The 7 best pub and bar POS systems right now Is your current POS system not up to the task of running your pub or bar efficiently? It's time to find a better solution. Written by Eddie Harris Reviewed by Ollie Simpson Updated on 5 November 2025 Our Research When judging the best POS systems, our writers work with expert researchers to focus on key features that matter most to small businesses. These include value for money – setup, hardware and transaction fees – help and support, plus the till, stock, and business management tools available. Written and reviewed by: Eddie Harris Senior Reviews Writer Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive Startups.co.uk is reader supported – we may earn a commission from our recommendations, at no extra cost to you and without impacting our editorial impartiality. In May 2025, we conducted brand new research into 11 top POS platforms, testing them across six categories and a total of 37 subcategories, from pricing to bill splitting features.As a result, we’ve determined that Square is the best POS system for pubs and bars. This is thanks to its intuitive, happy-hour-friendly software and tailored kitchen display system that keeps orders flowing – and it’s also our top choice for the best restaurant POS. The best pub and bar POS systems at a glance *Featured* Epos Now: extensive tools for managing a complex bar inventorySquare: overall best POS for pubs and barsClover: top of the range POS terminal and accessoriesSumUp: excels at speed and efficiency in a smaller environmentToast: best for multilocation pubs and barsLightspeed: excellent tools for driving repeat businesstakepayments: an all-in-one terminal to declutter your barClick any of the links above to learn more about each brand and compare costs on a POS system for the needs and size of your own business Keeping costs down, profits up and customers happy can seem like a never-ending struggle when you’re running a bar or pub. You need a bar or pub till system that’ll help you run your beverage business smoothly, but finding the right one for your needs can be tricky.To make things simpler, we’ll take you through the best POS systems specifically for pubs and bars, and the standout features they boast. 💡Key takeaways Square is the best pub and bar POS thanks to its unmatched usability, free plan option and comprehensive help and support. Clover is a good choice for larger pubs or bars thanks to its in-depth analytics, which include stock alerts and profit tracking tools.Key features to look for in a pub and bar POS include easy bill splitting and reliable inventory management. Ensure your POS has strong security features, like encryption, and adheres to PCI DSS standards.Many POS platforms can be run from an iPad, but drinking establishments might prefer a durable countertop terminal. The best POS systems for pubs and bars: quick comparison 0 out of 0 backward forward Best for Pricing from Features FEATURED BEST ALL ROUND Epos Now Square Clover SumUp Toast Lightspeed Restaurant takepayments Extensive tools for managing a complex bar inventory Overall best pub and bar POS Top of the range POS terminal and accessories Excels at speed and efficiency in a smaller environment Best for multilocation pubs and bars Excellent tools for driving repeat business An all-in-one terminal to declutter your bar Hardware: from £225Monthly subscriptions: from £25 per month Free software, plus £149 + VAT for the Square Terminal Currently £9.99 per month (on an 18-month contract), hardware is included Free software, plus £290 for the POS Lite terminal and Solo card reader £80 per month £69 per month £55 per month In-depth sales reportingThird party app integrationsKitchen management functionality Powerful customer management softwareReal time in-depth reportsPay team members with team management Sales data reportingLoyalty programme managementBuilt-in fraud protection and multi-layered security Great range of hardware and accessoriesInventory management tools with stock alerts and cost managementMobile and QR code ordering Customer engagement tools to build loyalty programmesStrong inventory management, including stock alertsBuilt in reservation tools Huge number of third party integrationsWork offline functionalityGreat customer service Realtime reportingEasy inventory managementDedicated account manager Get Quotes Try Square Get Quotes Get Quotes Get Quotes Visit Lightspeed Get Quotes I last updated this article on 5 November 2025 I check this article regularly to keep it up to date. I've verified that all the pricing and information here is accurate, as of this date. However, given the rapidly changing nature of the payment processing industry, I always recommend confirming prices directly with the POS provider before making a buying decision. 