10 May Thatched Tavern owner highlights tech’s role in boosting efficiency

Restaurant tech is helping hospitality businesses work smarter, protect margins and navigate continuing cost pressures, according to the latest customer interview published by Favouritetable.

In a wide-ranging conversation with More Fire PR‘s Mark Ferguson, Laurence Coveney, owner of The Thatched Tavern in Ascot, Berkshire, discussed how digital booking and customer management systems have become an essential part of running a modern pub and restaurant.

With rising wage costs, inflation and ongoing pressure on food and utility prices continuing to affect the sector, Laurence says operators are increasingly looking for practical ways to improve efficiency without compromising customer service.

One of the biggest benefits, he explained, has been removing much of the manual administration involved in managing bookings.

By allowing staff to optimise table layouts, manage turnaround times and make better use of available capacity, the system helps maximise revenue during busy trading periods such as Easter, bank holidays and Christmas, when every additional table can make a significant difference to the day’s takings.

The interview also highlighted the value of Favouritetable’s pre-ordering functionality, which Laurence describes as indispensable during peak seasonal trading.

By bringing together guest selections, dietary requirements and table information in one place, the feature simplifies service for both staff and customers while saving what he estimates amounts to the equivalent of almost a full-time member of staff over the festive period.

Looking beyond bookings, Laurence added how greater visibility over customer demand allows his team to pace service more effectively, manage walk-ins with greater confidence and make informed operational decisions throughout the day.

He also pointed to targeted customer marketing as another increasingly valuable tool for independent hospitality businesses.

Rather than relying on broad advertising campaigns, The Thatched Tavern maintains a database of around 2,500 previous customers, allowing the business to promote events, seasonal menus and quieter trading periods directly to people who already know the venue.

The approach has generated consistently strong engagement while helping encourage repeat visits without overwhelming customers with unnecessary communications.

Alongside technology, however, Laurence was clear that successful hospitality businesses still depend on strong leadership, careful financial management and a motivated team.

Keeping a close eye on costs, regularly reviewing menus and making the best use of seasonal British produce have all become increasingly important as operators respond to continuing market uncertainty and fluctuating supplier prices.

The Thatched Tavern has also recently invested in expanding its business, converting a former barn into additional dining and events space to accommodate private functions, weddings and corporate events as part of its future growth plans.

Reflecting on the wider hospitality sector, Laurence noted that resilience remains one of the most important qualities for business owners.

While external pressures continue to create challenges, he believes operators who stay positive, invest in their people and continually look for opportunities to improve efficiency will be best placed to succeed.

Summing up the role technology now plays within the business, he concludes that systems such as Favouritetable have become far more than a booking platform.

“From bookings to pre-orders to marketing, it saves time, improves efficiency and helps drive revenue,” he said. “For me, it’s become an essential part of running the business.”

The full interview with Laurence Coveney is available on the Favouritetable website.