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Picture this: You’re running a bustling restaurant off a busy street in Manchester or tucked in a charming corner of Brighton’s pier. Dozens of diners walk in throughout the day, each with a specific hunger—both for cuisine and for efficient, hassle-free service. You’ve carefully crafted the perfect menu and fine-tuned your front-of-house operations—but how you handle payment can be just as vital in delivering memorable dining experiences.
In the UK, contactless card payments and QR-code-based solutions are two popular ways patrons settle their bills. They share a common goal: to provide you and your customers with a frictionless transaction. But which option appeals most to British diners? And if you’re an independent owner or a multi-site operator, which approach should you adopt to keep those positive Google reviews flowing?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of both systems, review some fresh data on British customer habits, and discuss how to decide which fits your establishment best. Let’s dig in.
Before we jump into preferences, let’s clarify the two main payment methods we’re examining:
Now that we’ve set out the menu of options, let’s unwrap how British diners really feel about each and why the choice matters so much for your daily operations.
The UK has long been a leader in contactless card adoption. According to UK Finance, the tapping culture surged in the aftermath of 2020, when hygiene became a key consumer concern. By 2022, nearly nine in ten UK adults were making contactless payments for everyday purchases. Quick taps not only speed up the payment experience but also offer a sense of familiarity to those who might be less tech-inclined or wary of scanning codes.
Why do so many diners prefer tapping a card machine? Here are a few reasons:
Still, no approach can claim absolute perfection. Naked bank cards can be lost or stolen, increasing potential fraud risk. And waiting for the card machine to be brought to the table can be slow if you’re understaffed or extra busy. That’s where QR codes come in.
QR codes might not be brand new, but they’ve become a game-changer for many UK businesses since 2020, marking a shift in how we approach public health, convenience, and digital engagement. Restaurants that pivoted to online menus, takeaway options, and contact-free ordering started deploying QR codes for nearly every step of the diner journey—from reading the menu to paying the bill.
Here are several perks of QR-code-based payments that resonate with British diners:
On the flip side, some diners prefer the “tap” they know, and not everyone wants to take their phone out at the table. However, in an era where mobile payments are rising sharply, QR code solutions in the UK are becoming less of a novelty and more of a standard expectation.
Anecdotally, you might see some older clientele in Surrey or the Lake District still leaning towards contactless cards—but the trend among younger crowds in London, Manchester, and beyond is shifting to flexible ways of paying. According to data from Statista, smartphone-based transactions are on the rise, with a growing share of customers claiming they’d prefer to pay with their phones if the system were more widely accepted.
But it’s not purely about age. Location, setting, and the type of establishment matter, too. At fine dining spots, customers might appreciate a more traditional approach, supplemented by personal interaction and assistance from the waiting staff. Fast-casual and high-volume restaurants, on the other hand, benefit greatly from QR’s streamlined process.
Diners care about how quickly they can sit, eat, and go—especially if they’re on a lunch break or tight schedule. Long queues can scare off potential walk-ins, and tables that linger over a delayed bill can limit the number of covers per day. Contactless cards are arguably the easiest payment method for many, but if your venue is packed and staff are scarce, bringing a card machine to each table can slow your turnover.
QR code payments shine for efficiency because guests handle the final step themselves. No more tracking down a staff member or waiting in line near the till. Diners often describe this as “empowering”—they can pay the moment they decide they’re finished without being dependent on staff availability.
One reason contactless card payments gained popularity is the minimal contact factor. Tapping a card machine is certainly more hygienic than handling coins or pressing the same keypad as dozens of other customers. Yet scanning a QR code is even more hands-off: diners can simply use their own device. Enhanced sanitation has become a selling point for many businesses, particularly during and after heightened health concerns.
Some customers have voiced worries about card machines not always being cleaned between uses. With QR codes, there’s zero shared hardware—just a printed or displayed code. From a safety and equipment-maintenance perspective, fewer surfaces to clean is always an advantage.
Diners in Britain are often somewhat reserved about tipping, especially compared to places like the United States. Still, tipping remains a meaningful source of income for many front-of-house teams. When restaurants rely on contactless card machines, the tipping step is typically just a prompt or function at the point of payment—sometimes awkward if the staff member is standing right there.
By contrast, QR code payments can incorporate tipping in a more discreet way. After scanning, the guest can choose a tip percentage or amount without feeling monitored. This subtle approach can encourage higher tip rates without the pressure of having someone watch them press a button on a card machine. In short, for many restaurants, QR code solutions can help ensure staff get recognised.
Payment is the final step of a diner’s physical journey with you, but it’s often where digital reputations are made or broken. Positive Google reviews can make or break a restaurant’s online visibility and credibility among potential guests. While contactless card payment doesn’t naturally include a feedback capture, some card reading devices offer an optional email or text receipt that might link to a review page. However, this isn’t always user-friendly.
With a QR code system, it’s much simpler to direct satisfied diners straight from the payment page to a Google review prompt or your social media. The process can be seamless: they scan, pay, leave a tip, and proceed to a quick review link. Offering a smooth funnel from the point of payment to an online testimonial can significantly boost your digital presence. Solutions like sunday even build this path directly into checkout, capitalising on the moment diners feel the most content—right after a satisfying meal.
Let’s take a moment to look at an example from a fictional neighbourhood bistro, “Fresh & Bloom” in Leeds. This small but vibrant eatery once relied solely on traditional card machines. Customers tapped to pay, and the staff occasionally had to remind them to leave a review. But the team noticed two issues:
After switching to a QR code payment method, Fresh & Bloom noticed immediate improvements:
While some regulars still ask for the card machine—and Fresh & Bloom does keep it on hand—most orders now run through the QR code system. As the manager put it, “We turned the last step of the dining experience into part of our hospitality rather than an afterthought.”
