Henry’s Café Bar goes mobile
By Retail Technology | Friday February 7 2014
Flagship Covent Garden venue offers at-seat ordering and payment via QikServe app as firm seeks to engage and build loyalty with consumers
Managed pub and bar group TCG has announced that it is partnering with mobile technology company, QikServe, to deliver the operator’s mobile engagement strategy.
The company's flagship Covent Garden hotspot, Henry’s Café Bar, is the first of TCG's 66-strong UK bar and pub chain to offer customers the option to order and pay for food and drinks through their smartphone via the QikServe self-service ordering system.
When customers arrive at Henry’s, they can now use the QikServe app on their iOS or Android smartphone to scan a quick response [QR] code on their table, which offers a menu of food and drinks. Upon selection of their order, customers select a payment option such as secure card payment or PayPal and the order is transmitted to the bar where it is fulfilled as normal.
Increasing customer service efficiency
Ben Levick, TCG director of operations, said: “We’re delighted to be using mobile technology to offer our customers a new way to order food and drink at one of our flagship sites. Like a number of our most popular pubs and bars, Henry’s Covent Garden becomes incredibly busy at key trading times and even with our crack bar team, queues are inevitable.
“Ordering and paying by mobile phone gives customers the option to remain at their table all night, rather than leave their friends to replenish drinks. We’re sure it’s going to be popular, making service more efficient and leaving bartenders and waiters free to focus on the customer experience that is so important in Henry’s Café Bars.”
The QikServe App can be customised by Henry’s to adapt to menu changes, specials and any other products or services it might to offer customers. And the app connects to the QikServe platform over the internet using a mobile data connection.
Henry’s is using the QikServe system alongside its Micros electronic point-of-sale (EPoS) system. The two IT companies are also collaborating to deliver integrated mobile products for the hospitality sector.
