5 Best Online Ordering Systems for Takeaway & Delivery In The UK

Ordering systems for takeaway and delivery enable hospitality businesses to receive and manage orders, as well as process payments digitally through dedicated apps or websites. This multifunctional tool also coordinates with delivery personnel and customers, handling all necessary fee transactions during payment processing.

Post-pandemic, these tools have become more crucial than ever, as they can help companies navigate economic challenges. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose the ideal one for your business.

To help you identify which system best aligns with your business requirements, we’ll guide you through the best online ordering systems for takeaway and delivery UK.

1. Square

Square sells cloud-based POS software tailored specifically for hospitality businesses. The software is cost-effective and user-friendly and comes equipped with multiple tools and features, including an ordering management option.

Companies that use Square will be able to track each takeaway order and monitor the delivery process by accessing the POS’ order management feature.

The POS software can be used via Square’s mobile app and is compatible with iPads, Apple and Android smartphones, and Square’s hardware devices.

The POS software has a user-friendly interface, and it offers seamless integration with card readers, barcode scanners, and digital printers. Restaurants and other hospitality businesses will be able to efficiently track and monitor daily transactions via their Android or Apple smartphones.

Square POS Features

Square’s POS software contains the following features:

Fast transaction processing: The software’s processing time is no longer than 24 hours, and the procedure is safe as the software complies with PCI.
Multiple payment options: Customers can pay with all major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, AMEX, digital wallets (Android and Apple), and chip & pin payments.
High security: Since the software complies with PCI regulations, it can detect malware and fraud as soon as it happens.
Customer support: Technical and customer support is included in all subscription plans and it’s available every day during the year, even on holidays.
Takeaway and delivery add-ons: The software can be synced with third-party integrations, including Deliverect.
Kitchen management tool: This feature allows the kitchen staff to process and keep track of orders in real time through the POS.
Daily sales reports: POS users will get daily sales reports at the end of each workday.
Staff management: Restaurant managers can create personalised profiles for each employee and keep track of their work schedule, free days, sick leave, etc.
Web-based: The cloud-based dashboard can be used only with an internet connection, but it saves payment data in offline mode and goes through automatic software updates when it’s back online.

Third-Party Integrations

Square’s software can be synced with plenty of integrations for accounting, eCommerce, delivery, and more:

QuickBooks
Xero
Linktree
Wix
Local Line
Easyship
GoDaddy
WooCommerce
Ecwid
Noterro
Trunk
Thrive Inventory

One of the takeaway and delivery third-party integrations supported by Square is Deliverect. Once you install this add-on and sync it with the POS software, you can automatically receive takeaway orders created through mobile apps such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or JustEat.

By accessing Deliverect, you can track all takeaway and delivery orders. This add-on will be available for all orders, regardless of the mobile app customers use to place them.

Compatible POS Hardware

In addition to being compatible with iPads, Square’s POS can be installed on the following devices owned by the company:

Pros

Square is one of the most affordable POS solutions available in the UK market. While the software is free, businesses must buy specific Square devices or use iPad tablets. Square’s app can only be downloaded on iPad tablets or devices created by the company.
The POS software can be synced with multiple integrations for accounting, finance management, eCommerce, delivery and takeaway, etc.
Since it’s one of the most cost-effective and user-friendly software solutions, it’s ideal for small restaurants that want to offer takeaway orders for their customers.

Cons

The software doesn’t offer plenty of features for front-desk or kitchen management.
Although restaurants can manage takeaway and delivery, they cannot manually add any reservations or bookings. They will have to sync an external integration like TapMango to add reservations.
The POS is free but compatible only with iPads or Square’s hardware.

Prices and Fees

The transaction rates are different for each payment type. Here’s a brief overview of the fixed rates and prices per transaction:

For credit and debit cards, such as Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club, Maestro, AMEX, and others, businesses pay a fixed rate of 2.6% and 10 cents.
For orders made through an eCommerce website, Square Online Checkout, or digital invoice payments, the rate is 2.9% and 30 cents.
If the customer’s card information is entered manually, the fixed rate is 3.5% and 15 cents.

2. EPOS Now

EPOS Now is a web-based POS for retail and hospitality businesses with a pre-installed feature for takeaway and delivery. Unlike Square, this POS can be used on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones powered by Apple, Windows, or Android.

Unlike many other POS software providers, EPOS Now has a customisable POS designed for fast food restaurants with a takeaway and delivery option.

