Running a restaurant in the UK today looks nothing like it did five years ago. Guests expect contactless payments, QR ordering, quick service, and spot‑on bills — all while owners juggle rising costs, staff shortages, and razor‑thin margins.
Amid all this change, one thing has become clear: your POS system isn’t just a till anymore. It’s the engine that keeps your restaurant running smoothly.
This guide breaks down the seven best restaurant POS systems available in the UK in 2026. To make this list, I looked at real‑world performance, pricing transparency, UK‑specific compatibility, and what actual restaurants say works for them — not just what vendors promise.
What Is a Restaurant POS System?
A restaurant POS (Point of Sale) system combines software and hardware to handle everything from taking orders and processing payments to managing inventory and staff. A good system typically covers:
- Order taking (dine‑in, takeaway, and delivery)
- Table layouts and seating
- Kitchen communication via display screens or printers
- Card and contactless payments
- Sales reports and analytics
- Staff access and permissions
- Stock and menu control
Most modern systems are cloud‑based, so you can monitor your business from anywhere. Still, offline functionality is an essential backup for when the Wi‑Fi fails — and we all know it happens.
Why POS Systems Matter More Than Ever
According to recent UK hospitality studies, nearly 80% of restaurant operators plan to invest more in technology — especially POS systems, automation tools, and analytics features. Another survey found that over 70% of venues are adding QR code ordering and digital payment flows.
In short, outdated tills and basic EPOS setups can’t keep up with the pace of modern dining. The right POS can streamline service and give you a real edge.
What to Look For in a Restaurant POS
Before diving into specific systems, here are the essentials to focus on:
- Ease of Use: With high staff turnover, the system should be simple enough for new hires to learn in a single shift.
- Order Flow and Kitchen Communication: Smooth routing from table to kitchen means fewer mistakes and faster service.
- Online and QR Ordering: With customers increasingly ordering from phones, built‑in or easily integrated tools are a must.
- Reporting and Insights: Look for data beyond daily totals — such as best‑selling items, busy hours, or profit per dish.
- UK Support and Compliance: Ensure it handles VAT correctly, supports UK card standards, and offers local customer support.
Compatibility and Integration
A good POS should work seamlessly with your existing tools. Look for systems that:
- Integrate with popular payment providers and accounting software like Xero
- Connect to delivery or online‑ordering platforms
- Run smoothly on multiple devices — tablets, terminals, and kitchen screens
Cloud‑based POS systems usually make this easier, while older, closed systems can limit flexibility.
Typical Costs in the UK
Here’s what most UK restaurants can expect to pay:
Software:
- Entry‑level: £0–£40/month
- Mid‑range: £40–£100/month
- Advanced/multi‑site: £100–£200+
Hardware:
- Tablet or terminal: £300–£700
- Receipt printer: £150–£300
- Kitchen display screen: £400–£800
Some vendors bundle hardware, but others let you use your own — which can save money long term.
The 7 Best Restaurant POS Systems in the UK for 2026
1. Square for Restaurants
Square is one of the most popular starting points for small UK venues. It’s easy to set up, offers transparent pricing (including a free tier), and covers essentials like table management, kitchen displays, and integrated payments. However, transaction fees can add up as your volume increases.
2. POSApt
Built specifically for UK restaurants, POSApt blends a traditional POS setup with online ordering and QR table ordering — ideal for pubs, cafés, and independents embracing digital dining. It’s affordable, easy to upgrade, and even runs offline, which adds reliability.
3. Lightspeed Restaurant
A powerhouse in both retail and hospitality, Lightspeed offers advanced reporting, stock tracking, and multi‑location support. It costs more than entry systems but delivers detailed analytics that growing restaurants can really use.
4. Toast POS
Toast markets itself as a full restaurant platform rather than just a till. It combines ordering, kitchen management, reporting, and payment into a single system. It’s well‑suited to fast‑casual or full‑service restaurants that prefer an integrated, all‑in‑one approach.
5. Epos Now
Homegrown and UK‑based, Epos Now has been around for years and integrates with a wide range of hardware and third‑party tools. Its flexibility and strong local support make it a safe choice for many operators.
6. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is an iPad‑based system designed for simplicity. It’s ideal for small teams that want to get up and running quickly, though the Apple hardware requirement won’t work for everyone.
7. Clover POS
Fast and straightforward, Clover shines in quick‑service or hybrid restaurant‑retail setups. It may not have the deepest analytics, but if you value speed and easy payments, it’s a reliable pick.
How to Choose the Right POS for You
There’s no single “best” system — only the one that fits your workflow and goals. Ask yourself:
- Do I need online or QR ordering now or later?
- How many staff will log in daily?
- Am I planning to expand to multiple sites?
- What kind of reports do I actually review?
- What’s a realistic monthly budget?
UK hospitality data suggests that restaurants adopting modern tech early tend to adapt faster to labour shortages and customer expectations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your restaurant’s POS in 2026 isn’t just a tech decision — it’s a strategic one. The right system can speed up service, reduce errors, and give you a clearer picture of your profits.
From budget‑friendly tools like Square, to UK‑focused platforms like POSApt, to enterprise solutions like Lightspeed, there’s something for every restaurant size and style. The key is knowing your operation inside out — and picking a system that helps you serve customers better while growing sustainably.
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