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Choosing the right POS (point of sale) system is crucial for the smooth operation of any small restaurant. With the unique challenges faced by small eateries, from tight budgets to the need for efficient service, finding a POS system that meets your specific needs can make all the difference.
We'll explore the best POS systems available for small restaurants in the UK, helping you navigate the options and select a system that will streamline your operations, enhance customer service, and ultimately boost your bottom line.
Whether you’re looking for user-friendly software, robust reporting features, or seamless integration with other tools, we've got you covered.
Top Restaurant POS Systems for Small Restaurants
The power of technology has changed, and continues to change, the hospitality industry. For restaurant owners, embracing new technology in the form of POS systems, CRM systems, Inventory Management systems, and more is key.
Redcat (Polygon POS)
The Redcat POS system is an intuitive and user-friendly platform designed to help you run your café, bar or restaurant with ease. The POS system can be used for single-site or multi-site businesses, and you can customise it as you please.
For small restaurants, the Redcat POS central management system functions as a powerful tool that bridges the gap between your front-of-house and back-office efforts. It's perfect for businesses hoping to expand in the forthcoming years.
The reliable and easy-to-use POS system has features to provide a quick, efficient and precise service operation in the front while maintaining full management control in the back. This keeps everything running smoothly with no miscommunication.
As you navigate growth as a small restaurant, the Redcat POS system helps with tasks like sales recording, floor and table management, food and beverage management, menu management, order processing, inventory control, and more.
All in all, it ranks among the best POS systems available for hospitality businesses in the UK.
Redcat's best features
Point of Sale: Oversee quick and effortless transactions with the robust POS software designed specifically for restaurants.
Table Management: Redcat POS features table management tools to maximise your floor plan and get the most out of your seating arrangements.
Menu Management: Use the POS system to manage your menu items, add specials or discounts, and make changes as you please.
Inventory Control: Stay on top of your restaurant's stock and inventory with a robust inventory management system.
Loyalty Programs: Improve customer retention by adding loyalty programs with compelling rewards via the Redcat POS software.
Back Office Reporting: Monitor and track performances, sales, and customer behaviour, and prepare detailed reports with every key metric.
Redcat's pricing structure
For information on Redcat's pricing structure, reach out and request a quote.
WRS Systems
WRS is a leading and award-winning company that specialises in providing secure ePOS solutions worldwide in hospitality, retail, sport and education.
The family-run business has over two decades of experience providing bespoke Electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) solutions. For small restaurants, the feature-rich POS system is a great choice.
WRS systems deliver innovative, adaptable and tailored solutions that work fast and reliably - helping to take your customer service and day-to-day efficiency to the next level.
The customer-first approach is refreshing, and the independent business provides full consultancy and communication, installation, onsite training, and continuous support throughout your ePOS journey.
They have a range of ePOS products to choose from, all designed to help boost operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. As a small restaurant, working with a company whose focus is on core family values and the customer experience is a smart move.
WRS System's best features
Point of Sale: The POS system is optimised for speed and efficiency, built to withstand the most demanding of work environments.
Self-Service: Let customers process orders themselves and reduce contact between staff and guests to improve the overall experience.
Booking Management: Take control of your reservations and manage bookings with ease through WRS Systems.
Table Management: Get the most out of your seating plan and seat customers in a way that enhances comfort.
Integrations: Integrate with your existing inventory management and CRM systems.
WRS Systems' pricing structure
For information on WRS Systems’ pricing structure, reach out and request a quote.
SkyTab
SkyTab is a highly-rated restaurant POS system with tens of thousands of happy clients in the UK and throughout the world. Designed exclusively for the restaurant industry, SkyTab is an affordable all-in-one POS platform with all the features you need to grow your small restaurant.
SkyTab functions as a complete restaurant management system with robust software packed with features to keep your small restaurant running smoothly.
The powerful hardware has a sleek design, reliable performance and mobile options. The software includes management tools for improved efficiency and advanced reporting.
The POS system essentially serves as the backbone of your restaurant with features for reservation management, table management, loyalty rewards, and more. The system serves as a central dashboard for everything you need.
Whether you specialise in fine dining, casual dining, quick service restaurants, or drinks - SkyTab is a great option.
