What Are the Best Pub Management Tools in 2024?

Right, let’s be honest – running a pub without proper management tools is like trying to pull a pint with a broken tap. You’ll get there eventually, but it’s going to be messy, time-consuming, and frankly, a right pain in the backside.

I’ve been in this game long enough to see landlords drowning in paperwork, losing track of staff shifts, and watching their margins disappear because they’re still doing everything the old-fashioned way. The good news? There are some brilliant tools out there that can sort you right out.

Essential Features to Look For

Before we dive into specific tools, you need to know what actually matters. Any decent pub management system should handle your core headaches:

• Staff scheduling and rota management – because trying to coordinate shifts via WhatsApp is mental
• Stock control and ordering – so you’re not constantly running out of your best-selling bitter
• Till systems and payment processing – modern customers expect card payments, contactless, the lot
• Customer relationship management – keeping track of your regulars and what they like
• Compliance and reporting – because HMRC won’t accept “I forgot” as an excuse

The key is finding something that doesn’t require a computer science degree to operate. Your bar staff need to be able to use it after a quick explanation, not a three-day training course.

Top Pub Management Tools Worth Considering

Let’s talk specifics. For comprehensive pub management, systems like Epos Now and Lightspeed offer robust till systems with inventory tracking. They’re solid choices if you’ve got the budget and need everything integrated.

For staff management specifically, tools like When I Work or Deputy can handle your rotas, time tracking, and even help with keeping your bar staff motivated. Proper scheduling reduces conflicts and keeps everyone happier.

If you’re looking for something that focuses on front of house management, SmartPubTools offers a free app that handles staff coordination, customer service tracking, and team communication – all the essentials without the hefty price tag.

For stock management, systems like Brewman or Rekorderlig help track your cellar, manage orders, and even predict what you’ll need based on historical data.

Making the Right Choice for Your Pub

Here’s the thing – the “best” tool is the one your team will actually use. I’ve seen landlords spend thousands on fancy systems that end up gathering dust because they’re too complicated.

Start with your biggest pain point. Is it staff scheduling? Stock control? Customer service? Pick one area, sort it properly, then expand from there.

Ready to get your pub running smoother? Check out what SmartPubTools can do for your front of house operations – it’s free to try and designed by people who actually understand the pub trade.