How Pubs Can Use QR Menus to Boost Sales
Pubs are social hubs where people come to relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy good drinks and food. Technology should enhance that experience, not disrupt it.
When implemented thoughtfully, QR menus can actually increase the social atmosphere of your pub while boosting sales significantly. Here is how to make digital menus work for your pub.
The Pub Opportunity
Pubs have unique advantages when it comes to digital menus:
| Pub Reality | Digital Menu Opportunity | |-------------|-------------------------| | Customers stay for multiple rounds | Upsell on each round | | Changing tap selection | Real-time beer availability | | Bar congestion during peaks | Order from table | | Food is often an afterthought | Visual food promotion | | Regulars want to explore | Showcase new arrivals |
Let us explore each opportunity in detail.
Reducing Bar Congestion
One of the biggest friction points in busy pubs is the crowd at the bar. Customers standing three deep, trying to get the bartender's attention, leads to frustration and lost sales.
How QR menus help:
1. Table ordering
Customers scan the QR code at their table and see the full drinks and food menu. Even if they still need to order at the bar, they know exactly what they want when they get there.
2. Pre-selection while waiting
During peak times, customers in the queue can browse the menu on their phones. When they reach the bar, they order immediately instead of standing there deciding.
3. Food ordering from table
Many pubs now allow food orders to be placed directly from the table via QR. This reduces bar congestion significantly since food orders take longer to communicate.
Implementation tip:
Place QR codes on every table with clear messaging:
Scan to see what is on tap and our full food menu. Order at the bar or let us know your table number.
Managing Your Tap List
If you run a pub with rotating craft beers, keeping your tap list current is a constant challenge.
The paper menu problem:
- ★Print new tap lists daily or weekly
- ★Waste when beers kick unexpectedly
- ★Customers disappointed when their choice is unavailable
- ★Staff fielding constant questions about availability
The digital solution:
Update your tap list in real-time with MenuGo:
- ★Beer kicks at 7pm
- ★Manager marks it unavailable in 30 seconds on their phone
- ★All customers see updated tap list immediately
- ★No disappointed customers, no reprinting
Advanced tap list features:
Create rich beer descriptions that would never fit on a paper list:
| Beer Information | Include | |------------------|---------| | Brewery | Always | | Style | Always | | ABV | Always | | Tasting notes | Recommended | | Food pairings | Helpful | | Origin story | Optional | | Remaining quantity | Optional |
Example entry:
Cloudwater DIPA
Brewery: Cloudwater, Manchester Style: Double IPA ABV: 8 percent
Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit explosion with mango, pineapple, and a resinous pine finish. Hazy and juicy.
Pairs Well With: Spicy wings, strong cheese, or on its own as an adventure.
Upselling Food with Visuals
In many pubs, food is an afterthought for customers who came primarily to drink. This is a missed opportunity.
The psychology:
When someone sees a beautiful photo of loaded nachos or crispy chicken wings, their appetite is triggered. What started as just drinks becomes drinks plus food.
Where to place food visuals:
- ★Prominent position on the QR menu home screen
- ★Pop-up suggestions when browsing drinks
- ★Pairing suggestions with specific beers
- ★Featured specials section
Food upselling tactics:
| Tactic | Example | |--------|---------| | Pairing suggestion | Enjoying our IPA? Our spicy wings are the perfect match. | | Visual prominence | Large hero image of most popular dish | | Limited time | Friday Fish and Chips special - today only | | Portion options | Sharing platter serves 2 to 4 - great for groups |
Impact measurement:
Track food order percentage before and after QR menu implementation. Many pubs see 15 to 25 percent increase in food orders.
Related: Do Customers Actually Like QR Menus? shows that photos increase order rates significantly.
Live Updates for Events and Specials
Pubs thrive on events: quiz nights, live music, sports screenings, themed evenings. Your digital menu can promote these in real-time.
Event promotion through QR menu:
- ★Banner at top of menu announcing tonight's event
- ★Special drinks menu for themed nights
- ★Event-specific food offerings
- ★Countdown to upcoming events
Special pricing:
| Event | Digital Menu Action | |-------|---------------------| | Happy hour starts | Prices automatically switch | | Match day | Promote beer buckets and platters | | Quiz night | Feature team sharing deals | | Live music | Suggest cocktails and premium drinks |
Example happy hour implementation:
At 5pm, your digital menu automatically:
- ★Highlights Happy Hour at the top
- ★Shows discounted prices on selected drinks
- ★Features sharing platters
- ★Displays countdown to happy hour end
No manual changes needed. Set it once and it runs automatically.
