-sale (POS) platform designed to meet the diverse needs of cafés, restaurants, and retail establishments. Its intuitive interface facilitates efficient order processing, payment handling, and inventory management, boosting overall operational efficiency.
Revel's real-time inventory tracking allows cafe owners to monitor stock levels accurately, reducing the risk of shortages or overstocking. The system's comprehensive reporting and analytics provide valuable insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and employee performance, supporting informed decision-making.
Beyond standard POS functionalities, Revel Systems offers features tailored to the foodservice industry. Its menu management capabilities enable easy updates and customisation, accommodating seasonal items or special promotions.
The platform supports online ordering and delivery integrations, allowing cafés to expand their service channels and reach a broader customer base.
Revel's customer relationship management (CRM) tools help build and maintain customer loyalty through personalised marketing and reward programs. The system's employee management features streamline scheduling, time tracking, and payroll processes, contributing to smoother operations.
Review
"Revel was the only candidate that fit our needs with their flexibility, rich feature set, and desire to be a strategic partner. These qualities made Revel Enterprise the clear choice as our technology partner. Revel has continued to quickly adapt to our needs, especially in these current times." - Andrew Wiederhorn, CEO, FAT Brands
Bindo POS software is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed to streamline operations for cafés, restaurants, and retail businesses. Its user-friendly interface allows staff to process transactions efficiently, whether on an iPad, PC, or Mac.
Bindo POS offers robust inventory management, enabling real-time tracking of stock levels and facilitating seamless transfers between locations. The system's comprehensive reporting tools provide valuable insights into sales trends, customer behaviour, and employee performance, assisting business owners in making informed decisions.
Beyond standard POS functionalities, Bindo POS supports omni-channel selling, allowing cafés to manage in-store and online sales from a single platform. The system integrates with various eCommerce platforms, ensuring a unified inventory and customer database.
Bindo POS also features customisable loyalty programs and gift card options, helping businesses enhance customer engagement and retention. Bindo POS's offline mode automatically syncs data once an internet connection is restored, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Bindo POS also offers 24/7 customer support and integrates with popular accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks Online, streamlining financial management.
Review
“Biased because I have an iPad and this works very well with it, but.... I got a scanner, a drawer, a CC reader, a printer for receipts, and this plays well with my Quickbooks! There's even free customer support and can do other mobile pay and online payments!” - Staff RN
Square POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, including cafés and retail establishments.
Its user-friendly interface allows for quick setup and seamless integration with various hardware options, such as Square Stand, Square Terminal, and Square Reader, enabling businesses to accept payments efficiently.
Square POS supports multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even offline payments when internet connectivity is unavailable.
Beyond payment processing, Square POS offers a comprehensive suite of features to streamline business operations. It includes robust inventory management tools that allow businesses to track stock levels in real-time, set up low-stock alerts, and manage items across multiple locations.
The system also provides detailed sales reporting and analytics, offering insights into sales trends, customer behaviour, and overall business performance. Square POS also integrates with various third-party applications, enabling businesses to expand their capabilities with tools like accounting software, eCommerce platforms, and customer relationship management systems.
Gioia’s Deli initially partnered with Square to enable offline payments for its food truck. Over time, this partnership expanded, and now Square supports Gioia’s operations across five locations. The team serves up their popular dishes to over a thousand customers each day during the six hours their flagship store is open.
The food truck experience provided the Donley family with valuable insights for business growth. By analysing sales data, they decided to shift their focus from the food truck to expanding their physical locations.
“That’s how we decided on Creve Coeur, downtown, and Valley Park,” explains Amanda Donley. “We reviewed food truck sales to see where our brand resonated most, and Creve Coeur was one of our biggest stops. We knew we needed a location there.”
Scaling successfully required Gioia’s Deli to rethink the customer and staff experience. “We used to operate with a ticket system where customers would take a number and wait until we called them up to get their sandwich,” recalls Alex.
“We’d have to manage 100 numbered tickets, which often got messy if they went out of order. That’s when I decided to switch to a line system with a point of sale.”
Implementing Square Point of Sale transformed Gioia’s order process. Now, customers place their orders at the counter, and Square logs the details for staff to follow accurately.
“Before, each team member on the line had to communicate about each order, creating multiple chances for errors,” explains Amanda Donley. “With Square’s ticket system, we’ve eliminated mistakes. Employees see exactly what the customer ordered, so everyone gets exactly what they want.”
Finding and choosing the right POS system can make a substantial difference in the efficiency, customer experience, and profitability of a café.
The best POS systems for cafés in the UK offer a range of features designed to meet the unique needs of coffee shops, from swift payment processing and intuitive interfaces to robust inventory management and insightful analytics.
Investing in a POS system tailored to your café’s size and customer flow will streamline daily operations, minimise errors, and help build lasting customer relationships. With the right POS in place, UK café owners can focus on what matters most, delivering excellent coffee and exceptional service to every guest.
The Redcat ePOS system has all the features needed to run your cafe with ease. Don't fall behind, get ahead with Redcat and boost your overall efficiency today. Reach out for more information or book your demo today.
The Best POS Systems for QSRs in the UK
In the competitive, fast-paced, and ever-evolving restaurant industry, having the right tools to manage operations efficiently is crucial for...
Choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system is key to the success of any franchise, especially in the competitive UK market.