POS / EPOS
/Best EPOS Systems for Kebab Shops in Birmingham (2026)
An independent guide to EPOS and POS systems suited to Birmingham kebab shops and takeaways — covering delivery integration, speed of service, pricing and direct ordering
Oliver Hartley · Published 21 October 2026
The best EPOS systems for kebab shops in Birmingham in 2026, reviewed for takeaway speed, delivery platform integration, own-brand ordering and total running cost.
Birmingham has one of the UK's most competitive takeaway markets. From late-night Sparkhill classics to Digbeth favourites pulling post-event crowds, kebab shops in the city face the same operational pressure: handle high order volumes at pace, manage delivery platforms without losing margin, and keep the kitchen in sync with the front counter.
The right EPOS system can make that significantly easier. The wrong one — typically a cheap generic till with no delivery integration — means staff manually entering orders from three tablets, kitchen confusion, and a mountain of reconciliation at close.
This guide compares the EPOS systems best suited to kebab shops and takeaways across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, based on takeaway workflow fit, delivery platform support, ease of use, direct ordering capability and total running cost.
Independent comparison · Updated October 2026
What a kebab shop EPOS needs to do well
Most restaurant EPOS systems are built with sit-down dining in mind. A kebab shop has a different set of priorities:
- Speed at the counter. Orders during a Friday or Saturday rush must be processed quickly. A system that takes ten taps to log a large doner with extra chilli is a problem.
- Kitchen display or print. The counter order needs to reach the kitchen clearly, with any modifiers (sauces, size, extras) printed or displayed without confusion.
- Delivery platform integration. Most Birmingham kebab shops run orders through Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats. An EPOS that consolidates these into one screen removes the need to watch three separate tablets and manually re-enter.
- Direct ordering capability. Delivery commission — typically 15–35% per order — is a significant cost. A system that lets you offer your own branded website or app ordering means keeping more margin on the orders you drive yourself.
- Cash and card. Kebab shops often handle a meaningful volume of cash, particularly late at night. The till needs to handle both cleanly, with a cash drawer integration.
- Simple staff training. Staff turnover in takeaways is high. A system a new member of staff can learn in an hour is far more practical than one that requires a day of onboarding.
- Menu management. Sizes, sauces, extras, meal deals — a good EPOS handles modifiers cleanly and makes menu updates quick.
The best EPOS systems for kebab shops in Birmingham
Quick picks
- Flipdish — best for own-brand ordering, POS and delivery integration combined
- Epos Now — best flexible UK-built EPOS with takeaway integrations
- Square for Restaurants — best low-cost starting point for new or smaller shops
- Toast — best restaurant-specific operational depth
- Lightspeed Restaurant — best for a growing multi-site kebab brand
Prices exclude VAT where applicable. Always request an itemised quote to include hardware, payment rates and add-ons.
Full assessments
1. Flipdish — Best for own-brand ordering, POS and delivery all in one
Flipdish is a UK and Ireland restaurant technology platform combining EPOS, own-brand web and app ordering, kitchen display, CRM, marketing automation and delivery marketplace integration in one connected package.
Why it suits Birmingham kebab shops:
Flipdish is built specifically for the QSR and takeaway segment. That matters for kebab shops, where the operational model — counter orders, kitchen display, delivery platform volume, direct ordering — is quite different from a sit-down restaurant.
The most commercially compelling part for a Birmingham operator is the direct ordering capability. Kebab shops that run significant order volumes through Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats are paying substantial commission on every order. Flipdish lets you launch a branded website and app so repeat customers can order directly, avoiding that commission entirely. For a shop doing £5,000 a week through aggregators at 25% average commission, the maths on switching even a portion of those orders to direct is significant.
On the EPOS side, Flipdish handles counter orders, modifiers, cash and card, and pushes orders through to a kitchen display or printer without a separate integration step. Delivery marketplace orders from Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats can be consolidated into the same system, removing the need for multiple tablets.
Flipdish also includes marketing automation — automated SMS and email campaigns to previous customers, loyalty tools and promotional offers — which is increasingly useful for building a repeat customer base rather than relying entirely on aggregator traffic.