SkyTab's best features
Reservation Management: Decrease no-shows for reservations and improve your booking system with robust reservation management features.
Table Management: Customise your floor plan and manage your tables according to what works best for your small restaurant.
Loyalty Management: Improve customer retention through loyalty and reward programs that offer discounts, voucher codes, and more.
Tableside Ordering: Let customers pay at the table and boost tableside ordering efficiency and payment processing.
Driver & Delivery Management: Integrate your own delivery system, track drivers and manage online orders.
Data & Reporting: Get access to key metrics covering all the data you need to help improve performances going forward.
SkyTab's pricing structure
SkyTab's pricing starts at £23.50 per month with no hidden upfront costs.
Lightspeed
Lightspeed POS is a fast, flexible and feature-filled option for small restaurants hoping to improve efficiency, revenue, and customer satisfaction.
The all-in-one solution powers businesses in over 100 countries with over 168 thousand different locations. The POS system is built for ambitious hospitality professionals hoping to effectively navigate growth.
With Lightspeed POS, you can customise your system for unique workflows, craft compelling guest experiences, and unlock real-time insights to help inform decisions going forward.
One of the standout features of Lightspeed POS is its flexibility and customisation options. Your restaurant can tailor the system to your specific needs, whether you operate a quick-service establishment, a full-service restaurant, or a hybrid model.
They also make it easy for your restaurant to switch to Lightspeed with experts available to assist with data migration, hardware setup and payment processing. Before jumping in, you can get a free, personalised Lightspeed demo to see if it makes sense for your small restaurant.
Lightspeed's best features
Payment Processing: Effortlessly implement embedded payment processing to boost efficiency.
Online & QR Code Ordering: Manage online orders and let customers order via QR codes.
Inventory Management: Monitor and track stock levels to the ingredient level with powerful inventory management features.
Data & Analytics: Get access to actionable insights that help drive performance improvements and customer satisfaction.
Accounting: Automate your bookkeeping and accounting systems to avoid errors, boost accuracy, and improve efficiency.
Kitchen Display System: Connect your FOH and BOH teams with a KDS that covers every key detail.
Lightspeed’s pricing structure
Centegra
Centegra is a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system designed for the hospitality industry, with a particular focus on small to medium-sized restaurants. Its purpose is to streamline restaurant operations, enhance customer service, and improve overall efficiency.
Some of the key features of Centegra include advanced order management, customisable menu configurations, and efficient table management to optimise seating and service flow.
Centegra also offers robust reporting and analytics tools that provide detailed insights into sales performance, customer preferences, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, Centegra integrates with other essential restaurant software and hardware, creating a unified system that enhances overall functionality.
For small restaurants, Centegra is a great option because it’s designed to be user-friendly and adaptable to the specific needs of smaller operations. Its comprehensive features help reduce operational complexities, allowing staff to focus more on providing excellent customer service.
Centegra's best features
Advanced Order Management: Allows for quick and accurate order-taking to streamline service and reduce errors.
Menu Management: Effortlessly customise your menus to meet specific restaurant needs and preferences.
Table Management: Optimise your seating and service flow for better customer experiences and increased efficiency.
Payment Options: Centegra supports various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless, ensuring a seamless checkout process.
Reporting & Analytics: Get detailed insights into sales, customer preferences, and operational efficiency to help make informed business decisions.
Integration: You can also integrate with other essential restaurant software and hardware, creating a unified and efficient system.
User-Friendly Interface: Centegra is designed specifically for small to medium-sized restaurants, making it easy to use and adapt to specific operational needs.
Centegra’s pricing structure
For information on Centegra’s pricing structure, reach out and request a quote.
Square
Square is a restaurant POS system that has been ever-present in the restaurant industry for over a decade. The highly versatile POS system caters to the needs of small restaurants, providing a full suite of tools to streamline operations and enhance customer service.
Its ease of use and straightforward setup process make it an attractive option for restaurant owners who may not have extensive technical expertise.
Square POS includes an intuitive interface that simplifies order taking and processing. Your staff can easily input orders, manage tables, and handle special requests, ensuring efficient service and minimising errors.