1. Square: overall best POS for pubs and bars Square POS 4.8 Visit Square Starting software price: Free plan Transaction fees from: From 1.75% Great range of POS hardware as well as an iOS app Excellent mobile ordering features Easy menu creation Summary Square is headed up by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. It currently serves four million clients, making it a leading POS system in the US market, and is specifically designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses. Show moreless Suitable if: You want a low-cost option to start You want the option to upgrade to more advanced features Accessible help and support is a priority Not suitable if: You want a training mode for new staff You need detailed cost versus profit analysis You want to track ingredient usage Square provides a great range of hardware, including the handheld Square Terminal. Source: Startups.co.ukWhy did we pick Square?Following our 2025 tests, Square remains our top recommendation for a pub and bar POS system thanks to its feature-rich software, free starter plan, and comprehensive help and support. It’s now easier to use than it was in 2024, making it by far the easiest pub and bar POS we tested.Square frequently updates its POS software, and in June 2025 it rolled out an upgraded version of its app which includes personalised layouts. In September 2025, it also introduced the ability to update all your menus at once from one dashboard.The discounts feature makes it easy to make quick changes during happy hour. Source: Startups.co.ukSquare also provides a dedicated, customised kitchen display system that seamlessly integrates with your front-of-house POS system. This means you can seamlessly send orders from the front of house to the kitchen, and get drinks and pub grub out to customers quickly. New in 2025: the Square Handheld In June 2025, Square launched a new pocket-sized POS device, the Square Handheld. Weighing a mere 315 grams, it can be easily carried around a pub by your staff, who can send orders straight to the kitchen from it. Are there any limitations?The most notable feature missing from Square is a comprehensive cost versus profit management tool – if you want to take a more granular look at your spending, take a look at Clover instead. We’d have also liked to have seen Square include a dedicated training mode, to help onboard new staff.How much does Square cost?PricingSoftwareFree plan: FreeSquare for Restaurants Plus plan: £69/month/locationPremium plan (For businesses that process more than £200,000 per year): custom pricingHardwareSquare Reader: £19 plus VATSquare Stand: (To turn your iPad into a countertop terminal): £99 plus VATSquare Handheld: £169 plus VATSquare Terminal: £149 plus VATSquare Register: £599 plus VAT Transaction feesFree plan/Square for Restaurants Plus plan: 1.75% in person, 2.5% for virtual terminal and invoices, 1.4% + 25p for online transactionsPremium plan: Custom ratesFree trial?30-day free trial of Square for Restaurants Plus Square is transparently and fairly priced. Its transaction fees are just verging on expensive, but its hardware prices are in line with competitors, making it about average. You do have a low-cost option with Square’s free app (which we also ranked as our top free POS platform), which will give small pubs and bars everything they need.If you’re scaling up, or already managing a chain of pubs and bars, you’ll find that Square’s paid plan is much better than the free package, as it comes with detailed inventory management tools for keeping track of a complex stock of drinks, snacks and meals. Read more: Square is also the best POS system for takeaway businesses. What our researchers think Square is a great choice for any bar or pub thanks to the super friendly user interface. I found it easy to create a floor plan, which is great for tracking where drinks are going, and was able to access it easily on either an iPad or Square’s own devices. That means you can easily serve people and take payments on the go (which means less queuing). Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive 2. Clover: top of the range POS terminal and accessories Clover 4.4 Get Quotes Starting software price: Currently from £9.99 per month Transaction fees from: 1.49% Highly customisable customer display Exceptional POS hardware and accessories Speedy fingerprint login on the Clover Terminal Summary Clover is based in California and, as of 2020, processes $133bn in card transactions annually. It’s owned by Fiserv, the largest merchant acquirer in the world. Show moreless Suitable if: You run a mid-to-large-sized bar or pub chain You want to get an in-depth look at your analytics You don’t mind paying high upfront costs for excellent hardware Not suitable if: You run a pop-up bar or small pub You’re trying to avoid laying out big upfront costs You need automated tip sharing functionality Clover offers some of the sleekest hardware we tested. Source: Startups.co.ukWhy did we pick Clover?Clover’s POS terminal impressed us with its sleek design and highly