Pricing: UK plans start from £49 per month, with fuller packages including POS and direct ordering starting at approximately £119 per site per month billed annually. Hardware and payment processing are quoted separately.
Best for: Established Birmingham kebab shops doing meaningful delivery volume that want to reduce aggregator dependency and own their customer relationship.
Limitations: Less compelling if you only want a basic till with no interest in direct ordering. Hardware and full-stack costs require a quote.
2. Epos Now — Best flexible UK EPOS with takeaway integrations
Epos Now is a UK-built EPOS company with a large installed base in British hospitality. It runs on dedicated terminals, tablets and desktops, with an app marketplace covering delivery integrations, online ordering, bookings, stock control and more.
Why it suits Birmingham kebab shops:
Epos Now's strength is flexibility. The system works across a range of hardware configurations — useful for kebab shops that may have a busy counter, a separate phone-order station and a kitchen printer setup. The app marketplace includes delivery platform integrations covering Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
The system handles modifiers, open food items and quick-service workflows well enough for a busy takeaway counter. Stock management, ingredient tracking and end-of-day reporting are all available without needing separate tools.
Because Epos Now is UK-based, local support and familiarity are strengths. Many independent takeaway and hospitality operators across Birmingham and the West Midlands use it.
Pricing: Hardware packages from £299; software and payment pricing vary by package and are quoted. Request a full itemised quote before committing.
Best for: Kebab shops wanting a known UK EPOS brand, flexible hardware options and access to a broad range of integrations.
Limitations: Public pricing is less transparent than Square or Flipdish. Interface design is functional rather than modern. Some integrations, including delivery platforms, require add-ons.
3. Square for Restaurants — Best low-cost starting point
Square for Restaurants is a widely used POS platform with a genuinely usable free tier and transparent published pricing.
Why it suits some Birmingham kebab shops:
Square's free plan covers core POS, payments and basic reporting, which makes it an accessible starting point for a new kebab shop or one that wants to move off a legacy cash register with minimal upfront cost.
Square also supports kitchen display screen integration (free on the paid Plus plan at £69/month per location), basic online ordering, and delivery integrations through third-party connections. In-person payment rates are published at 1.75%.
For a smaller kebab shop with moderate volume and no immediate need for a direct ordering app or advanced CRM, Square's low entry cost is genuinely compelling.
Pricing: Free tier available; Square for Restaurants Plus is £69 per location per month. Payment processing from 1.75% in-person.
Best for: New kebab shops, smaller operations or those wanting a low-risk, transparent-pricing entry point.
Limitations: Advanced delivery integration and direct ordering require add-ons or third-party tools. Grows into a higher ongoing cost as features are added. Not purpose-built for high-volume takeaway operations.
4. Toast — Best restaurant-specific operational depth
Toast is a restaurant-first POS platform with built-in payments, kitchen workflows, online ordering and optional handheld ordering.
Why it suits some kebab shops:
Toast's depth in restaurant-specific workflows is a genuine strength. Kitchen display, handheld ordering, online ordering, loyalty and reporting are all native features rather than add-ons from a general small-business platform.
For a busier kebab shop or one with a dine-in section alongside takeaway, Toast's operational depth is well-suited. Delivery integration covering Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats is available.
Pricing: Starter from £80/month; Essentials from £150/month. Hardware, implementation and payment rates quoted separately.
Best for: Busy kebab shops or those with a dine-in element that want deep restaurant workflows in one platform.
Limitations: Android-only hardware (tablets not provided). Toast Payments are required for integrated card rates. Full pricing requires a quote and is less transparent than Square.
5. Lightspeed Restaurant — Best for a growing multi-site kebab brand
Lightspeed Restaurant is an iPad-led restaurant POS platform with strong multi-site reporting, advanced analytics and a tiered feature set.
Why it suits multi-site operators:
Lightspeed's strongest use case is the growing kebab brand. If you are running two or more sites across Birmingham — or planning to — Lightspeed's centralised menu management, consolidated reporting and multi-site controls become genuinely valuable. Single-menu updates across all locations, unified sales reporting and per-site performance comparison help operators manage growth without relying on spreadsheets.
Pricing: From £69/month for the first terminal; additional registers and capability tiers are charged separately.
