Fitting out a café or restaurant in London comes with a long list of decisions, and technology often gets left until the last fortnight. That is when it becomes expensive and stressful. This checklist walks through the systems most hospitality venues need, the sensible order to install them, and the package prices we quote, all inc. VAT.
Start with the network
Everything else depends on it. Card terminals, EPOS tablets, online ordering and CCTV all need a stable connection, and a single consumer router rarely copes once customers are also on guest Wi-Fi. Our Pro Network package is £549 and covers a properly planned business network. If cabling is needed to the till point, kitchen printer or back office, the Office 10-Point cabling bundle is £849, or a single Cat6 point is £129. Running cable before the walls are finished is far cheaper than retrofitting afterwards. See our data networking service for more detail.
Choose an EPOS that fits how you serve
A takeaway counter and a table-service restaurant need different things. For a café focused on quick service, Ai Protech's Cafe Lite is £1,299 inc. VAT: a splash-proof touch terminal, a fast thermal printer, simple menu management and staff timekeeping, usually installed in one visit. For a restaurant that serves at tables, Restaurant Plus is £2,499 inc. VAT: a pro terminal with a kitchen printer, a handheld waiter pad, table and tab management, QR order-at-table and ingredient-level stock. Before you commit, ask three questions: can staff learn it in one shift, does it still take payments if the internet drops, and who do you call when it fails on a busy Saturday? Both packages are on our EPOS systems page. We cover costs in more depth in our EPOS cost guide.
Menu boards and signage
Digital menu boards let you change prices and specials without reprinting. Our Essential digital signage package starts at £1,299, with Pro at £2,999 for larger or multi-screen layouts. Plan the screen positions early so power and data are in the right place. Our digital signage service page explains what is involved. If you are mounting screens, our TV wall mounting starts at £149 for a Basic Install, with Standard at £229 and Premium at £349 for the more demanding walls. Details are on our TV wall mounting page.
CCTV: protect the till and the door
Cameras deter theft, settle disputes and help with insurance questions. Our Retail Essential CCTV package is £1,399 and suits a single-room venue; larger sites may need Business Pro at £3,199. Place cameras to cover the entrance, the till and any storage area, and think about signage so customers know recording is in use. Our CCTV and security page has the options.
Alarm and access
When the venue is closed, stock and equipment are exposed. A Small Shop intruder alarm is £999. If staff need controlled access to a back office or stockroom, Office Entry is £1,199.
Smart touches that save money
Smart thermostat control and energy monitoring can help you spot equipment left running overnight. Energy Insight is £299 and Smart Thermostat Setup is £179 (you supply the thermostat, we fit and configure it). Both are on our energy management service page. Our smart home and automation service also covers lighting scenes for the dining area.
A sensible order of work
- Survey the premises (our Commercial Survey & Spec is £199).
- Agree cabling and power positions before decoration.
- Install network, then EPOS and signage.
- Fit CCTV and the alarm.
- Test everything under real trading conditions before opening day.
Keep it running
Hospitality equipment works hard. Our CarePlan Business maintenance plan is £649 a year and gives you a regular check of your systems rather than a call-out after something breaks.
Get a quote
Every venue is different, so these prices are a starting point rather than a final figure. Tell us about your premises and opening date and we will give you a clear written quote. Request a quote and we will take it from there.