A MAJOR pub chain has rolled out a brand-new system that bosses say will slash queues.
RedCat Pub Company, which owns more than 90 venues across the UK, has just reopened its Norfolk-based pub, The Clocktower in after a £600,000 refurb.
2
2
As part of the makeover, the pub has installed easy-to-use kiosks designed to speed up service and cut down wait times.
Customers can now skip the line and head straight to one of the new digital kiosks, powered by Acrelec, to order their carvery, pay on screen, and track their order status in real-time.
The change came after punters complained about long waits during busy periods.
Now guests have three ways to order: at the kiosk, at the counter, or via the app for at-table ordering.
The Clocktower reopened on Friday June 20 with a fresh new look and a revamped Castle Carvery menu.
It now serves up slow-cooked topside beef, leg of lamb, and vegan wellingtons – all with trimmings like locally sourced veggies and crispy roasties.
There are gluten-free options too.
And it’s not just the mains getting a glow-up, there’s a dessert station packed with pick ‘n’ mix sweets, fresh donuts, cakes, and even ice cream floats.
General Manager Dena Etheridge said: “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back.
“The new menu still offers the great value we’re known for – but now with even more choice, better service, and added fun for the whole family.”
The family-friendly pub opens daily from 11.30am, with a soft-play area for kids open from 9am on weekends.
Self-checkouts were first introduced more than 10 years ago in major supermarkets and now they are available at several retailers and food outlets.
McDonald’s first introduced kiosks in 2015 and it now has more than 70,000 machines worldwide, according to Retail Technology Review.
Burger King, KFC and Leon also have similar systems in place in the majority of their restaurants.
Most recently, Subway announced the launch of new self-service kiosks, a brand-new app, along with an improved loyalty programme.
But not everyone is a fan of the new tech, with fans regularly taking to social media to moan about them, and some voicing fears that self-service kiosks could have an impact on jobs.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said: “I haven’t been in a McDonald’s in years.
“They put those kiosks in and they were infuriating to use. I have tons of other choices for food.”
One KFC fan recently wrote: “KFC’s kiosks are complete trash!”
While others prefer self-service systems, with one McDonald’s shopper writing: “I always use kiosks and self-checkout if possible.
“Combined with Apple Pay, it’s seamless, easy, and quick! I actually prefer these over anything else.”
The digital move comes as pubs across the country battle rising costs, with some landlords warning that beer prices are creeping up just to stay afloat.
New research by CAMRA shows pints of BrewDog Punk IPA have shot up from £5.64 to £6.34 since January.
Camden Hells is up too, now averaging £6.34. The average pint now costs £5.17 – up from £5.08 earlier this year.
CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “It’s frustrating for drinkers to see prices rising again – but it’s often the only way pubs can survive.”
With prices going up, venues like The Clocktower are hoping upgrades like faster service, digital convenience, and family-friendly perks will keep punters coming back for more.