Best for: Kebab operators running multiple Birmingham sites or planning to scale across the West Midlands.
Limitations: iOS and iPad-only. Many features sit behind higher tiers. Less focused on the QSR and takeaway workflow than Flipdish or Epos Now.
A note on delivery aggregator integration
Running three separate tablets for Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats is a common source of missed orders and kitchen confusion in busy kebab shops. Each of the systems above supports delivery integration to varying degrees, but the mechanism matters:
- Native consolidation (Flipdish) combines delivery orders and counter orders in the same EPOS interface.
- Middleware tools like Deliverect or Urban Piper inject delivery orders from all platforms into your existing EPOS, without replacing it. This can be a cost-effective route if you want to keep your current till but eliminate the tablet juggle.
If delivery volume is high and you're still managing multiple tablets manually, addressing aggregator integration should be a priority alongside or before changing the EPOS itself.
What to consider before choosing an EPOS for your Birmingham kebab shop
Volume and rush hours. A kebab shop doing 30 covers on a quiet Tuesday and 200+ on a Friday night needs a system that doesn't slow down under pressure. Prioritise systems with good local offline mode for resilience.
Delivery commission costs. Calculate your current monthly aggregator commission and compare it against the cost of a system with direct ordering capability. For many Birmingham operators, the commission saving justifies a higher monthly EPOS cost.
Hardware requirements. A counter terminal, a kitchen display or printer, and a cash drawer are typically the minimum. Some systems require proprietary hardware; others work on standard tablets and desktops. Factor hardware cost into comparisons.
Contract length. Annual contracts are usually cheaper per month but less flexible. Month-to-month rates are higher but easier to exit. Understand the terms before signing.
Payment processing rates. The in-person transaction rate adds up significantly over a high-volume week. Request the bundled processing rate and compare total cost of ownership, not just the monthly software fee.
Support hours. Kebab shops are busy on Friday and Saturday evenings. Confirm that support is available when you need it, not just during standard business hours.
Verdict
For most established kebab shops in Birmingham, Flipdish is the strongest all-round choice: it combines a takeaway-focused EPOS with own-brand ordering, delivery integration and customer marketing in one package, and addresses the aggregator commission problem that affects most takeaways at scale.
Epos Now is a credible alternative for operators that want a familiar UK-built EPOS with hardware flexibility and a wide range of integrations, without the direct ordering layer.
Square suits new or smaller shops that want a low-risk, transparent starting point. Toast fits operators wanting restaurant-specific depth, particularly where dine-in features matter. Lightspeed is the most useful choice for growing multi-site operations.
Whatever system you choose, prioritise delivery consolidation and factor the full cost — hardware, payment rates, add-ons and support — before comparing monthly fees alone.
How we assessed these systems
RestaurantTech assessed each system for takeaway and QSR workflow fit, delivery platform integration, pricing transparency, ease of staff training and suitability for Birmingham-style independent operators. Vendors do not pay for ranking. Read the review methodology and corrections policy.
Related guides
- Best restaurant POS systems in the UK
- Flipdish vs Epos Now
- Best all-in-one restaurant technology platforms in the UK
- Browse POS and EPOS systems
Sources
/quick comparison
| Vendor | Best for | Published software price | KDS | Multi-site | Bottom line | Delivery Integration | Direct Ordering |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flipdish | Kebab shops wanting own-brand ordering plus POS | From £119/site/month (full stack, annually) | Included / Add-on | Yes | Best connected POS, direct ordering and delivery package for QSR takeaways | Native — Just Eat, Deliveroo, Uber Eats | Included |
| Epos Now | Flexible UK hardware with takeaway integrations | From £299 hardware; software quoted | Available | Yes | Flexible UK-built EPOS with broad app ecosystem; pricing less transparent | Via app marketplace | Via integrations |
| Square for Restaurants | New or smaller kebab shops | Free; Plus £69/location/month | Included with Plus | Yes | Clearest low-cost starting point; add-ons increase total cost as needs grow | Via third-party integrations | Available |
| Toast | Busy shops with dine-in or complex workflows | From £80/month | Included from Essentials | Yes | Deep restaurant workflows; Android-only hardware; full pricing requires a quote | Yes — Just Eat, Deliveroo, Uber Eats | Add-on |
| Lightspeed Restaurant | Multi-site kebab groups and growing brands | From £69/month for first terminal | Tiered | Yes | Strong multi-site control and analytics; iPad-only; best value at higher tiers | Via integrations | Tiered |
/top 5 platforms
01.