responsive 14″ HD display screen. The customisable customer display screen can speed up payments, but the standout feature is the speedy fingerprint login for staff.In February 2025, Clover launched the Clover Flex 4 (featuring an upgraded operating system), and in June 2025, the slimmer Clover Flex Pocket, bulking out an already impressive line of POS devices.In our testing, we found Clover’s frontend nice and intuitive, meaning taking orders and transactions is easy for bartenders using the POS in a fast-paced bar or pub environment. Meanwhile, back office tasks, like adding new products and categories, are also quick to complete.We found Clover’s POS software to be reassuringly user-friendly. Source: Startups.co.ukClover’s stock alert and profit tracking features are also a standout, making it a great option for pub and bar owners who want to take a more detailed look into their analytics and keep overheads lean.Are there any limitations?If you run a small, single location pub or bar, you might find that Clover’s impressive array of terminals and accessories would be overkill for your needs. Square will be a better beginner-friendly option. We did also note that Clover lacks automated tip sharing, which Toast can do.How much does Clover cost?PricingSoftwareCurrently from £9.99 per monthHardwareClover Mini: £450Clover Station Solo: Contact Clover for pricesClover Station Duo: £1,300Transaction feesFrom 1.49%Free trial?NoneBeing top of the range, Clover’s hardware does come with a hefty price tag, so it might prove too expensive for small pubs or bars that are just getting set up. You should take a look at Lightspeed Restaurant if you want to avoid laying out large upfront costs.However, Clover’s current promotion starts from £9.99 per month. This includes a device, and will get you an affordable 1.49% card transaction fee, as long as you don’t take more than £100,000 per year in card turnover. If you exceed this threshold, Clover will work out a bespoke rate.Read more: Clover is one of the best POS systems for restaurants. What our researchers think I’d highly recommend Clover for both pubs and bars thanks to the sleek and professional hardware, which will give your customers a great first impression when they walk in. The customer facing screen can also take payments directly which we found helped to speed up payments, as there’s less querying of orders, especially in louder environments. The hardware also felt really robust and could withstand people bumping into it, as well as drinks being spilled on it! Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive 3. SumUp: excels at speed and efficiency in a smaller environment SumUp 4.3 Get Quotes Starting software price: Free Transaction fees from: 1.69% Superb range of hardware and accessories Mobile and QR code ordering Inventory management tools with stock alerts and cost management Summary In 2020, London-based payment service provider SumUp acquired GoodTill, an iPad-based POS software provider. Show moreless Suitable if: You run a small pub or bar You want customers to place mobile orders You want a bespoke loyalty programme for your customers Not suitable if: You run a larger chain of pubs or bars Your bar relies on an extensive reservation system You need seamless synchronisation between the frontend and backend We really liked SumUp’s slick and friendly-looking order screen. Source: Startups.co.ukWhy did we pick SumUp?When we tested SumUp’s POS Lite (a 13” HD tablet, which you can buy pre-installed with SumUp’s free POS software), we were impressed by how lightweight it was, while still feeling sleek and professional – though that said, you can use the free software on your own tablet if you want to save some cash.It makes a strong fit for small, single-location businesses that need a reliable bar or pub till system at a low price point.Since our previous tests in 2024, there’s been a clear improvement to SumUp’s frontend design. It’s easy to navigate and new additions like a “park order” function have helped bump this system up to third place in our 2025 ranking. Our testing confirmed a short learning curve, making it an excellent choice for getting new staff up and running quickly. The simplicity of SumUp’s POS platform makes it a good fit for smaller setups. Source: Startups.co.ukSumUp also comes with solid customer engagement tools that will help keep loyal regulars propping up the bar, including features like personalised promotions.Are there any limitations?Despite the improvements to the frontend since our 2024 tests, we unfortunately found that the issues we’d previously had with backend changes not syncing properly with the frontend persisted.Plus, while SumUp’s tools and free plan are a good fit for small bars and pubs, if you’re running a larger chain, you might be better off with Lightspeed Restaurant’s more advanced suite of features.How much does SumUp cost?Pricing SoftwareFree POS: FreePOS