PW
Paul Walton
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Best cafe EPOS systems UK 2026: six options compared
Our verdict in one line: most independent UK cafes are best served by free or low-cost software with proper hospitality features.
PW
Paul Walton
Do You Need a Tronc Scheme? A Decision Guide for UK Venues
When a tronc scheme saves real money, when it isn't worth the admin, and what to set up either way. Honest maths at 2026 NIC rates for pubs, cafés and restaurants.
PW
Paul Walton
Tronc Schemes Explained: The 2026 Guide for UK Hospitality
If your venue takes card tips, and in 2026 almost all tips arrive by card, there's a decent chance you're paying thousands of pounds a year in National Insurance that a properly run tronc scheme would legally remove.
PW
Paul Walton
The Best Square Alternative for UK Hospitality (2026)
Square is a polished product with a tempting headline: free POS software. But if you run a café, food truck, pub or restaurant in the UK, there is one thing to understand before you commit. Square's free POS requires Square Payments, forever, at 1.75% per in-person transaction.
RK
Robin Knox
The Best Pub EPOS Systems in the UK (2026): An Honest Comparison
We compare the best pub EPOS systems in the UK for 2026: EposNow, Square, Lightspeed, Tabology, Zonal and Seamless. Contracts, payment lock-in, stock control and speed at the bar.
PW
Paul Walton
Key Features of a Restaurant EPOS: What Actually Matters in 2026
Every restaurant EPOS brochure lists the same twenty features. The problem is that the words hide enormous differences: "table management" can mean a drag and drop floor plan that mirrors your dining room, or a numbered list.
PW
Paul Walton
Why Hospitality Operators Are Switching POS Systems in 2026 (And What They're Choosing Instead)
The UK hospitality industry has changed dramatically over the past few years. Rising labour costs, tighter margins, changing consumer expectations, and increasing competition have forced operators to scrutinise every part of their business.
RK
Robin Knox
Best POS System for Restaurants & Pubs in the UK (2026 Guide)
Choosing the right POS system can make or break a hospitality business. Whether you’re running a busy London restaurant, a high‑volume pub, or a neighbourhood café, your EPOS system needs to be fast, reliable, and built for UK operations.
RK
Robin Knox
Best POS System for Restaurants in the UK (2026 Guide for Hospitality Owners)
The wrong system slows down service, creates staff headaches, and costs you money every single day. The right one increases table turnover, improves accuracy, and gives you full control of your business.
RK
Robin Knox
How to Increase Coffee Shop Sales: 15 Proven Ideas
Discover 15 proven ways to increase coffee shop sales, attract more customers, and boost loyalty with smart marketing and community-driven ideas.
RK
Robin Knox
Cheap vs Free POS System: Why Going Cheap Could Cost Your Business More
Thinking of choosing a cheap POS system or free POS system for your bar, café or restaurant? Discover the hidden costs and risks, and why the right POS investment pays off.
RK
Robin Knox
Understanding VAT Registration for Hospitality Businesses
VAT (Value Added Tax) can seem daunting for hospitality business owners, but getting it right is essential for staying compliant and maximising your profitability
RK
Robin Knox
The Simple EPOS for Cafes - Why It’s Time to Move Beyond Casio Cash Registers
Running a successful café is no small task. From managing stock to keeping track of sales, café owners need tools that make their lives easier, not more complicated. For many years, cash registers like those from Casio were the go-to solution for small hospitality businesses
RK
Robin Knox
Incorporating Your Hospitality Business in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Incorporating your hospitality business in the UK is a significant step that offers various benefits, such as limited liability, improved credibility, and tax advantages. This guide will explore the different types of companies you can set up
RK
Robin Knox
How to Turn January into a Busy Month for Your Hospitality Business with Post-Holiday Promotions
January is often seen as a quiet period for hospitality businesses in the UK. After the buzz of Christmas and New Year, customers tighten their belts, and footfall can take a dip. But this doesn’t mean your café, restaurant, pub, or food truck has to stand idle.
RK
Robin Knox
What to Do When Your EPOS System Breaks: A Guide for Hospitality Businesses
EPOS systems are essential for modern hospitality businesses, but like any technology, they can sometimes fail. Knowing what steps to take can minimise disruption and keep your business running smoothly.
RK
Robin Knox
Maximising Profits in the Hospitality Industry This Christmas
The festive season presents a golden opportunity for hospitality businesses to boost profits. With increased footfall and a focus on celebrations, smart planning and execution can make a significant difference to your bottom line
RK
Robin Knox
10 Things to Know Before Expanding Your Coffee Shop to a Second Location
Expanding your business to a second location is a significant step that requires thorough preparation. Here’s an in-depth look at key considerations
RK
Robin Knox
Automate Your Café Admin: Practical Tools to Save Time and Focus on Customers
Running a café involves a lot of admin that can take you away from providing excellent service. Here’s how automation can simplify your tasks:
RK
Robin Knox
Avoiding Payment Lock-In with Lightspeed and Finding Flexible Solutions
Choosing the right EPOS (electronic point-of-sale) system is one of the most critical decisions for hospitality business owners. However, some EPOS providers, like Lightspeed, come with payment lock-in requirements, limiting flexibility and potentially increasing costs over time.
