Overview
Restaurant technology has changed quickly in recent years, and 2026 is a key year for digital ordering. Self-service kiosks are no longer just an extra feature — they are becoming a basic requirement for restaurants across the UK.
From quick-service restaurants to casual dining venues, kiosks help businesses manage rising staff costs, reduce order mistakes, and meet changing customer expectations. As customers look for faster, easier, and contactless ways to order, kiosks are becoming a practical solution rather than a future idea.
Why Restaurant Kiosks Matter More Than Ever
Restaurant kiosks let customers view menus, customise their orders, and pay without waiting at the counter. In 2026, this technology is playing an important role in helping restaurants stay competitive in a tough market.
Key Reasons Kiosks Are No Longer Optional Include
- Rising labour costs: With staffing shortages and increasing wages, kiosks help restaurants serve more customers without expanding front-of-house teams.
- Faster service: Self-ordering reduces queue times during peak hours and improves table turnover.
- Higher order accuracy: Customers enter their own orders, reducing mistakes and costly remakes.
- Increased average order value: Upselling prompts and visual menus encourage customers to add extras.
- Customer preference: Many diners now expect self-service and contactless ordering as standard.
Kiosks also integrate seamlessly with modern POS systems, kitchen displays, and online ordering platforms, creating a more connected and efficient restaurant operation.
How Restaurant Kiosks Improve the Overall Experience
Beyond day-to-day operations, kiosks improve the customer experience. Customers feel more in control of their order, can take their time choosing items, and enjoy a smoother payment process.
For restaurant owners, kiosks free up staff to focus on food quality, customer service, and hospitality instead of taking orders. This balance between technology and human service is shaping the future of restaurants across the UK.
Top 5 Restaurant Kiosk Providers in the UK
1. Foodhub for Business
Foodhub for Business offers self-service kiosk solutions tailored for UK restaurants, helping businesses streamline in-store ordering while integrating with their wider ordering ecosystem.
Its focus on local market needs makes it a popular choice among independent and multi-location restaurants.
- Built specifically for UK restaurants
- Seamless integration with ordering systems
- Supports faster, contactless in-store ordering
2. SquareUp
SquareUp is a globally recognised POS provider that also offers kiosk solutions for restaurants looking to simplify ordering and payments. Its strength lies in easy setup and a familiar payment experience.
- Integrated with Square POS and payments
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Suitable for small to mid-sized restaurants
3. Grafterr
Grafterr provides digital ordering technology designed to enhance customer experience across multiple ordering channels. Its kiosk solutions help restaurants reduce queues and improve order flow.
- Omnichannel ordering support
- Customisable kiosk interfaces
- Focus on operational efficiency
4. SumUp
SumUp is widely known for its payment solutions and has expanded into kiosk and self-checkout systems for hospitality businesses. It offers a compact and accessible option for restaurants adopting self-service.
- Strong payment processing capabilities
- Compact kiosk setup
- Easy integration with existing systems
5. Flipdish
Flipdish delivers end-to-end restaurant ordering solutions, including self-service kiosks as part of a broader digital strategy. Growing restaurant brands across the UK commonly use it.
- All-in-one ordering platform
- Supports in-store and online ordering
- Designed for scalability
Final Thoughts
As the restaurant industry continues to modernise, kiosks are quickly becoming a standard part of successful operations. In 2026, restaurants that adopt self-service technology are better positioned to control costs, improve efficiency, and meet customer expectations.
For restaurants looking to future-proof their operations, solutions like Foodhub provide flexible kiosk systems designed specifically for the UK market, helping businesses stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.
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