The Pub-Friendly Design
Your digital menu design should match pub atmosphere:
Color considerations:
| Pub Style | Recommended Colors | |-----------|-------------------| | Traditional pub | Warm browns, deep reds, gold accents | | Craft beer bar | Modern black and white with accent colors | | Sports pub | Bold team colors, energetic design | | Gastro pub | Sophisticated neutrals, elegant typography |
Typography:
- ★Readable in low light
- ★Not too formal
- ★Larger sizes for easy reading after a few pints
Atmosphere alignment:
Your digital menu should feel like an extension of your pub, not a jarring tech intrusion. Choose designs that complement your physical space.
Related: 15 Creative QR Code Menu Design Ideas
Strategic QR Code Placement
Where you place QR codes matters in a pub environment:
High-impact locations:
| Location | Purpose | |----------|---------| | Every table | Primary access point | | Bar counter | For standing customers | | Beer garden tables | Outdoor service | | Near toilets | Catch returning customers | | Entry area | Menu preview before sitting |
Pub-specific considerations:
- ★Protect from spills with lamination or acrylic stands
- ★Ensure visibility in dim lighting
- ★Position away from direct sunlight (causes glare)
- ★Clean regularly (sticky tables affect scanning)
Messaging that works in pubs:
- ★Scan to see what is on tap
- ★View our full menu here
- ★Check out today's specials
- ★See our beer list with tasting notes
Staff Integration
Your bar staff can amplify QR menu effectiveness:
What staff should say:
The menu is on that QR code if you want to see photos and read about our beers. Or I am happy to tell you what is good today.
Staff benefits:
- ★Fewer repeated questions about what is on tap
- ★More time for meaningful customer interactions
- ★Easier upselling with visual support
- ★Less frustration during busy periods
Training points:
- ★Know how to help customers scan
- ★Understand what information is on the digital menu
- ★Use the menu as a sales tool not a replacement
- ★Maintain hospitality first approach
Measuring Pub QR Menu Success
Track these metrics:
| Metric | How to Measure | Good Result | |--------|----------------|-------------| | Food attachment rate | Food orders divided by total tabs | Increase of 15 percent plus | | Average spend per visit | Total revenue divided by customers | Higher with photos | | Bar congestion | Visual observation at peak times | Reduced queuing | | Tap list updates | Times updated per week | Regular updates mean fresh content | | Customer feedback | Direct comments | Positive mentions |
Common Pub QR Menu Mistakes
1. Ignoring the atmosphere
A clinical white menu looks wrong in a cozy traditional pub. Match your digital presence to your physical one.
2. Forgetting outdoor areas
Beer gardens need QR codes too. Customers may not want to go inside to check the menu.
3. Not updating tap lists
If your digital tap list is out of date, you have made things worse not better. Commit to real-time updates.
4. Over-complicated ordering
For most pubs, QR menus should inform and inspire. Actual ordering at the bar maintains the social ritual.
5. Poor lighting placement
QR codes in the darkest corner of the pub will not get scanned. Test visibility.
Related: 7 QR Menu Mistakes That Drive Customers Away
Case Study: Craft Beer Pub Success
A craft beer pub in London with 20 rotating taps implemented MenuGo:
Before:
- ★Chalkboard tap list often out of date
- ★Staff answering same questions repeatedly
- ★Food orders were 15 percent of revenue
- ★Customers frustrated when choices unavailable
After 3 months:
- ★Tap list updated within minutes of changes
- ★Rich beer descriptions drove exploration
- ★Food orders increased to 28 percent of revenue
- ★Customer satisfaction improved noticeably
Key success factors:
- ★Commitment to real-time tap updates
- ★High-quality food photography
- ★Staff trained to complement not compete with digital menu
- ★Design matched pub aesthetic
Conclusion
QR menus in pubs should enhance the social experience, not diminish it. When implemented thoughtfully:
- ★Customers explore more beers and order more food
- ★Bar congestion reduces during peak times
- ★Staff spend more time on hospitality
- ★Your tap list is always current
- ★Special events get proper promotion
The key is treating the digital menu as a tool that supports your pub atmosphere rather than replacing traditional hospitality.
Get Started with MenuGo
MenuGo is perfect for pubs:
- ★Real-time tap list updates
- ★Beautiful beer descriptions and photos
- ★Food upselling features
- ★Event and special promotion
- ★Pub-appropriate design themes
- ★Free tier available
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