Quick Overview
- 1#1: Redcat Pub Partner - Comprehensive pub management platform with integrated EPOS, accounting, stock control, cellar management, and CRM features.
- 2#2: Hansoft - EPOS and back-office software tailored for pubs, offering robust accounting, inventory tracking, and sales reporting.
- 3#3: Tevalis - Cloud-based hospitality solution providing POS, payments, accounting, and analytics specifically for pubs and bars.
- 4#4: Merlin EPOS - Pub-focused EPOS system with built-in accounting, stock management, and multi-site reporting capabilities.
- 5#5: Birkmyre EPOS - Reliable EPOS and accounting software designed for public houses, featuring inventory control and financial reporting.
- 6#6: QuickBooks Online - Cloud accounting software with inventory tracking, invoicing, and POS integrations ideal for small pubs.
- 7#7: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting platform supporting pub sales, expenses, inventory, and VAT compliance.
- 8#8: Sage Business Cloud Accounting - Scalable accounting solution with payroll, VAT returns, and reporting tailored for UK hospitality businesses.
- 9#9: Lightspeed Restaurant - POS and management system with accounting features, inventory, and analytics for pubs and bars.
- 10#10: Toast - All-in-one POS platform with integrated accounting, payments, and reporting for bars and restaurants.
We evaluated tools based on key factors including integrated features (EPOS, stock management, reporting), user experience, reliability, and tailored value, ensuring each entry meets the unique needs of pubs and bars.
Comparison Table
Managing finances in a public house demands tailored solutions, and this comparison table outlines key tools like Redcat Pub Partner, Hansoft, Tevalis, Merlin EPOS, and Birkmyre EPOS to simplify operational tracking. Readers will discover critical features, usability, and cost structures to find the ideal software for their establishment’s specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redcat Pub Partner Comprehensive pub management platform with integrated EPOS, accounting, stock control, cellar management, and CRM features. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Hansoft EPOS and back-office software tailored for pubs, offering robust accounting, inventory tracking, and sales reporting. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Tevalis Cloud-based hospitality solution providing POS, payments, accounting, and analytics specifically for pubs and bars. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Merlin EPOS Pub-focused EPOS system with built-in accounting, stock management, and multi-site reporting capabilities. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Birkmyre EPOS Reliable EPOS and accounting software designed for public houses, featuring inventory control and financial reporting. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | QuickBooks Online Cloud accounting software with inventory tracking, invoicing, and POS integrations ideal for small pubs. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting platform supporting pub sales, expenses, inventory, and VAT compliance. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Sage Business Cloud Accounting Scalable accounting solution with payroll, VAT returns, and reporting tailored for UK hospitality businesses. | enterprise | 7.3/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Lightspeed Restaurant POS and management system with accounting features, inventory, and analytics for pubs and bars. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Toast All-in-one POS platform with integrated accounting, payments, and reporting for bars and restaurants. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive pub management platform with integrated EPOS, accounting, stock control, cellar management, and CRM features.
EPOS and back-office software tailored for pubs, offering robust accounting, inventory tracking, and sales reporting.
Cloud-based hospitality solution providing POS, payments, accounting, and analytics specifically for pubs and bars.
Pub-focused EPOS system with built-in accounting, stock management, and multi-site reporting capabilities.
Reliable EPOS and accounting software designed for public houses, featuring inventory control and financial reporting.
Cloud accounting software with inventory tracking, invoicing, and POS integrations ideal for small pubs.
User-friendly cloud accounting platform supporting pub sales, expenses, inventory, and VAT compliance.
Scalable accounting solution with payroll, VAT returns, and reporting tailored for UK hospitality businesses.
POS and management system with accounting features, inventory, and analytics for pubs and bars.
All-in-one POS platform with integrated accounting, payments, and reporting for bars and restaurants.
Redcat Pub Partner
specializedComprehensive pub management platform with integrated EPOS, accounting, stock control, cellar management, and CRM features.
Advanced wet stock management with automated yield calculations, dip readings, and waste alerts tailored exclusively for pubs
Redcat Pub Partner is a comprehensive EPOS and back-office software solution designed specifically for UK public houses, integrating point-of-sale, inventory management, staff rostering, and accounting functionalities. It excels in wet stock control, real-time sales reporting, and profitability analysis tailored to the pub trade, helping operators manage cellars, tills, and finances seamlessly. With integrations to Sage and Xero, it streamlines compliance, VAT reporting, and multi-site operations for efficient pub management.
Pros
- Pub-specific wet stock and cellar management with precise yield tracking
- Seamless EPOS integration and real-time multi-site reporting
- Strong integrations with Sage, Xero, and UK compliance tools
Cons
- Custom pricing can be higher for smaller independents
- Initial setup and training require investment
- Primarily optimized for UK market with limited global features
Best For
UK pub owners and multi-site operators needing an all-in-one, industry-tailored EPOS and accounting system for wet trade optimization.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on sites, tills, and users; typically £50-£200+ per month per site with hardware options extra.
