Finding the best booking system for your pub is not just about handling reservations—it’s about managing crowds, avoiding no-shows, improving guest experience, and boosting your revenue.
If you’re still taking bookings over the phone, on paper, or via Instagram messages, you’re likely:
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missing revenue
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losing time
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confusing staff
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and creating friction for your guests
Let’s break down what actually matters when choosing a pub booking system—especially if you want to run smoother nights and make more per table.
Why pubs need a real booking system in 2025
Pubs have changed. Guests want structure—but without losing the casual pub vibe. With more competition, high traffic nights, and groups reserving for events or sports nights, pubs can’t afford messy booking processes.
The right pub reservation system:
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reduces no-shows
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fills more tables
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allows you to offer extras like bottles or celebration packages
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keeps operations organized
But not every system is built for pubs.
What to look for in a booking system for pubs
1. Online reservations with table control
Your guests should be able to book online—from your website, Google, or social media. Your team should see every reservation live, with control over table assignments, timing, and party size.
UpSalt gives you a dashboard that handles all of this. No double bookings. No missed notes.
2. Seat selection
Your pub isn’t just one room—it’s sections, booths, terraces, bar stools, and more. With UpSalt’s interactive floor plan, you can let guests pick the kind of spot they want.
This builds trust, improves the experience, and spreads your traffic more evenly across the venue.
3. WhatsApp confirmations and reminders
Forget calling every guest. A proper system should handle confirmations for you—via WhatsApp or email. UpSalt sends WhatsApp reminders 24 hours before the reservation so guests can confirm or cancel with one tap. No-shows drop fast.
4. Minimum spend support
Fridays and Saturdays are prime time. Why not protect those key tables? With UpSalt, you can set a minimum spend on high-demand tables or busy time slots. Guests see it clearly when they book—no surprises.
Check out the glossary definition: What is a minimum spend?
5. Add-on services at booking
Upsell without awkwardness. Let guests pre-order bottles, birthday cakes, or celebration setups directly during booking. UpSalt’s extra services are fully customizable.
6. Walk-in and booking split
You don’t have to reserve your whole pub. With UpSalt, you can split zones between walk-in and reserved tables. Perfect balance.
Bonus: analytics, branding, and guest history
Choose a system that tracks your:
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busiest times
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most popular tables
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returning guests
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services that sell the most
UpSalt offers detailed guest history and performance reports—so you can improve week after week.
Conclusion: not all booking systems are made for pubs
You don’t need a corporate restaurant system. You need something made for pubs—flexible, fast, and built for high-traffic, high-energy service.
Book a demo and discover why UpSalt is becoming the go-to reservation system for pubs, bars, and hospitality venues in 2025.