One question we regularly hear is: “Do I have to choose just one payment method?” The simple answer is no. Having both options fosters inclusivity and caters to a broader range of customers. Providing diners with more than one way to pay shows flexibility, which can be vital for good hospitality.
Imagine you have a party of four at your gastropub. One guest is happily scanning the QR code via smartphone, another wants to tap their card, a third might prefer a physical receipt and cash (old habits die hard!), and the last is requesting an emailed receipt. Being ready for all these scenarios means you won’t turn away any customer—regardless of their tech preferences. The ultimate goal is a friction-free experience that ensures customers leave content and come back for more.
For each payment method, consider the following balance:
| Factor | Contactless Card Payment | QR Code Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Speed (for diner) | Fast in quiet periods; might slow if you have to bring the machine to multiple tables | Independently completed by diner on their own smartphone |
| Security | Protected by bank-level encryption, but possible risk if card is lost or stolen | SSL-encrypted payments; safely handled by secure payment platforms |
| Customer Familiarity | Extremely high, established as the “default” for most Brits | Rapidly growing acceptance, especially among tech-savvy demographics |
| Additional Features | Limited beyond quick payment; tips are possible but can be overlooked | Easily integrates tipping, reviews, loyalty, and marketing flows |
| Hygiene | Low contact, though multiple diners handle the same machine | Virtually zero shared contact |
In practice, both methods are quite secure and widely accepted. The table above should help you weigh the trade-offs and see where each solution excels.
Looking forward, many experts believe that it won’t be a question of “one or the other.” Hybrid solutions that merge contactless card payments with the digital convenience of QR codes could well shape the future of dining. Not only does this approach reduce staff workload, but it lets greater numbers of diners pay at their own pace, leaving the team free to offer top-notch service instead of running around with devices.
Meanwhile, broader smartphone adoption across all age groups in the UK is another catalyst for QR codes. As soon as scanning a table code becomes second nature—just like tapping a bank card—many patrons will take advantage of the richer features that come with it. It’s not just about paying: it’s about the opportunity to leave feedback, access rewards, and enjoy that final bit of hospitality your restaurant can provide.
In many restaurants, introducing a new payment experience can feel daunting. That’s where a platform like sunday offers value: providing a trusted QR-code-based payment solution that is fast, user-friendly, and simple to integrate into everyday operations. With added features like automated tip suggestions, integrated review prompts, and the ability to handle splits easily, these systems empower restaurants to transform the payment step from an administrative detail into a moment of delight. By sparing staff from chasing payments and letting them focus on genuine hospitality, your entire dining experience gets a lift.
While it’s important to give customers the flexibility to use their familiar contactless cards, a solution like sunday can open the door to deeper engagement—something that matters greatly if your goal is to build an excited base of regulars and amplify your digital presence.
Ultimately, no single approach will solve every restaurant’s needs. In a cosy pub, your local customers might be happy to tap a contactless card if they’ve been ordering the same Sunday roast for years. In a vibrant bar or beach café, scanning a QR code might feel second nature for the majority of your clientele. By examining your specific footfall, your business goals, and your level of staff availability, you can decide if it’s best to maintain contactless card machines, go fully QR-based, or adopt a hybrid model.
Whichever route you choose, remember that payment is one of the final tastes you leave in your guests’ mouths—metaphorically speaking. Making it comfortable, quick, and friction-free isn’t just a minor logistical tweak. It’s a huge part of delivering fantastic hospitality. British diners expect efficiency, honesty, and a welcoming vibe. Nailing those elements at payment time can earn you loyal customers for the long haul.
Generally, yes. Most modern smartphones have built-in cameras and can read QR codes natively. In some cases, customers may need a free QR scanning app if their phone’s camera app doesn’t have a built-in QR reader. But devices produced in the last several years tend to handle QR codes out of the box.
Transaction fees vary based on the payment provider or platform you choose. Contactless credit and debit card transactions typically come with a merchant service fee set by the bank or acquirer. QR code payment solutions charge processing fees as well, but these can be competitive. It’s important to compare provider rates and weigh them against the value each service adds, such as built-in tipping prompts and automatic review links.
Offering QR code payments doesn’t mean you must abandon contactless cards altogether. You can do both. Start by placing clear instructions next to the QR code displayed on tables or receipts, and encourage staff to mention it after each meal. Present it as an “additional option” for those who like to expedite checkout or leave a quick review.
That’s where having multiple payment methods comes in handy. If someone can’t scan the QR code due to a dead battery, your staff should be ready with a card machine or manual card entry system at the till. The best payment environment is one that accommodates all possibilities so you never lose a sale or frustrate a customer.
Yes. QR code systems are typically paired with secure payment gateways that encrypt customer data. The link generated by the QR code directs individuals to an HTTPS-enabled site, ensuring the same level of security as online banking. Just make sure you work with reputable providers and keep all software updated.
It depends on each individual’s comfort with technology. While many older diners find tapping a card simpler, offering QR code payments in tandem with your standard contactless solution can gradually help them get used to the system. Your staff can assist them if needed, and you may find some older patrons adopt the smartphone scan more quickly than expected.
Yes, that’s one of the biggest advantages of QR code payments. You can direct patrons straight to your preferred review channel. Since they’re already on their phones, they’re more likely to leave feedback about their experience right away, which is invaluable for boosting your restaurant’s online visibility.
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