Top 10 POS Systems in the UK for 2025: Best Picks for Restaurants, Cafés, and Takeaways

Introduction

The UK’s restaurant industry is going through a digital transformation. In 2024, 94.6% of in-store card payments under £100 were made via contactless, and by 2025, nearly one-third of hospitality venues are operating at a loss.

For café owners, takeaway operators, or multi-site restaurant chains across the UK, choosing the right POS system is more important than ever. The right platform can speed up service, reduce costs, and boost revenue, helping your business stay competitive.

What is a POS System?

A POS (Point of Sale) system is the digital backbone of any hospitality business. It helps you:

• Take orders efficiently

• Accept payments (contactless, card, wallet)

• Manage menus and stock

• Track sales and revenue

• Connect with delivery and online ordering platforms

Modern POS systems run on mobile devices or tablets, allowing restaurants to serve customers faster and smarter.

Top 10 POS Systems in the UK for 2025

1️⃣ FoodChow – Best for Small Businesses

Why it’s #1:

FoodChow is perfect for UK independents who want to start quickly and without heavy investment.

Key Features:

• Mobile-first POS & KDS

• QR menu & order/pay at table

• Direct online ordering (no third-party fees)

• Takeaway & delivery workflows

• Built-in marketing: offers, coupons, and promotions

• Works on Android/iOS tablets & phones

Best For: Cafés, takeaways, food trucks, small restaurants. Start free and upgrade as your business grows.

2️⃣ Lightspeed Restaurant

A flexible iPad-based platform ideal for multi-site venues.

Why UK Operators Love It:

• Advanced table management and reporting

• Delivery app integrations

• Loyalty programs

Watch-outs: Add-ons can increase the overall cost.

3️⃣ Square for Restaurants

Perfect for pop-ups and cafés wanting quick deployment.

Features:

• Transparent pricing per device

• KDS and self-service kiosk options

• Delivery integrations

Watch-outs: Device-based pricing can add up as you scale.

4️⃣ Toast (UK Launch – Greater London)

Popular US platform now in the UK.

Strengths:

• Full-service restaurant workflows

• Handheld devices & KDS

• Proven high-volume efficiency

Watch-outs: May involve contracts; check UK pricing.

5️⃣ Epos Now (UK-based)

Norwich-born POS with hospitality-specific features.

Why UK Operators Choose It:

• Local support and app marketplace

• Frequent hardware deals

Watch-outs: Pricing varies; verify contracts.

6️⃣ SumUp POS Pro

Affordable & simple: £49/month per till.

Ideal For: Cafés, bars, and small eateries.

Watch-outs: Limited integrations compared to advanced systems.

7️⃣ Zettle by PayPal

Transaction-based pricing, no monthly fee.

Best For: Micro-venues, market stalls, and small cafés.

Watch-outs: Less restaurant-specific functionality.

8️⃣ Clover (Fiserv) UK

All-in-one devices for counter-service & quick-service venues.

Features:

• Integrated hardware & merchant services

• Simple onboarding

Watch-outs: Check UK-specific restaurant features.

9️⃣ Revel Systems

iPad-based platform for multi-location and scaling restaurants.

Strengths:

• Inventory & recipe management

• Advanced reporting

• Multi-channel ordering

Watch-outs: Higher setup complexity & cost.

🔟 TouchBistro

Restaurant-focused POS with reservation, guest, and menu tools.

Best For: Table-service restaurants wanting polished FOH tools.

Watch-outs: Verify UK support & payment integrations.

Choosing a POS by Business Type

Why Choosing the Right POS Matters in the UK

• Fast payments are a must: Contactless usage dominates; your POS should support card, wallet, and mobile checkout.

• Costs matter: Avoid long-term contracts and opaque fees. Start small and scale as your business grows.

• Efficiency & growth: A well-chosen POS can cut queues, improve order accuracy, and increase revenue.

Ready to Get Started with FoodChow?

🔥 Lifetime POS Access for Just $89
🎁 Free Demo + Setup Support
👉 Start Now with FoodChow POS

📧 Contact: support@foodchow.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the most affordable way to start?
If you already own a smartphone or tablet, start free with FoodChow. Add printers, cash drawers, or KDS as you grow. SumUp or Zettle can supplement payments for very small setups.

Q: Which POS is best for multi-site growth?
Lightspeed and Revel excel at multi-location reporting. FoodChow also supports multi-site menus and central offers at a lighter cost.

Q: Should I go fully cashless now?
Card and wallet payments dominate in the UK. Make sure your POS supports fast contactless transactions and offline mode for reliability.