For small restaurants, the cost-effectiveness of Square POS is a significant advantage. There are no long-term contracts, and the pricing is transparent, making it accessible for businesses with limited budgets.
The system's scalability means it can grow with your restaurant, adding more features and functionalities as needed without requiring a complete overhaul.
Square POS stands out as a great option for small restaurants due to its ease of use, integrated payment processing, robust inventory management, insightful reporting tools, and scalable nature.
Square's best features
Payment Processing: The integrated payment system supports credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments and contactless options.
Inventory Management: Get real-time stock levels and receive alerts for low inventory to the ingredient level.
Reporting & Analytics: Access key insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and employee performance data.
User Friendly Interface: The intuitive design simplifies order taking, table management, and special request handling.
Table Management: Get the most out of your seating arrangements and effectively manage bookings and reservations.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Create customer profiles, track preferences and support loyalty programs with the CRM features.
Scalability: The growth-friendly POS system lets you easily add features and functionalities as the business expands.
Square's pricing structure
Square offers a free tier for the powerful software (excluding processing fees) as well as different pricing options. For more information on the pricing structure, reach out and request a quote.
NFS Aloha
The NFS Aloha POS system is a well-established point-of-sale solution designed primarily for the restaurant and hospitality industries.
Known for its robust features and reliability, Aloha POS is widely used by small to large restaurants, offering tools that streamline operations, enhance customer service, and improve overall efficiency.
The system supports various order types, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, making it versatile enough to meet the needs of different restaurant formats. This flexibility ensures that your restaurant can provide a seamless dining experience regardless of how customers choose to order.
The Aloha POS also excels in inventory management, providing real-time tracking of stock levels and usage. As such, you can maintain optimal inventory, reduce waste, and manage supply costs effectively for your small restaurant.
As one of the best restaurant POS systems around, NFS Aloha is a compelling option for restaurants hoping to reach new heights.
NFS Aloha's best features
Order Management: NFS supports various order types including dine-in, takeout and deliveries. The powerful order management feature lets you control each with ease.
Inventory Management: Stay up to date with your stock levels in real-time and automate reorders to reduce wastage and mistakes.
Payment Processing: Payments can be processed via a range of options including debit/credit cards, mobile options, and contactless payments.
Reporting & Analytics: Get detailed and customisable reports on sales, customer preferences, and staff productivity.
Employee Management: Use the employee management feature to handle scheduling, time tracking, performance management, and integrate with payroll systems.
Scalability: The system is adaptable and scalable, serving as one of the best POS systems for restaurants.
NFS Aloha's pricing structure
For information on NFS Aloha's pricing structure, reach out and request a quote.
Toast
Toast is among the most popular and trusted POS systems available for small restaurants in the UK. The powerful POS system is designed to make restaurant management and sales processing a much simpler task.
The POS software lets you manage orders, sales and payments from one centralised dashboard. As a cloud-based platform, you can access data and management features from any place, at any time.
Toast also offers restaurant-grade and spill-proof hardware designed to blend into your restaurant's branding and style, no matter the décor and setup. The durable system is optimised for speed and ease of use.
The features range from online ordering and tableside service to menu management and analytics reporting. For small restaurants, cafes, and more, Toast can help significantly boost efficiency, productivity, customer retention, and ultimately, sales.
Toast's best features
Online Ordering & Delivery: Grow your business online with your own commission-free ordering channels for takeout and delivery.
Tableside Service: You can help your team spend more time with guests, accelerate service, and speed up checkout through tableside ordering and payments.
Menu Management: Add, adjust, update and change your menu from any place with instant menu management features.
Data & Analytics: Get detailed analytics covering every key metric to help you make informed decisions going forward and improve your small restaurant's overall performance.
Online Training: Get access to intuitive and interactive online training sessions via Toast Central whenever you need it.
Integrations: Don't worry if you have other systems in place. Toast integrates with applications from leading partners.
Toast's pricing structure
Toast's POS software pricing is divided into three tiers:
Starter (£80 per month): Designed for restaurants who want to get up and running on a POS with streamlined ordering & integrated payments.
Essentials (£150 per month): Perfect for restaurants who want to scale their operations from day one with streamlined ordering, integrated payments, and an interconnected FOH and BOH.
