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Picture this scenario: a busy restaurant in the heart of London on a Friday night. A group of friends arrives, eager to enjoy food, conversation, and an escape from the week’s stress. Instead of waiting for printed menus (or hunting a server down for a copy), they scan a small black-and-white square at the table with their smartphones. Suddenly, an entire menu plus photos, descriptions, allergy details, promotions, and even a quick payment option appear on their screens—no fuss, no paper, no waiting.
As restaurant owners, you already know about the popularity of contactless payments and how your customers are always looking for convenience. But here’s a twist you might not have fully considered: guests increasingly prefer ordering via QR code—even if they don’t openly say so. In fact, they may arrive at your doorstep expecting the full digital experience but never explicitly ask for it. That’s what we’re diving into: the reasons behind this silent preference, backed by insights from the field, a dash of stats, and real-world examples.
QR codes (short for Quick Response codes) have been around since the 1990s, but they truly gained momentum only in the past several years. Various factors triggered this, from the global push for contactless transactions to the near-ubiquitous smartphone in nearly every guest’s pocket. According to eMarketer, 86% of UK smartphone users have scanned a QR code at least once in the past year. That’s an enormous pool of potential diners who are already familiar with how QR codes work.
Moreover, a 2022 KPMG survey found that 62% of UK consumers say they frequently use contactless payment methods. While that stat isn’t specifically about QR codes, it underscores a broader willingness to leverage technology for quick, frictionless transactions. This openness to tech translates naturally into the use of digital menus, digital ordering, and integrated tipping solutions.
There’s a bit of a contradiction in the air: plenty of restaurant-goers still appreciate tradition—lining up to take a seat, receiving a physical menu, chatting with a server—but at the same time, they want convenience above all. Even if they don’t explicitly request it, most tend to reach for their phone the moment they arrive, whether to chat with friends, check messages, or explore your online presence. This means scanning a QR code and placing orders digitally can feel almost second nature.
Why might they hesitate to admit they prefer it? Because many diners still enjoy the classic, human aspect of dining out. Admitting that technology makes the meal easier doesn’t necessarily align with the romanticised view of a restaurant experience. But when we look at what diners actually do—how they navigate the meal and how they pay—QR code ordering speaks directly to their modern expectations:
While QR code usage was on an upward trend already, the pandemic acted as a major catalyst. Overnight, contactless experiences in retail and dining went from a pleasant extra to a public-health necessity. Many restaurants that were previously on the fence about digitising their on-site operations decided to jump in headfirst. QR codes, with their ability to facilitate no-touch menus and payments, proved an easy and cost-effective solution.
We’re now seeing that what started as a temporary change has turned into a permanent fixture. Diners accustomed to scanning a code to view the menu quickly adapt, and many of them come to expect that level of convenience everywhere they go. It’s akin to discovering a new ingredient in your kitchen that streamlines your signature dish—you won’t go back to the old way if the new approach consistently yields better results.
If guests secretly prefer QR code ordering, how can you, as a restaurant owner, confidently offer it and reap the benefits? Here’s a peek at the advantages:
One common concern we hear from restaurant owners is this: “Aren’t customers getting overwhelmed with too many apps and systems?” Indeed, there’s a risk that guests might open a digital menu and struggle with clunky design or forced app downloads. The key is to implement a user-friendly QR code solution that’s intuitive from the first second.
Instead of pushing guests to download an app, consider a platform (like sunday) that instantly brings up the menu in their mobile browser. It’s a smoother, more universal experience. And if customers can easily pay, split bills, and even leave Google reviews at the end, all the better. Minimising steps encourages them to adopt the technology happily, never feeling they’re jumping through hoops just to order a burger.
Let’s talk about something that often goes overlooked: the internal resistance from servers and management teams. Some staff worry that technology will overshadow the personal touch they’ve spent years cultivating. However, most actually find that digital ordering frees them from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on customer service at a deeper level:
Restaurants that successfully embrace QR code ordering often discover that staff job satisfaction goes up, as they can focus more on the parts of the job that matter most—delighting guests.
I recall a stressful lunch service in a bustling modern bistro where about half the tables were new visitors. The biggest complaint: slow order-taking. Management decided to test a QR code ordering option for one week, on about ten tables, keeping the traditional approach in place for the rest. At the end of that week, they asked the part of the dining room that had used QR codes about their experience. Here’s what happened:
Did every single guest rave about the QR code? Not necessarily, but the numbers spoke volumes. When given a breezy, user-friendly way to look at the menu and settle the bill, diners not only used it; they spent more and tipped more. That’s the benefit of tapping into guests’ underlying preference, even if they don’t come in waving a banner that says they want digital ordering.
A vital metric for any restaurant is how many seatings you can accommodate in a given shift without compromising quality. QR code ordering can have a direct impact on table turnover. With guests able to browse, order, and pay at their convenience—no waiting for the server to notice they need the bill—tables can free up more quickly, especially during busy lunch periods when diners appreciate a fast in-and-out experience.
Many UK restaurants are noticing an uptick in midday clientele, especially those who pop in for a quick bite between meetings. By speeding up ordering and payment, you can seat more guests over the lunch hour and boost your revenue in a tight time window.
QR codes aren’t just about ordering. They can also integrate tipping prompts right on your guest’s smartphone, gently encouraging them to leave a gratuity, especially when service was friendly and smooth. Because it’s a softer, digital nudge, it often leads to higher tips than if the server simply drops off a receipt and a pen.
Additionally, some QR code-powered platforms allow guests to post Google reviews directly after they pay. If your restaurant prides itself on top-notch service and memorable dishes, you can funnel that positive feeling into valuable online feedback. Having an immediate review prompt significantly raises the odds of a guest leaving feedback while their impressions are freshest (and likely most complimentary).
