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Best POS Systems for Pubs (UK)

Pubs require POS systems that seamlessly handle bar service, food orders, table tabs, and complex inventory for drinks. Whether you serve food or focus purely on beverages, your POS must support busy periods, multiple payment types, and detailed stock control.

Average Transaction

£15-40 per order

Typical Covers

100-300 per day

Peak Times

Evening & weekends (6pm-11pm)

Top POS Recommendations for Pub

Based on operational requirements and real-world performance

Best for Pubs

ICR Touch

Purpose-built for UK pub operations with comprehensive features

  • Strong bar and cellar management
  • Table tab tracking
  • Detailed drinks inventory
  • Kitchen integration for food service
Best for Food Service

SumUp

Excellent for gastro pubs combining bar and table service

  • Handheld ordering for tables
  • Fast bar service interface
  • Kitchen order management
  • Integrated payments
Best Value

Epos Now

Affordable solution with all essential pub features

  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Stock management
  • Table tabs
  • UK payment integrations

Key Workflows for Pub

Critical operations your POS must support

Bar Service

Quick drink ordering at the bar with automatic pricing

Table Tabs

Open, manage, and split tabs for table service

Cellar Management

Track keg yields, wastage, and reorder levels

Food Integration

Route food orders to kitchen while managing bar drinks

Essential Features

Critical and recommended capabilities for your pub operation

Must-Have Features

  • Tab management critical
    Open, manage, and split table tabs
  • Drinks inventory critical
    Track kegs, bottles, and spirits
  • Fast bar service critical
    Quick drink entry during busy periods
  • Food order routing high
    Send food orders to kitchen (if applicable)

Nice-to-Have Features

  • Age verification prompts
    Remind staff to check ID
  • Happy hour pricing
    Automatic pricing for promotions
  • Cellar management
    Track keg yields and wastage

Detailed Feature Comparison

How the top systems compare across key features

Bar Operations
Feature ICR Touch SumUp Epos Now
Tab management Advanced Standard Standard
Drinks inventory Comprehensive Standard Good
Food Service
Feature ICR Touch SumUp Epos Now
Kitchen routing ✓ Yes Excellent ✓ Yes
Handheld ordering Via add-on ✓ Yes Via add-on

Implementation Checklist

Steps to successfully deploy your new POS system

  1. Drinks menu setup

    Configure draught, bottled, and spirits

    ⏱ 1 day

  2. Food menu setup

    Set up kitchen menu if serving food

    ⏱ 0.5-1 day

  1. Inventory configuration

    Set up stock tracking for drinks

    ⏱ 1 day

  2. Staff training

    Train bar staff on tabs and quick service

    ⏱ 1-2 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about POS systems for pub

How do I manage table tabs effectively? ▼

All recommended systems support opening tabs by table number or customer name. ICR Touch offers the most advanced tab management with detailed tracking and flexible splitting options.

Can I track keg yields and wastage? ▼

Yes, ICR Touch has comprehensive cellar management. SumUp and Epos Now offer basic keg tracking. This helps you monitor yields and identify wastage or theft.

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