Best 5 POS Software for Restaurant Business in the UK
The restaurant industry in the UK is one of the most competitive in the world. From London cafés to Scottish fine-dining spots and local takeaways in Manchester, every restaurant owner faces the same challenges: managing costs, speeding up service, and keeping customers happy.
That’s where POS (Point of Sale) software steps in. Today’s POS systems are no longer just about processing card payments. They help restaurants manage reservations, track stock levels, control staff shifts, and integrate with delivery apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. In short, the right POS can make or break a restaurant.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 5 best POS software for restaurant business in the UK—from up-and-coming innovators like iBOS POS to industry leaders like Lightspeed and Toast.
Why Restaurants in the UK Need a Modern POS System
Running a restaurant has always been tough. Rising food prices, tight margins, and high competition make it even harder. Without the right system, managers waste hours on manual tasks:
- Updating menus by hand.
- Tracking stock with spreadsheets.
- Waiting for end-of-day sales reports.
With a modern POS system, you can:
- Automate stock management so you never run out of key ingredients.
- Track sales in real time, seeing which dishes sell best.
- Schedule staff shifts and control labor costs.
- Integrate with accounting tools like Xero or QuickBooks.
- Offer smoother customer experiences, whether in-house or online.
According to the UK Hospitality Tech Report (2024), 78% of restaurants that adopted modern POS systems saw reduced costs and faster service within 6 months. Clearly, investing in the right POS pays off.
Best 5 POS Software for Restaurant Business in UK
Here’s our handpicked list of the best POS solutions for restaurants across the UK, each with unique strengths.
1. iBOS POS
iBOS POS is quickly becoming a favourite for restaurants that want an affordable yet powerful solution. It’s designed with simplicity and scalability in mind—perfect for independent restaurants, pubs, and small chains across the UK.
- Key strengths:
- Easy to set up with minimal training.
- Real-time inventory management.
- Advanced sales analytics with custom dashboards.
- Standout features:
- Table and reservation management to optimise seating.
- Stock alerts to minimise waste.
- Multi-branch support for restaurant groups.
- Why it matters: Unlike older, clunky systems, iBOS POS offers modern usability with UK-friendly integrations. It supports card and contactless payments, integrates with popular accounting tools, and helps restaurant managers focus on serving customers, not paperwork.
Best for: Independent restaurants and small-to-mid chains that want a cost-effective POS without sacrificing features.
2. Square for Restaurants
Square is already known worldwide for its payment solutions, but its restaurant-focused POS is highly popular in the UK.
- Key strengths:
- No long contracts or hidden fees.
- Runs smoothly on iPads.
- Works great for pop-ups, food trucks, and takeaways.
- Standout features:
- Multi-location management for restaurant groups.
- Integration with delivery platforms like Deliveroo.
- Built-in staff and shift management.
- Why it matters: Square offers flexibility. Whether you’re a café in Camden or a burger van in Manchester, Square makes taking payments and managing menus easy.
Best for: Cafés, small restaurants, and takeaways that need a mobile-friendly, low-commitment POS.
3. Lightspeed Restaurant POS
Lightspeed is one of the biggest POS providers in Europe, with strong adoption in the UK restaurant sector.
- Key strengths:
- Advanced cloud-based reporting.
- Menu engineering to identify profitable dishes.
- Multi-location and franchise support.
- Standout features:
- Built-in CRM to track customer preferences.
- Integration with accounting tools and payment gateways.
- 24/7 UK-based customer support.
- Why it matters: Lightspeed provides enterprise-level control, making it perfect for mid-to-large sized restaurants. It helps managers compare branch performance and optimise menus across locations.
Best for: Restaurants and franchises that want detailed insights and control over multiple locations.
4. Toast POS
Originally a US-based system, Toast POS has entered the UK market with strong features designed specifically for restaurants.
- Key strengths:
- Complete all-in-one restaurant management.
- Strong kitchen integrations with KDS (Kitchen Display Systems).
- Excellent reliability—even offline.
- Standout features:
- Built-in loyalty and rewards programs.
- Contactless ordering and payment options.
- Integration with online ordering platforms.
- Why it matters: Toast is designed for busy, high-volume restaurants and pubs. Its offline mode ensures your business keeps running even if the internet drops.
Best for: Restaurants, pubs, and chains needing all-in-one functionality with advanced hardware support.
5. Epos Now
Epos Now is a UK-based POS provider with thousands of customers across the country.
- Key strengths:
- Affordable and customisable.
- Strong UK market presence and support.
- Integrates with Xero, QuickBooks, and delivery platforms.
- Standout features:
- Easy cloud reporting.
- Customer loyalty programmes.
- Works across retail and hospitality.
- Why it matters: Epos Now is trusted by thousands of UK businesses because it offers local support and reliability. It’s also versatile—working well for restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Best for: Restaurants of all sizes that want a trusted UK provider with affordable pricing.
How to Choose the Best POS for Your Restaurant
When picking a POS system, don’t just go by brand reputation. Think about your specific business needs. Ask yourself:
- Size of your restaurant: Do you run a single café or a multi-branch chain?
- Integration needs: Does the POS connect with delivery apps, accounting, or payroll?
- Ease of use: Will your staff need days of training, or can they pick it up instantly?
- Budget: Are you willing to pay higher monthly fees for advanced reporting, or do you prefer a low-cost setup?
- Support: Is 24/7 support available in the UK, or only during US hours?
FAQs About Restaurant POS in the UK
- What is the best POS system for small restaurants in the UK?
iBOS POS and Square for Restaurants are excellent choices for smaller businesses due to affordability and ease of use. - Which POS works best for large UK restaurants or chains?
Lightspeed and Toast POS are best for multi-location restaurants because of advanced analytics and franchise-level management tools. - Can a POS help reduce food waste?
Yes. Systems like iBOS POS and Lightspeed provide inventory alerts so restaurants can order smarter and cut waste. - Do UK POS systems work with Deliveroo and Uber Eats?
Most modern POS systems, including Square, Lightspeed, and Epos Now, integrate with leading delivery platforms. - How much does a restaurant POS cost in the UK?
Prices vary: entry-level systems like Square can start from £0 setup with small transaction fees, while advanced systems like Lightspeed and Toast can cost £50–£150+ per month.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best POS software for restaurant business in the UK depends on your size, goals, and budget.
- For small restaurants or cafés: iBOS POS or Square for Restaurants.
- For mid-to-large restaurants: Lightspeed Restaurant POS.
- For pubs and high-volume businesses: Toast POS.
- For those wanting a UK-based provider: Epos Now.
A great POS system doesn’t just process payments—it helps your restaurant run smoother, reduce costs, and improve customer experience. In a fast-moving UK restaurant market, investing in the right POS could be the smartest decision you make this year.