Hansoft
specializedEPOS and back-office software tailored for pubs, offering robust accounting, inventory tracking, and sales reporting.
Advanced wet stock reconciliation that automatically tracks pours, wastage, and line cleaning for precise inventory accuracy
Hansoft is a UK-focused EPOS and accounting software tailored for public houses, providing comprehensive tools for sales tracking, inventory management, and financial reporting. It excels in wet and dry stock control, recipe costing, VAT handling, and seamless integration with Sage for full accounting needs. Designed for pubs of all sizes, it offers real-time insights into bar and kitchen performance, helping operators optimize profitability and comply with hospitality regulations.
Pros
- Specialized pub features like cellar management and yield tracking
- Strong Sage integration for seamless accounting
- Robust multi-site support with real-time reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Hardware costs add to overall expense
- Customer support can be slower for smaller users
Best For
Mid-sized pub chains and independent public houses needing integrated EPOS, stock control, and UK-compliant accounting.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at £99/month per site for software, plus one-time hardware setup from £1,000 and optional add-ons.
Tevalis
specializedCloud-based hospitality solution providing POS, payments, accounting, and analytics specifically for pubs and bars.
Infinity Back Office integration, which automatically syncs EPOS sales data into full double-entry accounting in real-time
Tevalis is a cloud-based EPOS and accounting platform tailored for pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering integrated financial management tools like sales and purchase ledgers, nominal ledger, VAT returns, and stock control. It seamlessly connects point-of-sale transactions with back-office accounting for real-time insights and compliance. Designed for the UK hospitality sector, it supports multi-site operations and automates reporting to streamline pub accounting workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive hospitality-specific accounting with EPOS integration
- Real-time stock and financial reporting
- Strong VAT and HMRC compliance tools
Cons
- UK-focused features may limit international appeal
- Initial setup and training required for full utilization
- Pricing can escalate with additional sites or advanced modules
Best For
UK pub and bar operators needing an integrated EPOS-accounting solution for multi-site management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at £60-£150 per month per site, scaling with tills, users, and features; custom quotes available.
Merlin EPOS
specializedPub-focused EPOS system with built-in accounting, stock management, and multi-site reporting capabilities.
Automatic ledger posting to Sage/Xero, eliminating manual reconciliations and ensuring real-time financial accuracy.
Merlin EPOS is a cloud-based Electronic Point of Sale system designed specifically for public houses, offering comprehensive accounting features like real-time sales tracking, inventory valuation, and profit margin analysis. It integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software such as Sage 50, Xero, and QuickBooks, automating data reconciliation and reducing manual entry errors. The platform also includes tools for recipe costing, wastage monitoring, and purchase order generation, helping pub owners maintain tight financial control. Overall, it transforms POS data into actionable financial insights for hospitality businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks for automated accounting
- Real-time reporting on sales, stock, and profitability
- Advanced inventory tools including wastage tracking and auto-reordering
Cons
- Initial setup can be complex for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing scales up quickly for multi-terminal setups
- Limited advanced customization in financial reporting templates
Best For
Mid-sized public houses or pub chains needing integrated POS and accounting with strong stock control.
Pricing
Starts at £49 per month per terminal (software only), with hardware bundles from £500+ and custom enterprise pricing for multi-site.
Birkmyre EPOS
specializedReliable EPOS and accounting software designed for public houses, featuring inventory control and financial reporting.
Advanced wet stock ledger with line-by-line dispense tracking and automatic wastage reconciliation
Birkmyre EPOS is a specialized point-of-sale system with integrated back-office accounting tailored for UK public houses, handling sales, inventory, and financial reporting. It excels in tracking wet and dry stock, supplier invoices, and generating pub-specific profit reports including VAT and wastage analysis. While primarily an EPOS solution, its accounting modules support reconciliation and basic bookkeeping for smaller pub operations.
Pros
- Robust stock management for beverages and cellar control
- Strong UK-specific reporting including VAT and EPOS integration
- Reliable on-premise performance with multi-site support
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Limited native cloud accessibility and mobile features
- Custom setup can lead to higher initial costs
Best For
Independent UK public houses focused on detailed inventory accounting and traditional on-site operations.
Pricing
Hardware starts at £1,500 per till; software £60-£120/month per site plus implementation fees.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud accounting software with inventory tracking, invoicing, and POS integrations ideal for small pubs.
Seamless integrations with hospitality POS systems like Toast and Square for automated sales and inventory syncing
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting platform designed for small to medium businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, payroll, and basic inventory management. For public houses, it handles general financial tasks like sales reporting and expense categorization effectively but lacks specialized features such as liquor inventory tracking, recipe costing, or integrated table/bar management. It excels when paired with third-party POS integrations for hospitality operations.