But given that their POS software for other hospitality businesses supports the delivery of third-party integrations, any type of restaurant can use one of EPOS Now’s POS solutions.

POS Features

EPOS Now’s POS software has a wide range of tools and features, such as:

In-depth daily data reports on sales, staff performance, and product metrics
Stock and kitchen operations management tool
Streamlined delivery tool
Third-party integrations, including takeaway and delivery add-ons
Customer management
Detailed insights on real-time sales and payment transactions
24/7 customer support

Takeaway POS Software

EPOS Now sells tailor-made POS software designed for fast-food restaurants looking for quick and efficient takeaway and delivery tools and features. This solution has an automated staff and inventory management tool, streamlines web-based services quickly, and saves online order and delivery options.

Third-Party Integrations

This POS solution is compatible with a variety of third-party integrations:

Accounting and finances: Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks
Delivery and takeaway: Hopt and Deliveroo
Web design and hosting: Wix
Hospitality: Me&U and simpleERB
Scheduling and alerts: Appointedd
Payment processing: Slip, Worldpay, Retail Merchant Services, and Connect by PaymentSense

With EPOS Now, the transactions are processed automatically and then synchronised with the sales data and analytics of the business’ bank accounts. The accounts can be linked to third-party integrations such as Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks.

Compatible POS Hardware

EPOS Now sells various POS hardware devices, such as:

Kitchen displays
Device for barcode scanning
Card payment machines
EPOS package solutions for various hospitality businesses
Android tablet and iPad POS packages
EPOS package solution tailored explicitly for takeaway and delivery

The awarded EPOS package for takeaway and delivery is created with one main purpose in mind – to help hospitality businesses streamline and automate their daily orders and improve their delivery process. The bundle consists of:

Two HD touchscreens, one for employees (15.6’’) and one for customers (10.1’’)
A pre-installed thermal printer for order receipts (80 mm)
A pre-installed POS software
A portable metal drawer for cash
POS software and hardware installation and free employee training

Here are two other POS packages that can be a great alternative to the takeaway and delivery bundle for hospitality businesses.

The first POS bundle for hospitality businesses contains the following tools and features:

POS payment terminal with two touchscreens – one for employees and one for customers 15.6″
A pre-built printer
Pre-installed POS software
Portable metal cash drawer
Free training and software installation by EPOS Now’s technical team

The second option is the iPad bundle, which consists of the following:

iPad tablet (10.2”), 9th generation
Pre-installed POS software
iPad rotating stand
One card reader
POS 80 GX thermal printer

Pros

Hospitality businesses don’t need to download an additional app to use EPOS Now, given that the software can be opened from any browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla, etc.). However, an internet connection is necessary to use it.
The digital menu can be easily adjusted and modified at any time. For example, restaurants can add discounts, customise it for specific days or hours, etc.
Epos Now’s system allows businesses to remotely access sales data, analytics, and reports wherever they are. They can also monitor the status of online orders.
EPOS NOW’s software includes a feature to pinpoint top-selling and low-selling items. By accessing this data, businesses can develop better promotion strategies and adjust their prices more carefully.
Businesses don’t need to pay extra for the essential hardware devices since they’re included in the POS package. Devices such as Touch Screen EPOS terminal, cash drawer, and printer are included in the price.
The software is designed to help businesses monitor inventory accurately in real-time from any location. This will undoubtedly simplify managing purchase orders and maintaining stock levels.

Cons

According to customer reviews, the POS software is not regularly updated and sometimes creates an error while downloading the sales reports.
Restaurants must pay an additional subscription to receive advanced customer and technical support. Without paying extra, you won’t receive advanced support from EPOS Now.

Prices and Fees

At the moment of writing, you can buy the POS bundle for hospitality businesses or the takeaway POS package for the affordable price of £325 and the bundle for iPad devices for a slightly higher price of £349, excluding the extra VAT expenses. To use any of them, you’ll also have to pay £54 for a monthly subscription.

The fixed fee per transaction made by credit or debit card or digital wallet is 1.75%, making it one of the most affordable options for hospitality businesses in the UK.

If you’re interested in buying EPOS Now software or hardware, you can purchase the kit at EPOS Now’s online shop. Once you do that, you can subscribe to the monthly plan, and you’re ready to use the POS tools and features.

In addition to the kits, you can also order some devices and accessories separately. There’s also an option to get a one-month free trial, but you’ll have to contact the sales department for more information.

