How The Unicorn Inn cuts complexity with Tabology EPOS
“Tabology as a tool is much more focused on hospitality. Everything is there in one place. It does what it says on the tin." Mark Martin, Owner at The Unicorn Inn
Mark Martin, owner of The Unicorn Inn at Deddington, hates ‘double-handling’. That’s what he calls anything where you’ve got to input information more than once, log in to multiple systems to complete a task, or manually combine data from more than one place to get what you need. Before taking the leap into hospitality, his background was selling tech for business process management. So he knows a thing or two about how systems should simplify, not complicate.
The decision – the need for ‘extended capabilities’
EPOS Now, the system he used in his first venue (the Cutty Sark in Falmouth) wasn’t simplifying things the way Mark needed. “The system we had in our first place was really a retail system that they’ve tried to adapt to hospitality. The stock management system wasn’t great. I really wanted something with extended capabilities.”
So when he took on The Unicorn – a 7-room village hotel with a busy bar and restaurant – in the summer of 2024, Mark looked for a system that was as simple, efficient and complete as the technology he used to sell.
“Tabology as a tool is much more focused on hospitality. Everything is there in one place. The UI (User Interface) around the backend is really useful and usable. It does what it says on the tin.”
The difference – time and money saved with everything in one place
So, no more double-handling for Mark. With everything from stocktakes and sales to rotas and reports in one system, Mark and his team can keep on top of things more easily, and they always have a clear view of operations.
“It definitely saves us money in terms of having everything there in one system rather than several. It also helps us get staff up to speed really quickly. It’s so intuitive, we can get new, inexperienced team members trained up in just a couple of sessions. It's the little things like the graphics on the buttons so they know what products look like really help.”
The Unicorn also uses Tabology’s booking system for its restaurant, which serves a popular menu of home-cooked British classics. It’s built into the EPOS system, which again cuts out the need for multiple systems to manage and pay for.
“We initially held off with the booking system, as the clamour for the pub to reopen was so much that we were just crazy busy in those first six months. We added it once things settled down, and it now helps us manage things the way we want. It’s really intuitive to use.”
The online booking system has enabled Mark to set up a separate booking type for their Christmas menu running throughout December, alongside their usual lunch and evening services.
“We’re also planning to expand our use of the booking system to enable people to book spaces within the venue, such as our snug, as we look to host a wider variety of events.”
Mark’s tech background means he’s experienced a wide variety of tech support. What has his experience of Tabology’s been?
“I can’t fault the support, it’s been exemplary. In fact, it's better than I’ve seen anywhere, not just in hospitality, but in any industry.”
The future – everything to hand when it’s time to expand
Mark is confident that Tabology can help The Unicorn Inn thrive, and is looking to make use of even more of the system’s built-in features. “We’re planning to expand our use of loyalty and promotions. It’s very reassuring to know that everything is there, already provided whenever we need it, and I don’t have to go through the hassle of researching and trying other providers.”
Like Mark at The Unicorn Inn, you could have everything you need - from stock management and bookings to rotas and reports - in one intuitive, hospitality-focused system.
Book your free, personalised demo today to see how Tabology can simplify your operations and save you money.