Plus: £19/monthPOS Pro: £49/monthHardwareHandheld Terminal: £135POS Lite tablet and stand: From £249 (depending on add-ons)Transaction fees1.69%For Payments Plus members: 0.99% for standard cards, 1.99% for international/corporate/premium cardsFree trial?Free planSumUp charges affordable transaction fees – and you can reduce them even more by paying £19 per month to join Payments Plus. If your sales volume means you’ll save more than £19 with the cheaper fees, it’s worth it.For those just starting, we’d recommend SumUp’s POS Lite tablet and stand, which you can get bundled with a Solo card machine and the free software pre-installed, all for £290 (which is cheaper than when we previously tested the package out in 2024).There’s also the option to upgrade your software to POS Plus, launched in April 2025. Adding a handful of features, including floor management, pre-set discounts, and accounting integration, it acts as a more comfortable stepping stone between the free and Pro plan (which is for those who want advanced reporting and multi-location management). What our researchers think SumUp is a fantastic choice for pubs and bars thanks to its impressive range of tools that give you both a physical and online presence. You can easily create a website alongside integrating a POS system, which means you can take delivery orders as well as market yourselves to a wider audience. They offer both a physical terminal or an iPad app, as well as smaller payment devices, and coupled with QR code ordering, this means your staff can focus on getting food and drinks out quicker! Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive New for 2025: SumUp Terminal In July 2025, SumUp launched a new POS handheld device, the SumUp Terminal. It’s an all-in-one POS device, which is durable and drop resistant, making it a reliable option for chaotic pub environments.Impressively, it can use AI to create a digital catalogue just from an image of your handwritten menu, using the built-in camera. So, you can rapidly add your specials board to your POS system. 4. Toast: best for multilocation pubs and bars Toast 4.1 Get Quotes Starting software price: £80 per month Transaction fees from: Quote-based Excellent inventory management tools Reservation tools built into the POS package Includes customer engagement tools that let you create a points system Summary Toast, Inc. is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with its POS system purpose built for the food and beverage industry. Toast's POS operates on Android and is currently used by 140,000 restaurant locations. Show moreless Suitable if: You're running a medium-sized or larger pub or bar, or have multiple locations You have a complex inventory, like a vast array of wines and spirits, you need help to manage You want a forum to network with other pub and bar owners Not suitable if: You're looking for a low-cost system with no monthly fees You already have iPads you want to use to save on costs (Toast is Android exclusive) You're running a small pub or bar and you just have a basic stock to look after The Toast Flex is IP54 spill-proof rated, so you don’t have to worry about pints getting knocked over it. Source: Startups.co.uk Why did we pick Toast?Toast wasn’t in our 2024 ranking for pubs and bars, but in 2025, it has emerged as a top POS thanks to its feature-packed software. It’s particularly well suited to managing a chain, not least thanks to its cost and profit management features that show where your money’s going, which is crucial for owners managing multiple pubs or bars at once.Toast also boasts first-rate inventory management, including stock alerts, so you’re notified when your bottle count is low and can avoid disappointing punters. The automatic tip sharing is also a blessing for landlords who are concerned about the Tipping Act Laws.We found Toast really easy to get to grips with, especially with the help of its initial step-by-step tutorial. Source: Startups.co.ukWhen we tested Toast, we found that the backend was especially intuitive and reassuringly easy to navigate. We particularly appreciated the initial tutorial, which offers a clear guide to how to use the platform. Toast continues to make quality of life improvements and, in October 2025, it added functionality for creating and viewing modifier groups in the full menu view.Are there any limitations?A key point to be aware of is that Toast is specifically built for Android only. So, if you’re looking to use a POS on an iPad, we’d recommend checking out SumUp instead. While Toast is loaded with tools, a small pub or bar might find the simplicity of Square’s free plan makes for an easier system to use.How much does Toast cost?PricingSoftwareStarter: From £80/monthEssentials: £150/monthCustom: Custom pricingHardwareQuote-basedTransaction feesQuote-basedFree trial?NoneToast isn’t the cheapest option – in fact, it’s the most expensive on this roundup. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend it to new pubs and bars that are just getting off the ground. But more advanced operations (including chains) may find the advanced inventory and customer engagement tools worth the steep monthly cost. 5. Lightspeed Restaurant: excellent tools for driving repeat business Lightspeed Restaurant 3.9 Visit Lightspeed Starting software price: £69 per month Transaction fees from: Quote-based Offline functionality that syncs automatically when back online Brilliant customer engagement features Tablet-based system is easy to carry around Summary Based in Montreal, Canada, Lightspeed is a commerce platform that currently serves over 150,000 customer locations. Show moreless Suitable if: You don’t want to pay any upfront costs You want to expand your business You have a complicated inventory Not suitable if: You’d prefer to use a dedicated countertop terminal rather than a tablet You want to automate tip management You have a table plan that you change often This is how your POS home page will look when using Lightspeed Restaurant. Source: Startups.co.ukWhy did we pick Lightspeed Restaurant?Repeat business is key to survival for a pub or bar, and Lightspeed’s excellent customer engagement tools were some of the very best that we tested. Its automated marketing tools, loyalty reward programs, and promotional email and SMS notifications will help you make sure punters keep coming back to the bar.We found Lightspeed’s backend interface both easy to use and very reliable. We really appreciated how detailed and comprehensive the cost versus profit analysis tool was, and creating custom colour-coded floor plans was reassuringly effortless. You can even change the colours, so you can get a nice, clear visual representation of your bar layout.Lightspeed’s floor plan tool is easy to use. Source: Startups.co.ukLightspeed’s POS software is entirely app-based and designed to be used on a tablet, which has its pros and cons. Staff can easily carry it around, but some might prefer having a more rugged terminal (we all know how easy it can be to crack a tablet screen, especially if you’re rushing about).If you’d prefer a more traditional dedicated countertop terminal, you should look at Clover instead.Are there any limitations?While we did find that changing floor plans was easy, just be aware that you only do this from the backend, so there might a lot of back and forth if you need to frequently change your table plan. We also found that Lightspeed was missing automated tip sharing, which Toast can do.How much does Lightspeed Restaurant cost?Pricing SoftwareBasic: £69 per month Core: £129 per month Pro: £219 per monthLightspeed doesn’t publicly publish its hardware prices or transaction fees, but we can tell you that the software is reasonably expensive. It charges a triple-figure monthly starting price, and you’ll be locked into a 12-month minimum contract.It is a comprehensive system though, so if you’re running a well-established pub or bar, or you have multiple locations, Lightspeed Restaurant could be well worth the investment. What our researchers think Lightspeed would be my number one choice if you’re looking to build a bigger community and customer base with your pub or bar. It has a great range of tools like automated marketing, customer segmenting and rewards programmes. As well as this, the iPad-based platform means you can serve customers without going back to the till constantly, and its QR code system means your staff can focus on getting food and drinks out rather than serving! Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive 6. takepayments: an all-in-one terminal to declutter your bar takepayments 3.9 Get Quotes Starting software price: £55 per month Transaction fees from: Quote-based Code scanners built into the front and back of the terminal User-friendly and simple frontend balanced with a feature-dense backend The terminal comes with a built-in printer Summary takepayments is a UK-based company offering payment solutions, including card terminals, online payments and POS systems. It currently serves over 750,000 customers and is one of the fastest-growing card payment providers in the UK. Show moreless Suitable if: You run a smaller pub or bar with a basic inventory You want solid cost/profit management tools You want a system that's quick to get to grips with Not suitable if: Customer engagement tools are a priority You want to be able to create a floor plan for better table management You want to enhance or customise your system with app integrations The tPOS Counter comes with built-in scanners, a printer and a customer facing display. Source: Startups.co.ukWhy did we pick takepayments?If you’re looking for an all-in-one terminal to declutter your bar area, takepayments’ tPOS Counter is packed with the essentials. It comes with code scanners built into the front and back, as well its own printer and a customer-facing