3. Lightspeed

Lightspeed offers one of the best online ordering systems for takeaway and delivery for small hospitality businesses. They can provide restaurants, food kiosks, coffee bars, and all kinds of hospitality businesses looking for takeaway and delivery management tools with budget-friendly, cloud-based, customisable POS software.

The company’s software is used in over 150,000 venues in approximately 100 countries. This POS is the number one choice of so many hospitality businesses due to its user-friendly interface and accessibility on various types of Android and Apple hardware devices.

POS Features

Add-ons: The POS software can be synced with third-party integrations for accounting, such as Quickbooks, Sage, and Xero. It also supports integrations for takeaway and delivery, such as Deliverect.
Synced delivery apps: Restaurants can get takeaway orders from DoorDash, Skip The Dishes, and UberEats on the POS takeaway and delivery management feature.
Cloud-based: Web-based software that works with wireless, 3G, or 4G internet connection. It can also save data during offline mode and update it automatically once the internet connection is on again.
Support and training: Employee training and 24/7 technical support are included in the price.
Regular updates: Automatically updated customer data and insights. Businesses can create as many customer profiles as they want to and analyse each customer’s spending habits.
DailyDigest news: Businesses will get DailyDigest’s newsletter daily updates. That way, they can track customer data, identify the most popular beverages and dishes, and find out the precise times and days when customers order more or less menu items.
Reservations: The software has a tool for table bookings where businesses can manually add new reservations daily.
Multiple payment options: Various payment options are available, such as debit and credit cards, digital wallets (Apple and Android), chip & pin payments, invoices, etc.
PCI-compliant: The software is outfitted with PCI-compliant security measures to prevent unauthorised security breaches. Sensitive data related to payment and personal customer information always stays protected according to industry-standard security protocols.
Email reminders and alerts: Businesses can set up email alerts to stay on the safe side and get notified immediately when a customer data error or one of the third-party integrations is not working correctly or needs to be updated.

Compatible POS Hardware

Lightspeed sells hardware devices for hospitality businesses of all sizes, and all of them can be synced with the POS software, including the integrations for takeaway and delivery. The company sells two POS bundles for restaurants. Businesses can also buy specific hardware separately from the packages.

1. Desktop POS bundle

This POS bundle consists only of three basic devices:

A metal cash drawer that is lightweight so it can easily be placed in different locations
USB EPSON digital printer for receipts
Bluetooth scanning devices

2. iPad POS bundle

The iPad bundle can only be used by hospitality businesses that already use iPad tablets to conduct their day-to-day work operations. It’s slightly bigger than the Desktop POS package as it contains more hardware:

Printer, including paper rolls for printing receipts
A portable, metal cash drawer
Bluetooth barcode scanner
iPad tablet stand

Extra Hardware Devices

Hospitality businesses that do not require an entire POS package but are looking only for a specific device can buy the following hardware:

Portable metal cash drawers
EPSON digital printer for receipts
Portable and lightwave payment device
Zebra printer for labels
WisePOS E or WisePad 3 payment devices
Tablet stands designed only for iPads
Bluetooth-based barcode scanning device
USB-based barcode scanning device

Pros

Businesses can add and modify takeaway menus and add item descriptions and images. There’s an optional feature to add the topping and cooking ingredients to each dish.
Lightspeed POS software can be synced with various integrations, including takeaway and delivery add-ons. Restaurants can access all orders placed on multiple mobile apps from the POS dashboard.
Although the POS is cloud-based, it can save data even when there’s no internet and update automatically after the connection is back.
Regular POS updates and 24/7 customer support via telephone. There’s an option to chat in real-time with a Lightspeed representative from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Sunday.

Cons

Although the POS software is not expensive, the fixed credit and debit card payment fees are. They can go up to 2.6% plus 20p for each transaction.
The software is user-friendly, but most businesses need assistance to install it and training to learn how to use all its tools and features. Luckily, the training is included in the POS price.

Prices and Fees

There are four subscription plans available monthly, and all of them cater to the needs of restaurants that offer takeaway and delivery options. The pricing is listed in USD on the website, so we’ve converted these prices into British pounds to provide an approximate cost in local currency for easier reference.

Starter: £54 monthly
Essential: £149 monthly
Premium: £399 monthly
Enterprise: This package is tailor-made, so businesses must request a personalised subscription rate

Lightspeed has pretty high fees per transaction compared to some of the other POS providers on this list. It costs 2.6% and an additional 20p for each debit and credit card or digital wallet transaction.