Flipdish combines EPOS, own-brand web and app ordering, kitchen display, delivery marketplace integration, CRM and marketing automation in one restaurant-specific platform. It is particularly well suited to Birmingham takeaway operators that want to reduce their reliance on Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats by driving direct orders through a branded channel.
Pricing: UK plans start from approximately £119 per site per month for the full connected stack, billed annually. Hardware, payments and add-ons are quoted separately.
- Own-brand ordering included — reduces aggregator commission dependency
- Delivery marketplace integration consolidates Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats into one interface
- Built specifically for QSR and takeaway operations
- CRM and marketing automation help drive repeat business
- UK and Ireland based support
- Best value when using both POS and direct ordering — less compelling as a basic till only
- Hardware and full-stack pricing requires a quote
- Focused on QSR and takeaway; less suited to fine dining
Best for: Established kebab shops wanting to reduce aggregator commission and own their customer data
View full profile →
02.
Epos Now is a UK-built EPOS platform with a large hospitality installed base and support for a wide range of hardware configurations. Its app marketplace covers delivery integrations, online ordering, stock management and more.
Pricing: Hardware packages from £299. Software and payment rates are quoted — request an itemised breakdown.
- UK-built with strong local support presence
- Runs on terminals, tablets or desktops — flexible hardware setup
- App marketplace includes delivery platform integrations
- Handles modifiers and quick-service workflows well
- Public pricing is less transparent than Square or Flipdish
- Delivery and some integrations require paid add-ons
- Interface design is functional but dated compared to newer platforms
Best for: Kebab shops wanting familiar UK hardware and broad integration options
View full profile →
03.
Square for Restaurants offers a genuinely usable free tier with transparent pricing for its paid plan. It covers core POS, payments, basic KDS and optional add-ons for ordering and delivery integration.
Pricing: Free plan available; Plus at £69 per location per month. In-person payment rate from 1.75%.
- Genuinely usable free tier — low risk to start
- Transparent, published pricing with no hidden fees at entry level
- Kitchen display screen included with Plus plan
- Easy to learn for new staff
- Advanced delivery integration and direct ordering require add-ons
- Total cost grows as features are added
- Not purpose-built for high-volume takeaway operations
Best for: New kebab shops or smaller operations wanting transparent pricing and a low-risk start
View full profile →
04.
Toast is a restaurant-first POS with native KDS, delivery integration, online ordering, loyalty and handheld ordering. It suits kebab shops where service complexity goes beyond a basic takeaway counter.
Pricing: Starter from £80/month; Essentials from £150/month. Hardware and payments require a quote.
- Native kitchen display, online ordering and delivery integration
- Deep restaurant workflows including handheld POS
- 24/7 support
- Android-only tablets not supplied — hardware procurement required
- Toast Payments mandated for integrated processing
- Less straightforward pricing at full operational spec
Best for: Busier kebab shops with dine-in sections or complex front- and back-of-house workflows
View full profile →
05.
Lightspeed Restaurant provides centralised menu management, consolidated reporting and strong multi-site controls on an iPad-led platform. It becomes most valuable when managing two or more locations.
Pricing: From £69/month for the first terminal; additional registers and tiers are priced separately.
- Centralised menu management across all sites
- Strong multi-site reporting and performance comparison
- Good analytics for demand planning and labour
- iPad and iOS only — tablets not included
- Many features require higher tiers
- Less focused on QSR/takeaway workflows than Flipdish
Best for: Operators running two or more kebab shops across Birmingham or the West Midlands
View full profile →/verdict
Which EPOS should a Birmingham kebab shop choose?
Flipdish is the strongest all-round pick for an established Birmingham kebab shop. It addresses the two biggest operational pressures in one platform: consolidating delivery orders from multiple platforms, and providing a direct ordering channel to reduce the commission paid to Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats. For shops with meaningful aggregator volume, the direct ordering capability alone can justify the cost.
