Customers today expect pubs and bars to deliver more than drinks and darts—they want seamless experiences powered by smart tech. The gap between outdated, cash-only venues and modern establishments with robust point-of-sale systems, mobile ordering, and entertainment features is widening fast. If you're hunting for a bar or pub to visit regularly, or comparing options for a night out, knowing what technology matters can save you frustration and money.
Point-of-Sale Systems That Actually Work
A modern pub's backbone is its POS system. Look for venues using platforms like Toast, Square, or Lightspeed—these handle payments, inventory, and staff management in real time. The best systems process card and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) in under 10 seconds, which means shorter waits during peak hours.
When you visit, pay attention to speed at the bar. If staff are fumbling with terminals or taking forever to ring up orders, the POS is either outdated or poorly configured. A well-functioning system should also track what's on draft and bottles in inventory, meaning fewer "we're out of that" moments when you order your usual.
Expect the better establishments to offer tap-to-pay and contactless options as standard—this isn't a luxury anymore, it's baseline.
Mobile Ordering and Digital Menus
Forward-thinking pubs now let you order from your phone and skip the bar queue entirely. Apps or QR-code-based menus (common platforms: Toast, Plate IQ, or custom builds) reduce confusion and speed up service. Some venues charge a small platform fee (typically 2–3%), while others absorb it.
A digital menu does more than list drinks. It should show:
- Real-time pricing and happy hour specials
- Drink descriptions and ABV percentages
- Food pairings or ingredient notes
- Nutritional or allergen information
If a pub's menu is only on a laminated card or chalkboard with no digital backup, they're not optimized for modern service. Digital menus update instantly when items run out, preventing disappointment.
Entertainment and Engagement Tech
Modern pubs compete on atmosphere and engagement. Look for venues with:
- HD projection and streaming: Quality screens for sports, live music, or gaming—at least 1080p, ideally 4K for main viewing areas
- Gaming: darts, pool, or arcade: Electronic scoring systems (rather than manual tracking) for competitive leagues
- Karaoke or live DJ equipment: Venues with proper microphones, speakers, and backup audio systems feel more polished than those using laptop speakers
- WiFi: Free, strong WiFi (minimum 50 Mbps download) is now expected, not optional
Budget venues might invest $2,000–$5,000 in basic gaming setups; premium pubs spend $15,000+ on multi-screen entertainment systems.
Loyalty and Payment Flexibility
Check if a pub offers a loyalty program—traditional punch cards or digital apps that track visits and offer discounts. Digital loyalty platforms integrate with POS and let you earn points on every purchase, redeemable for drinks or food.
A modern pub should accept multiple payment methods: cash, all major cards, mobile wallets, and ideally buy-now-pay-later options like Klarna or Afterpay (especially for group outings). If a venue is cash-only or card-only, it's not meeting current customer expectations.
Inventory and Batch Tracking
Behind the scenes, tech-forward pubs track inventory by the pour or bottle. This prevents over-ordering, reduces waste, and ensures consistency in drink quality. If you notice a pub's cocktails taste different week to week, poor batch tracking or inventory management is often the culprit.
Better establishments use integrated systems that flag when stock is low and automatically suggest reorders, keeping your favorite drinks always available.
Finding the Right Venue
When comparing bars and pubs, ask yourself: Can I order online? Do they have live entertainment? Is their menu digital and accessible? Checking a venue's website, social media, or calling ahead to ask about their tech stack takes five minutes and reveals whether they're serious about customer experience.
If you're looking to browse and compare pubs with solid tech offerings in your area, Mercoly helps you find and compare trusted bars and pubs in one place, making it easier to spot which venues are truly modern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the minimum speed I should expect from a pub's payment system? A: Card or mobile payments should process in under 10 seconds during normal service. If it's consistently slower, the POS is either outdated or misconfigured—worth flagging to staff or choosing another venue.
Q: Do I need to download an app to order at a modern pub? A: No—QR-code-based menus and ordering work in your phone's browser without an app. Apps are convenient for loyalty tracking, but shouldn't be required just to place an order.
Q: How can I tell if a pub's entertainment tech is quality? A: Check the screen resolution (HD minimum), test their WiFi speed, and watch a sports broadcast or gaming session to see if the picture is clear and lag-free.
Use these criteria to find a pub that respects your time and money—and supports the venues genuinely investing in better experiences.