Mitchells and Butlers introduces frictionless payment with Flypay

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) is rolling out frictionless payments across its estate to allow people to pay at their table and run a bar tab using apps and Flypay technology.

Customers are asked to download the free app of the M&B brand they are in – such as Harvester UK, All Bar One, or Ember Inns – to begin ordering and paying from their phone without needing to wait for a member of staff.

The pubco said they had installed the new technology in response to customer demand, while its partnership with Flypay will enable M&B to access a range of different payment solutions for its 1,700 pubs to give customers an “individual experience”.

Millennial trends

The move comes as trends suggest more and more guests, especially Millennials, would prefer to pay for food and drink using technology, said M&B.

M&B commercial director Chris Hopkins said: “Digital innovation opens up many possibilities to enhance customer experience and improve the efficiency of our operations.”

M&B’s brand Toby Carvery has also joined with Groupon to offer a meal and a drink for two for under £15.

The discount offers almost a third (28%) off the carvery’s standard prices and is valid from 16 May to 30 June from Monday to Saturday.