Britain's first 'iPub' allows punters to pull their own pints

Fixed to tables around the bar along with Sagres and Amstel beers on self-service taps, the system cost £20,000 to develop

(Mark Lingford/The Westbourne)

A pub in Swansea has revolutionised the way it serves its customers… by allowing them to serve themselves.

The Westbourne in Swansea, south Wales, has become Britain’s first ‘iPub’ after installing iPads which let punters pull their own pints and pay without queuing at the bar.

Fixed to tables around the bar along with Sagres and Amstel beers on self-service taps, the system cost £20,000 to develop, and was given the go-ahead by Swansea Council’s licensing department.

Anyone who wants to pour themselves a pint has to buy a special card, which is then placed under a sensor on the iPad which allows them to use the pumps fixed to three of the bar-room tables.

Mark Lingwood, the Westbourne’s landlord, said that the pub is “always on the lookout for innovative ideas” to help them stand out.

“Self-service is something we saw about 15 years ago in Brazil and has always been something we have been keen to bring to the UK,” he added.

“When we visited the Robot Pub Groups demo pub in London last Christmas - we were impressed with the quality and features of the self-service and table top ordering points of the iPads.”

(Mark Lingford/The Westbourne)

So far the scheme has proven to be a success, with punters enjoying friendly competition with friends to see who can pull the best pint.

“The only negative comments we have had is customers think we are replacing staff, when in fact we are hiring more as we transition the pub to a table service led model,” Mr Lingwood said.