Custom: Get a custom quote for any number of devices and a customised package built to fit your needs.
TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, offering a range of features that cater to the unique needs of the food service industry.
It's an iPad-based system, which makes it portable and user-friendly, allowing your staff to take orders directly at the table and send them to the kitchen with minimal delay.
One of the standout features of TouchBistro is its intuitive interface, which is easy to navigate for staff with varying levels of tech-savviness. The system allows for quick training and smooth onboarding of new employees, a critical aspect for small restaurants with limited resources.
The popular restaurant POS system also integraes with various payment processors, providing you with flexibility in handling transactions.
The built-in reporting and analytics feature also provides detailed insights into sales, inventory, and staff performance, which can help you make informed decisions to optimise operations and increase your profits.
For small restaurants, TouchBistro is especially useful due to its affordability and scalability. The system can grow with the business, allowing additional features and capabilities to be added as needed.
Touch Bistro's best features
Order Management: Your staff can take orders directly at the table using iPads - sending them directly to the kitchen to reduce wait times and errors.
User-Friendly Interface: The interface is intuitive with no steep learning curve, and as such requires minimal staff training.
Payment Processing: You get multiple payment choices with options for bill splitting and custom order handling.
Table Management: Manage reservations, waitlists, and seating arrangements efficiently while optimising seating capacity.
Reporting & Analytics: Get reports on sales, inventory, and staff performance for improved operations and profits.
Scalability: Touch Bistro is designed to grow with your business, and you can add additional features as you need.
Touch Bistro's pricing structure
Pricing for the Touch Bistro POS system starts at £54.07 per month. For more information on the pricing structure and custom plans, reach out and request a quote.
Clover
Clover POS is a versatile and feature-rich point-of-sale system designed to cater to a wide range of businesses, including small restaurants. Its combination of hardware and software solutions provides you with the tools to manage operations efficiently, improve customer service, and grow your business.
One of the key features of Clover POS is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for staff to learn and use. This simplicity is particularly beneficial for small restaurants that may have high staff turnover or employ part-time workers.
Clover POS also excels in customer relationship management (CRM). The system allows restaurants to build detailed customer profiles, track purchase history, and implement loyalty programs to encourage repeat business - perfect for small restaurants hoping to grow.
For small restaurants, the affordability and scalability of Clover POS are significant advantages. The system offers various hardware configurations and pricing plans, allowing you to choose a setup that fits your budget and needs.
Clover's best features
Order Management: The flexible service options include dine-in, takeout, delivery and online orders while integrating with popular delivery options.
Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels and automatically reorder inventory when low.
Payment Processing: Process seamless transactions with multiple payment options available for customers.
Reporting & Analytics: Get all the key data on your customers' behaviour and preferences as well as the metrics covering your restaurant's performance in general.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Create detailed customer profiles, track purchase history, and implement loyalty programs to encourage repeat business.
Scalability: Get various hardware configurations and pricing plans, with the ability to add features as the business grows.
Clover's pricing structure
The pricing structure for Clover can be divided into three tiers: Starter, Standard and Advanced.
Starter (£129.18 per month for 36 months): Run your restaurant on a powerful restaurant POS and easily take orders and payments at a front-of-house wait station.
Standard (£172.24 per month for 36 months): Enhance your front of house with a powerful handheld POS–easily take orders and payments at the server station or table side
Advanced (£254.45 per month for 36 months): Take orders throughout your restaurant, connect front of house and back of house, and manage your complex business with robust management tools
Final Word
Choosing the right POS system is crucial for small restaurants in the UK aiming to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and provide exceptional customer service.
Whether it's the versatility and user-friendliness of Square, the comprehensive feature set of Lightspeed, or the robust reporting tools of Clover, each POS system offers unique advantages tailored to various needs and budgets.
By carefully assessing their specific requirements, you can select a POS system that not only meets your immediate operational needs as a small restaurant but also supports future growth and innovation.
Investing in a reliable POS system ultimately leads to improved management, satisfied customers, and a more profitable business.
At Tech on Toast, we help you stay up to date with the latest in hospitality and restaurant technology, from POS systems to CRM systems. Just head over to our website and take a look.
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