Pros
- Cloud-based access from any device with real-time data syncing
- Robust reporting and customizable dashboards for sales and profit analysis
- Extensive integrations with POS systems like Square, Toast, and Lightspeed used in pubs
Cons
- Basic inventory tracking not optimized for perishable items like alcohol or bulk pours
- No built-in support for pub-specific needs like shift-based sales or tip pooling
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium public houses seeking general-purpose accounting with POS integrations rather than fully specialized bar management software.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with add-ons for payroll and time tracking.
Xero
enterpriseUser-friendly cloud accounting platform supporting pub sales, expenses, inventory, and VAT compliance.
Seamless integrations with hospitality POS systems for automated sales import and reconciliation
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small to medium businesses, providing invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and inventory management. For public houses, it excels in integrating with POS systems like Lightspeed or Square to sync sales data and offers basic stock tracking for beverages and supplies. It generates financial reports, handles VAT/GST compliance, and supports multi-location operations, making it suitable for pubs scaling up.
Pros
- Cloud accessibility from any device with real-time data syncing
- Extensive app marketplace including POS integrations for pubs
- Automated bank feeds and reconciliation for efficient daily closes
Cons
- Lacks specialized pub features like shift sales analysis or liquor license tracking
- Inventory management is basic, not optimized for perishable stock rotation
- Pricing scales up quickly with users and advanced modules
Best For
Small to medium public houses seeking scalable general accounting with strong POS integrations and growth potential.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) for basics, $42/month (Growing) for unlimited invoices, up to $78/month (Established) for payroll; 30-day free trial, billed monthly or annually.
Sage Business Cloud Accounting
enterpriseScalable accounting solution with payroll, VAT returns, and reporting tailored for UK hospitality businesses.
Seamless direct VAT submission to HMRC, reducing errors and admin time for UK pubs.
Sage Business Cloud Accounting is a cloud-based accounting solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and VAT management. For public houses, it handles core financial tasks like sales recording, purchase tracking, and tax compliance effectively. While it includes basic inventory features, it falls short on hospitality-specific tools such as POS integration or detailed stock recipes for beverages.
Pros
- Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation for quick daily cash flow tracking
- Direct VAT return submission to HMRC, streamlining compliance
- User-friendly mobile app for managing finances on the pub floor
Cons
- Lacks native POS or EPOS integration essential for bar sales
- Basic inventory management unsuitable for perishable goods or keg tracking
- Limited industry-specific reporting for hospitality metrics like pour costs
Best For
Small independent public houses needing reliable basic accounting and VAT handling without complex POS requirements.
Pricing
Starts at £12/month (Start plan), £24/month (Standard), £30/month (Plus); annual billing discounts available.
Lightspeed Restaurant
specializedPOS and management system with accounting features, inventory, and analytics for pubs and bars.
Matrix inventory and automated recipe costing for precise tracking of beverage pours, waste, and cost of goods sold in pubs
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and public houses, offering inventory management, sales tracking, and reporting tools to support pub operations. It provides real-time insights into revenue, costs, and stock levels, with integrations to accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero for full financial handling. While not a dedicated accounting software, it excels in operational accounting for hospitality venues like pubs.
Pros
- Robust inventory management with recipe costing and variance tracking for pub stock like liquor and kegs
- Real-time sales and profitability reporting accessible via mobile app
- Strong integrations with major accounting tools for seamless data export
Cons
- Lacks native general ledger, AP/AR, or payroll features, requiring third-party integrations
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and per-location fees
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers, limiting basic users
Best For
Public houses needing integrated POS and inventory tools with accounting exports, rather than standalone financial software.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Basic), $109 (Essential), $149 (Premium); plus 2.6%+ transaction fees, hardware, and optional add-ons.
Toast
specializedAll-in-one POS platform with integrated accounting, payments, and reporting for bars and restaurants.
End-to-end revenue reconciliation that automatically matches payments to sales data for accurate pub financials
Toast is a cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform from toasttab.com, offering tools for public houses to manage sales, inventory, payroll, and financial reporting. It tracks revenue, costs, and profitability in real-time, with integrations to accounting software like QuickBooks for deeper ledger management. While not a standalone accounting solution, it excels in operational data that feeds accurate pub accounting.
Pros
- Real-time sales and inventory reporting for precise cost tracking
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and Xero
- Built-in payroll and labor cost analytics
Cons
- High pricing with additional hardware costs
- Relies on integrations for advanced accounting functions
- Steep initial setup for smaller pubs
Best For
Mid-sized public houses seeking an integrated POS system with robust reporting to simplify accounting workflows.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per location plus hardware (~$1,000+) and 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Conclusion
Reviewing 10 top public house accounting tools revealed clear standouts, with Redcat Pub Partner leading for its comprehensive, integrated features including EPOS, accounting, and inventory management. Hansoft and Tevalis follow, offering tailored solutions—Hansoft’s robust back-office support and Tevalis’s cloud flexibility—ensuring strong options for varied operational needs.
Take the first step to simplify your pub’s financial and operational tasks: explore Redcat Pub Partner, the all-in-one tool built to streamline management, enhance efficiency, and set your business up for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