There’s a note on Lightspeed’s website saying that the final prices and fees can be different than the ones provided on the website. The POS solutions can be customised to fit any business, ultimately leading to different pricing.

There are no hardware prices available on the website. Businesses that would like to buy Lightspeed’s separate devices or POS bundles can contact the company through their website to get a tailor-made price.

If you’d like to test out the POS software before making your final decision, you can send a request to receive a two-week free trial.

4. Flipdish

Unlike most POS software and hardware providers, Flipdish’s is an ordering software tailored to fit hospitality businesses’ takeaway and delivery needs. The POS software was founded in 2015, and its very up-to-date software can be integrated with various third-party integrations.

Flipdish is an ideal option for small companies that offer online or food-kiosk takeaway services and are looking for straightforward customer service with a user-friendly interface. It is designed to be compatible with various operating systems, making it a versatile option for diverse business needs.

Since it’s a cloud-based solution, it seamlessly works across multiple platforms, including Windows, Android, and Mac desktop computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets. The software offers branded ordering apps and websites tailored for small hospitality businesses.

POS Software Features

Customer support: The platform received positive reviews from users for its reliability and its professional customer support, available 24/7 throughout the entire year.
Intuitive design: Flipdish’s software has a very user-friendly interface design, so employees won’t need to spend much time learning how to navigate. This simplifies the management process and day-to-day tasks and activities.
In-depth daily reports: Flipdish users receive detailed analytical reports daily. These reports consist of in-depth business data on sales, customers, popular menu items, etc.
Cost-tracking feature: The platform has a feature that automatically tracks the costs of each product.
Staff management: Businesses can create and adjust staff scheduling, payroll, holidays, vacation, sick and free days, etc.
Accounting integrations: Financial accounts can be handled and streamlined with the help of third-party add-ons, such as Xero or Sage.
Kitchen display system: The software has a customisable kitchen display system that businesses can adapt and set up in the language of their staff’s preference.
Inventory and stock analysis: The inventory and stock management feature lets businesses keep track of their stock and monitor food safety standards.
Online ordering: The software is ideal for chain restaurants that provide online ordering options. Business managers will have complete control over menu offerings across all locations.
Delivery monitoring: There’s an option to install a third-party integration for real-time tracking of delivery driver locations.

In addition to the POS software, Flipdish can be used solely as an ordering software platform with a pre-installed third-party POS solution.

Third-Party Integrations

Flipdish’s software supports several third-party integrations that hospitality businesses can choose to include in their tailor-made POS software for the following purposes:

QR barcode scanning
Order and delivery management
Phone call redirecting
Delivery services via bike or car
Delivery Monitoring
POS software solutions

Here’s a list of several third-party integrations you can include in the POS software:

Otter
Deliverect
ItsaCheckmate
Ordatic
Rushhour
Bistrohub
Zapier
Omnivore

Compatible Hardware

Pros

Flipdish enables businesses to create a branded app or website, and it offers a variety of templates. These templates are customised to improve the online ordering experience and help customers navigate as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The software is compatible with a wide range of backend operations and POS systems, making it an excellent choice for hospitality businesses that want to integrate online ordering into their current POS setup. Flipdish works with POS systems like Lightspeed, Oracle MICROS, and Square.
Businesses can choose if they want to purchase Flipdish’s hardware, such as the Flipdish POS terminal.
The software creates detailed reports on customers and sales revenue daily. The reports contain infographics and in-depth analysis of sales trends in different hours, days of the week, etc.

Cons

The terminal payment application for Android-based devices cannot accept ticket printouts.
The rates and fees are not fixed and grow higher, parallel to your business’s daily sales.

Prices and Fees

Flipdish’s prices and fees are available in EUR on the main website, but we’ve converted them into British pounds. Here are the approximate prices of the subscription plans offered by the company:

Website: £42
Website & Mobile App: £68
Self-Service Kiosk: £51

There’s a fixed rate for processing debit and credit card payments. The fee is 2.5% plus an additional 50p per transaction.

In addition to the three subscription options, businesses can apply for customised pricing by filling out an application on Lightdish’s website.

5. Fusion POS

Fusion POS is a UK-based online takeaway and ordering software founded in 2017. The cloud-based solution has an intuitive, minimal interface design with many tools and features. Fusion POS is an ideal option for hospitality businesses of all types and sizes, especially large-sized restaurants, food kiosks, and fast food chains.

Businesses don’t need to pay any commission fees or rates to use this software, and the installation is free of charge, too.