display, so your patrons can see their order total.When we tested out the system, we felt it was particularly user friendly for POS novices, with a clear and intuitive onboarding process. If you do come across any technical mishaps, you can use takepayments’ remote support to quickly diagnose and solve the problem.takepayments’ back office reporting can give you a deeper look into your cost/profit management. Source: Startups.co.uktakepayments can also give you quick access to your sales and product reports. With cost/profit management tools and insights into your best selling items, the backend reporting tools are helpful in optimising profitability.Are there any limitations?While we found the backend of the system to be fast and simple, we did run into more issues with the frontend. It could often be frustratingly slow, outdated, and a bit clunky. We also felt that it was missing some crucial features, such as floor plans, an app store and a customer loyalty programme (like the excellent one offered by Lightspeed).How much does takepayments cost?PricingSoftware/HardwaretPOS Counter retail: £45/month plus £250 setup feetPOS Counter hospitality: £55/month plus £250 setup feetPOS Complete retail: £55/month plus £250 setup feetPOS Complete hospitality: £65/month plus £250 setup feeTransaction feesQuote-basedFree trial?Nonetakepayments’ monthly prices are about average in the grand scheme of things, but just keep in mind that both plans have the same expensive setup fee. While it might not have a free plan like SumUp or Square, with takepayments, you do get the advantage of bespoke transaction fees for a more flexible payment structure. What our researchers think I loved how simple and easy to use the takepayments POS system was. The layout was really clearly divided into each section, which minimised any confusion or mistakes when adding an order. I was also really impressed by its onboarding and support as it has someone to take you through the processes and they can also remotely log in (with your permission, of course) so when you have a problem they can see exactly what is happening and fix it 10 times quicker! Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive 7. Epos Now: extensive tools for managing a complex bar inventory Epos Now 3.7 Get Quotes Starting software price: £25 Transaction fees from: 1.3% You can pay upfront for the software and hardware In-depth inventory management tools High quality terminal with a large 15.6" HD display screen Summary Based out of Norwich, Epos Now is a payment service provider and SaaS company, specifically focusing on providing POS systems to small and medium sized businesses. Show moreless Suitable if: You run a pub or bar of any size You need to manage a complicated inventory You want a sturdy, dedicated POS terminal Not suitable if: You want to automatically share tips You need a beginner-friendly POS system You want to avoid upfront costs Epos Now’s rugged, dual-screen terminal is excellent for streamlining orders. Source: Startups.co.uk Why did we pick Epos Now?When testing Epos Now, the back office management stood out as the strength of the system – including its stock update tools, which are ideal for staying on top of a complicated inventory of drinks and snacks, and the floor planning feature, which is reassuringly simple to use. Epos Now’s reports, especially its cost versus profit analysis, are also incredibly helpful.Epos Now works continuously to improve the system. In March 2025, it launched a handy automatic offline mode to avoid losing payments if your signal drops out. Then, in May 2025, Epos Now rolled out a major update to boost its speed.We appreciated how easy it is to access our reports with Epos Now. Source: Startups.co.uk Epos Now also provides some excellent hardware, and the terminal’s 15.6-inch HD screen, along with its customer display, is an ace tool for streamlining orders – especially useful when those stressful queues start to pile up at the bar. The sturdy, well-built terminal is capable of standing up to the chaos of a Friday night at the local.Are there any limitations?While we were impressed by Epos Now’s powerful back office customisation, its complexity will be a barrier for less tech-savvy users. Square is a much more beginner-friendly option, especially if you’re new to POS systems.We would also have liked to see automated tip management, which Toast and Square can both do.How much does Epos Now cost?PricingSoftwareFrom £25 per monthHardwareFrom £225Transaction feesFrom 1.3%Free trial?NoneEpos Now’s pricing isn’t the cheapest for a point of sale for bars and pubs, but its package isn’t a bad deal considering you’re getting the impressive terminal and customised software together. Just be aware that, with Epos Now, you’ll be locked into a year long subscription, and be charged an upfront cost. What our researchers think Epos Now is an excellent choice for both pubs and bars thanks to its impressive business-centric approach. Not only does it offer great hardware but its software is reliable, meaning you can have a large inventory and never worry about it crashing. It also offers integrated payment solutions to keep everything under one roof and the portable payment device means your staff can take payments on the go. Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive How we test pub and bar POS systemsIn May 2025, our Senior Research Executive led a brand new set of analysis and fresh user testing of 11 of the top POS platforms in the UK.We conducted this new set of research to ensure our reviews are fully accurate and up to date, and also to provide more detailed and suitable recommendations to our readers.The research was carried out in the Startups London offices, with our dedicated Reviews Writer and other users also engaging in hands-on user testing of both the frontend and backend of the POS systems. This was based on a testing framework devised by our Senior Research Executive and Head of Research.This testing was combined with comprehensive analysis by the research team. The results were then rated on the six categories we determined to be the most relevant to UK pub and bar owners looking for an EPOS system.These six main scoring categories and their individual importance weightings were:Usability (30%): This was given the heaviest weighting, as your staff will need an easy-to-use system during hectic rush hours.Software (25%): Features like bill splitting, inventory management, and customer engagement tools will be the backbone of your POS system, so this was the next most important category.Pricing (20%): A major consideration for small businesses, as running a pub or bar can have razor thin profit margins. We compared hardware costs, software costs and transaction fees to rate whether you’re getting a good deal.Help and support (15%): A technical mishap during happy hour can be stressful. We evaluated the avenues of customer support that are available to pub and bar owners.Reputation (5%): We determined the overall reputation of the provider based on brand recognition, online comments, competitor reviews and how likely our users were to recommend the platform after testing it.Hardware (5%): We analysed the POS terminals’ performance in terms of display quality and portability, and what accessories are available.The results of these testing categories is what determined our top seven recommendations. How do I choose a POS system for my pub or bar?POS systems aren’t skeleton keys that can fit in any scenario. The best POS systems for a retail business will be different to the best POS systems for the hospitality industry.Each profession will need features and tools that best suit their needs. These are the most important factors to look out for when shopping for a POS system for your pub or bar.What are the essential features for a pub or bar POS?The most essential features for a pub or bar POS are:Simple bill splitting: customers on the same tab expect to be able to pay separately.Detailed inventory management: look for systems that can handle a complex pub or bar inventory. For example, those that can track individual spirit pours and partial kegs.Actionable sales reporting: you need to be able to make purchasing and advertising decisions based on what’s selling and what isn’t.Swift and easy order entry: to keep your bartenders serving customers quickly.Automatic discounts for ‘happy hour’: the ability to quickly change prices based on the time of day or day of the week is critical for most pubs and bars.Tip management: so you can stay compliant with UK tipping laws and ensure everyone gets their share.You should also look at how scalable the system is. If you’re planning to expand your business, is it easy to buy more terminals and upgrade your software to include more sophisticated features? Steer clear of providers that’ll charge the earth when you want to grow.What features are important for seasonal businesses?Running a pub or a bar can be highly affected by seasonal changes. For example, in the summer months, you might get an influx of tourists into your establishment, or see high footfall to your beer garden. Whereas, in winter, you might see a lower footfall, but be faced with higher heating costs.Look for POS systems with features that will have you covered for all seasons. You’ll need a user-friendly system so your staff can quickly process orders in the peak summer months, and detailed reporting features so you can see where you can cut costs in the slower winter season.How important is ease-of-use?In a pub or bar at happy hour, ease-of-use is very important. When the queue at the bar is spilling out the door, your staff will thank you for getting a user-friendly system. The last thing you want is a system with poorly designed UX that slows down your service.How much should I spend on a POS system?When it comes