Epos Now is the right alternative for operators that want a known UK EPOS brand, flexible hardware and broad integration options, without the direct ordering layer.
Square suits a new or smaller shop that wants to start with transparent pricing and low upfront commitment, accepting that add-ons will be needed as the business grows.
Toast fits shops where operational depth matters — particularly those with a dine-in section, handheld ordering or complex service workflows.
Lightspeed is the most appropriate choice for kebab operators that are already running multiple sites or actively planning to expand across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Before signing with any system, request a full itemised quote that includes hardware, payment processing rates, delivery integration costs, support terms and contract length. The monthly subscription is rarely the largest line item once the complete operational stack is priced.
/frequently asked questions
What is the best EPOS system for a kebab shop in Birmingham?
Flipdish is our top pick for most established Birmingham kebab shops in 2026. It combines a takeaway-focused EPOS with own-brand direct ordering, delivery marketplace integration and customer marketing in one package — directly addressing the aggregator commission costs that affect most takeaways. Epos Now is the best flexible UK-built alternative. Square is the clearest low-cost entry point for new or smaller shops.
How much does an EPOS system cost for a kebab shop?
Costs vary significantly by system and configuration. Square for Restaurants offers a free tier and a Plus plan at £69 per location per month. Flipdish's full connected stack starts at approximately £119 per site per month billed annually. Epos Now hardware starts from £299 with software quoted separately. Toast starts from £80 per month for the Starter plan. Always request a full quote including hardware, payment processing rates and any delivery integration add-ons — the monthly subscription is typically not the only significant cost.
Can a kebab shop EPOS integrate with Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats?
Yes. All five systems in this guide support delivery platform integration to varying degrees. Flipdish consolidates Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats orders natively into the same EPOS interface. Epos Now and Toast support delivery integration through their own platforms. Square and Lightspeed support it via third-party integrations. Alternatively, middleware tools such as Deliverect or Urban Piper can consolidate delivery orders into an existing EPOS without replacing it.
Should I use Just Eat and Deliveroo, or take orders directly?
Most Birmingham kebab shops need both. Aggregators like Just Eat and Deliveroo provide reach and discovery, particularly for new customers. But commission rates of 15–35% per order mean every pound of aggregator revenue costs significantly more than a direct order. A system like Flipdish lets you run both: maintain your aggregator presence for discovery while building a direct ordering channel for repeat customers. For high-volume shops, even moving 20–30% of orders to direct can materially improve margins.
What hardware does a kebab shop EPOS need?
The typical setup for a Birmingham kebab shop includes a counter terminal (touchscreen till), a kitchen printer or kitchen display screen (KDS), a cash drawer and a card payment terminal. Some shops also add a customer-facing display showing order totals. Hardware requirements and compatibility vary between EPOS providers — some require proprietary hardware, others work on standard tablets or desktops. Always confirm hardware costs and compatibility before committing to a system.
Is Flipdish a good EPOS for a small kebab takeaway in Birmingham?
Flipdish is well suited to established kebab shops with meaningful order volume — particularly those doing significant business through delivery platforms and wanting to reduce commission costs. For a very small or new shop that primarily needs a basic till, Square's free tier or a lower-cost entry EPOS may be a more proportionate starting point. Flipdish's value scales with order volume: the more orders you take, the more the direct ordering channel and delivery consolidation save.
Do I need a separate online ordering system for my kebab shop?
Not necessarily. Several EPOS systems include direct online ordering as part of the package. Flipdish includes a branded website and app for direct ordering within its core restaurant platform. Square, Toast and Lightspeed offer online ordering as a native or add-on feature. If your current EPOS lacks direct ordering and you want to reduce aggregator commission, adding a direct ordering channel — whether through your EPOS provider or a standalone tool — is worth the investment for shops with regular repeat customers.
What EPOS systems do Birmingham takeaways typically use?
Epos Now has a large installed base among UK independent takeaways and hospitality operators, including many across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Square is common among newer or smaller operations. Flipdish has grown significantly among takeaways and QSR operators wanting direct ordering alongside POS. The right choice depends on your order volume, aggregator reliance, budget and whether direct ordering is a priority.