POS Features

Bookings and reservations management: Hospitality businesses can access the booking management feature anytime they want to check their pre-scheduled bookings or manually add a new one. This tool automatically creates monthly, weekly, or daily reports on all the reservations created online or by phone.
Coupon gift code: This optional feature can help restaurants expand their customer base and increase their business’ popularity. With coupon gift codes, customers can place online orders and get promotional discounts.
Tailor-made website: Fusion POS includes a customisable website in their POS subscription plan. This website is specifically designed for online orders, takeaway, and delivery features.
iOS and Android mobile app: In addition to the website, the POS bundle includes a mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. Restaurants can brand and customise the app to fit the design style of their online ordering platform.
Payment management: Businesses can manage transactions through the POS software and access data reports on each transaction daily.
Bill splitting: Customers can split the bill if they pay in person. There’s also an option to pay in cash, by card, or by digital wallet for online orders.
Delivery software: The POS contains software for delivery tracking and management. There’s also a delivery mobile app that Fusion POS specifically created for delivery drivers, where they can access maps of their customers’ destinations.

Pros

Fusion POS provides businesses with POS software, a customisable website for placing online orders with extensive takeaway and delivery features, and an Android and iOS mobile app. Most companies only offer software and hardware solutions, but Fusion POS can provide the whole online ordering package.
Businesses will get a delivery mobile app included in the subscription plan. This app is highly beneficial for drivers who need to deliver takeaway orders since they’ll always have access to their customers’ locations.

Cons

Fusion’s main disadvantage is that the subscription plans are pretty expensive. Their POS is the highest-priced out of all software solutions on this list. Therefore, many small or mid-sized businesses can’t afford it, even though it has plenty of excellent tools and features to help them elevate their business to the next level.
Unlike other POS providers on this list, Fusion POS doesn’t sell hardware. There’s very limited information on multiple printers, but it is uncertain if they’re available for sale or not. Also, there’s no further information on the device types and third-party integrations compatible with the POS software.

Prices and Fees

Fusion POS offers three weekly subscription plans:

Basic: £19.99
Standard: £29.99
Premium: £39.99

With any of these plans, businesses don’t need to pay any commission fees or rates for online orders to use Fusion POS software. The installation and staff training is free of charge, too. However, the customer and technical support after the initial installation is included only in the standard and premium plans.

Businesses that want a free demo version of the software can send an application via Fusion POS’s main website. For detailed information on the demo and the subscription plans, you can also call the company at 02030263355 or email them at sales@fusionpos.co.uk.

Popular Takeaway and Delivery Apps in the UK

Nowadays, most people place takeaway orders through online websites and mobile apps, which explains the abundance of ordering apps available in the UK market.

Here are some of the most popular delivery apps that operate throughout all UK cities and towns:

Tasty: This app is specifically for healthy dishes with high nutritional value. It has been downloaded more than 10 million times on Google Play and received over 175.000 reviews.
Deliveroo: Founded in 2013, Deliveroo is an international app that’s used in more than ten countries worldwide. So far, more than 170,000 restaurants and food kiosks have partnered up with this app. The thing that makes Deliveroo one of a kind is that it uses a sophisticated algorithm that helps drivers discover the fastest routes to their customers.
Uber Eats: Similar to Deliveroo, Uber Eats is an international takeaway and delivery app used by restaurants in 29 countries. The app was founded in 2015 and has become one of the most successful food apps, with approximately 25% of the yearly market share in 2023.
One Delivery: Launched in 2013, One Delivery is another UK-based takeaway and delivery app used in more than 65 cities and more than 90 locations throughout the UK. The app is partnered with major fast-food franchises, such as Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s.
Foodhub: This app is available in the UK, Australia, Ireland, Canada, the US, and New Zealand. So far, it has processed more than 60 million deliveries and has over 30.000 restaurant partners worldwide. The app is used in more than 100 cities and towns throughout the UK, making it one of the most popular options on this list.

Summary

As you can see, all the POS software and hardware on this list provide excellent takeaway and delivery solutions. However, you should settle for the one that offers the best tools and features for your business needs.

If you’re a small business owner, you can go for a budget-friendly option like Square or EPOS Now, since both of these POS have plenty of features and offer affordable rates per transaction.

And if you’d like to save money on the hardware and use the devices you already have, you can opt for POS software that doesn’t require to be installed on specific hardware. Fusion POS would be an ideal option for hospitality businesses that already own hardware but would like to develop a mobile app or online ordering website.