to the overall cost of your POS system, it’s a bit more complicated than just buying a terminal. There are ongoing monthly costs for the software, and transaction fees too.You should also be mindful of whether your provider charges extra for features like loyalty programmes, and whether you’ll want to pay for them.Should I try before I buy?Many platforms offer free trials or demos of their platforms. We always recommend a test drive of the software before you’re actually taking payments. This is particularly crucial for a bar or pub system, as you need to know you can operate it quickly and easily.What should I look for in POS hardware?Spills and splashes are bound to happen when dealing with tipsy customers. Think splash-proof and durable. If you want to be able to take orders at tables, you should also think about hardware that will be easy to carry around a pub floor, in which case, you can take a look at our top iPad-based POS systems.What help and support channels should I look for?You need a POS provider that offers fast and helpful customer support when you encounter a technical glitch. Whether it’s a terminal breakdown during happy hour or a software freeze at closing time, having the provider’s support to hand over the phone, email or live chat (whatever your preferred method is) is a must-have.What security features do I need?Security is non-negotiable. Make sure you have a system that includes EMV compliance, data encryption, and frequent security updates to safeguard your business and your customers’ sensitive payment information.Should I choose an iPad POS or a dedicated till system?Many pub and bar POS systems, such as Lightspeed Restaurant, can be run from an iPad or Android tablet, which can save money for business owners who already have tablets they don’t mind repurposing. iPad-based POS systems can also provide a lot of manoeuvrability for bartenders and staff who need to move around a busy environment swiftly.However, a dedicated terminal, such as Epos Now’s or Clover’s, can offer more durability, and some come with customer-facing screens so customers can check what they’re buying and the prices for each item before they pay.Essentially, it depends on where you want your staff to take orders – at the bar or at customers’ tables. Jump back up to any of our reviews: Best pub and bar POS: comparison table 1. Square: overall best pub and bar POS 2. Clover: top of the range POS terminal and accessories 3. SumUp: excels at speed and efficiency in a smaller environment 4. Toast: adept at managing a complex inventory 5. Lightspeed Restaurant: excellent tools for driving repeat business 6. takepayments: an all-in-one terminal to declutter your bar 7. Epos Now: extensive tools for managing a complex bar inventory How we test pub and bar POS systems How do I choose a POS system for my pub or bar? Startups.co.uk is reader-supported. If you make a purchase through the links on our site, we may earn a commission from the retailers of the products we have reviewed. This helps Startups.co.uk to provide free reviews for our readers. It has no additional cost to you, and never affects the editorial independence of our reviews. Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Written by: Eddie Harris Senior Reviews Writer Eddie is resident Senior Reviews Writer for Startups, focusing on merchant accounts, point of sales systems and business phone systems. He works closely with our in-house team of research experts, carrying out hours of hands-on user testing and market analysis to ensure that our recommendations and reviews are as helpful and accurate as possible. Eddie is also Startups video presenter. He helps create informative, helpful visual content alongside our written reviews, to better aid customers with their decision making. Eddie joined Startups from its sister site Expert Reviews, where he wrote in-depth informational articles and covered the biggest consumer deals events of the year. And, having previously worked as a freelancer providing screenplay and book coverage in the film and television industry, Eddie is no stranger to the demands of the sole trader. Reviewed by: Ollie Simpson Senior Research Executive After three years of refining my skills in data analysis, I transitioned to a role as a researcher to help understand our readers' preferences and needs. My professional journey started as a researcher in law enforcement, where I developed strong analytical abilities. Later, I moved into operations, strengthening my understanding of quantitative data. Now, I blend my quantitative analysis skills with qualitative research to explore both audience preferences and product nuances. Armed with a UX design diploma, I translate research findings into actionable insights that facilitate informed decision-making. Whether enhancing Startups offerings or delivering research presentations, I am driven by a relentless pursuit of improvement and results.