Loyalty also layers nicely into QR code experiences. Instead of rummaging around for a physical loyalty card, your guest sees a prompt to join your digital loyalty programme. With a few taps, they’re in, potentially set up for automated re-marketing offers, birthday specials, and other incentives. All of this happens right there at the table, capturing customers’ attention in the moment.
You might be used to hearing about the “TPE” in a French-speaking context, but in the UK, it’s more common to say “card machine,” “payment terminal,” or “POS terminal.” Whichever term you prefer, the key is ensuring that your diners recognise it as the tool they need to settle their bill if they’re not paying via QR code. However, with QR code solutions integrated into your point-of-sale system, the entire payment process becomes seamless, and the “card machine” becomes more of a backup option rather than the main route.
Remember, the name of the game is minimising friction. The more direct the ordering and payment experience, the happier the diner. And the happier the diner, the more loyal they are likely to become.
Implementing QR code ordering doesn’t have to be an epic project. But it does require a few strategic steps:
If your platform supports custom branding, take advantage of it. Ensure the digital interface reflects your restaurant’s vibe so diners don’t feel they’ve strayed into a generic ordering app.
It’s a valid question, but one that might be framed incorrectly. The goal isn’t to replace the memorable, personal aspects of hospitality. It’s to remove the repetitive or mundane steps that don’t add value to the guest experience. Think of it like removing small bones from a fish fillet before you serve it. You’re preserving the delicate texture and taste, but you’re eliminating the unpleasant bits that might cause friction or slow enjoyment.
Your best servers remain key players, informed ambassadors who make dish recommendations, share specials, and engage with guests. QR code ordering is simply their efficient ally, handling the tasks that eat up time and energy. So no, it won’t replace personal interaction; it optimises it.
Another significant question that might arise is about the cost of adopting QR code ordering solutions. Basic QR code menus can be inexpensive or even free, but if you want integrated, real-time order management, payment solutions, and analytics, there will be monthly or transactional fees.
Nonetheless, consider the number of printing cycles you won’t need, the potential for higher average spend, and the reduction in staff workload. When the system is implemented correctly, most restaurant owners find they quickly recoup their investment and even see a net gain in revenue.
Plus, your restaurant’s brand image might get a boost. Many diners, especially younger demographics, see modern digital ordering methods as a marker of a forward-thinking, customer-oriented business. That intangible factor might lead to more repeat visits or positive word-of-mouth than you could have achieved with strictly traditional methods.
By introducing efficient technology, you’re offering diners a choice: keep the personal service elements they love while removing time-consuming steps nobody really enjoys. Guests want to hear about your specials. They want to know which dish pairs best with the wine on your list. They appreciate a warm smile and a friendly chat about the local produce you use. But when it comes to reordering a round of drinks, checking the availability of a dessert, or splitting the bill among four credit cards, a digital approach can save time for everyone involved.
This blend of personal and digital is ultimately the sweet spot. It’s like modern fusion cuisine: you combine the best of tradition with fresh, innovative techniques. And in doing so, you create an experience that stands out.
If you’re worried that some of your guests might not feel comfortable with a smartphone-based system, there are creative ways to gently encourage them to give it a try:
In truth, most guests are more capable with phone-based transactions than we assume. Because they’re not always fond of openly acknowledging how reliant they are on technology, that preference often remains unspoken.
Ordering technology is evolving rapidly. Beyond QR codes, we’re already witnessing the rise of self-serve kiosks in fast-casual eateries, AI-driven menu recommendations, and even augmented reality experiences where diners can visualise how a dish might look on their table. But QR codes remain one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to bring the digital shift into your establishment without overhauling your entire operational structure.
What’s more, the convenience factor for guests is unmatched. If restaurant owners focus on building a frictionless, user-friendly approach—free of forced downloads or complicated steps—it can dramatically improve guest satisfaction, boost revenue, and enhance staff efficiency. Everybody wins, even if your guests don’t shout from the rooftops about how they prefer it. But rest assured, their behaviour speaks volumes.
In most cases, no. Modern smartphone cameras can scan QR codes directly in the native camera app. Once they hover over the code, a prompt appears, and the guest can view your digital menu in their browser.
It’s always wise to have a backup, such as a small number of printed menus on hand for those who prefer paper or don’t have a smartphone. However, you’ll find that most guests are open to trying the QR code method when it’s clearly displayed and easy to use.
Not at all. It’s meant to complement your existing staff by removing repetitive tasks (taking orders, handling checks). Your team can then focus on adding personal touches, recommending specials, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Many platforms offer straightforward integrations. You’ll want to choose a provider that supports UK-specific payment methods and seamlessly ties into your POS. That way, orders flow directly to the kitchen, and payments register without extra manual input.
Yes, many do. The insights can help you see which dishes are most popular, what time of day certain items sell best, and how many items are abandoned before checkout. With that data, you can adjust your menu, pricing, or promotions accordingly.
Technology in hospitality is here to stay, and QR code ordering is one of the least intrusive, most beneficial ways to merge tradition with innovation. It preserves the heart of hospitality—great food, attentive service, memorable experiences—while trimming the hassle and wait times that can frustrate diners.
Even if they don’t always voice it outright, your guests appreciate the simplicity and control of scanning a code, exploring the menu, and making quick decisions. By embracing QR code ordering, you can strengthen your restaurant’s image, boost staff morale, and watch tables fill up faster and turn over more smoothly. And that might just become your secret ingredient for thriving in a rapidly evolving dining scene.
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Our mobile ordering solution allows your customers to order and pay whenever they are ready with an integrated QR code.