RK
Robin Knox
Scotland’s Hospitality Industry Faces a 70% Rates Premium: What It Means for You
Scotland’s hospitality sector is under immense financial pressure. Recent analysis by UKHospitality Scotland reveals that Scottish pubs, restaurants, and hotels are paying up to 70% more in business rates than their English counterparts. This s
RK
Robin Knox
The ultimate hospitality managers Christmas checklist
As the festive season approaches, it’s essential for hospitality operators to align their offerings with current UK trends to meet customer expectations. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure your establishment is well-prepared:
RK
Robin Knox
Preparing for the New UK Tipping Law – What Hospitality Businesses Need to Know
Key Points of the New Law1. Fair Distribution of Tips: Under the new Act, all tips, whether cash or card, must be distributed fairly among staff. Businesses cannot withhold or make deductions (other than for tax purp
RK
Robin Knox
Why do we integrate payments?
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, efficiency and customer satisfaction are paramount. One key way to achieve both is by integrating payments with your Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system. This integration offers numerous benefits that can streamline your operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately boos
RK
Robin Knox
The top 18 KPIs that all restaurants should be monitoring
Restaurants should monitor several key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure their success. Some of the top KPIs include: 1. Sales and Revenue: This is the most fundamental KPI, tracking total income from food and beverage sales.
PW
Paul Walton
The Top Benefits of EPOS Systems for Small Hospitality Businesses
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, small business owners continually seek ways to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. An Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system emerges as an invaluable tool for these businesses, bringing numerous advantages that significantly impact efficiency and profitability. Here’s a ranked overview of the most critical featu
RK
Robin Knox
Calculating the ROI of an EPOS system
Quantifying the increase in efficiency and ROI when transitioning from traditional POS methods to a modern system like Seamless requires considering various metrics that reflect operational improvements, cost savings, and revenue increases. Here's a detailed look at potential quantifiable benefits:
RK
Robin Knox
A Hospitality Business Guide to PCI Compliance
PCI DSS is a set of rules established by major credit card companies to ensure that all merchants who process, store, or transmit credit card information do so securely. Regardless of the size of your business or the number of transactions you handle, if you accept card payments, PCI compliance applies to you.
RK
Robin Knox
Enhance Your Café Experience with an Intuitive EPOS System: Unveiling Key Features
In the vibrant world of cafés, operational efficiency is paramount. Step into the realm of our intuitive Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system, meticulously crafted to elevate your small hospitality venture. Dive into the distinctive features that distinguish our point of sale system, offering a seamless solution for your café:
RK
Robin Knox
Streamline Your Food Truck Business with a Simple Till: Key Features Unveiled
In the fast-paced world of food trucks, efficiency is paramount. That's where our simple till for food trucks steps in, offering a seamless solution to enhance your business operations. Explore the key selling points that make our point of sale system a game-changer for your small hospitality venture:
RK
Robin Knox
The Role of POS Analytics in Boosting Revenue for Hospitality Businesses
In the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry, maximising revenue is a constant pursuit. This blog post delves into the pivotal role that Point of Sale (POS) analytics plays in significantly impacting revenue generation for businesses within this sector.
RK
Robin Knox
Securing Success: A Guide to Insurance for Your UK Hospitality Business
Running a hospitality business in the UK is a rewarding venture, but it comes with its unique set of challenges. One crucial aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked is insurance. In this guide, we’ll explore the types of insurance your hospitality business needs, recommended coverage levels, and valuable tips for negotiating a good deal and ensuring quality cover.
RK
Robin Knox
How to choose a successful location for your hospitality business
Determining local demand for your restaurant business in the UK is crucial for its success. Here's a guide on how to assess and measure the required footfall and population:
RK
Robin Knox
How to pick a good location for my restaurant, pub or cafe
Conducting a thorough location analysis is a critical aspect of starting a hospitality business in the UK. Here's a more detailed overview
RK
Robin Knox
What company structure should I use for my hospitality business?
The choice of business structure for your hospitality business in the UK depends on factors such as liability, taxation, and your long-term business goals. Here are some common business structures and considerations:
RK
Robin Knox
What licenses and permits does my hospitality business require in the UK?
In the UK, hospitality businesses typically require various licenses and permits to operate legally. The specific requirements can vary depending on the type of establishment and services offered. Here are some key licenses and permits, including details on class consents
RK
Robin Knox
A checklist for starting a hospitality business in the UK
Starting a hospitality business in the UK involves several key steps:1. Market Research: Understand the demand for your hospitality services in the chosen location. Analyse competitors and identify...
RK
Robin Knox
How to price a restaurant menu
Pricing a menu is both a science and an art, and it requires careful consideration of cost, competition, and customer expectations. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your menu prices based on the performance of items and changing market conditions is essential for long-term success.
RK
Robin Knox
Navigating the World of Card Payment Processors: A Guide for UK Hospitality Businesses
Debit Card Transactions: On average, debit card transactions in the UK may incur a fee ranging from 0.2% to 0.5%, in addition to a per-transaction fee. Or on a blended model 0.8%-1.4%
RK
Robin Knox
Boosting Efficiency & Profits: The Guide to the Benefits of EPOS Systems for UK Restaurants
For UK restaurants looking to boost efficiency, improve service, and increase profits, embracing EPOS technology is not just a choice—it's a strategic imperative. If you're ready to take your restaurant to the next level, consider integrating an EPOS system and unlock the full potential of your business.
RK
Robin Knox
A Holistic Guide to Launching and Growing Your UK Hospitality Business
Embarking on the journey of launching a hospitality business in the UK is a thrilling venture that demands careful planning and strategic execution. Success lies in meticulous preparation, spanning everything from defining your niche to embracing the right business tools, including an EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system
RK
Robin Knox
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