Butlin's has unveiled self-service bars across its three resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness, becoming the first holiday park in Europe to introduce automated Boxbar technology. The system can dispense a drink in as little as six seconds, claiming to be 360% faster than a human bartender.
How the self-service bars work
Guests place a cup under the spout, select their drink on a touchscreen, tap their card, and receive their beverage. More than 100 machines have been installed in entertainment venues, offering over 20 soft and alcoholic options, including draught beers like Madri and Guinness, spirits such as Smirnoff vodka, and cocktails like Butlin's On The Beach. The drinks are included in the All Inclusive Drinks package, starting at £10.50 per day for kids and £25.95 for adults.
Improving guest experience
Heidi Watson, head of innovation at Butlin's, called it 'an exciting first' for the company. 'Everything we do is about improving the guest experience and our new Boxbar Self-Serve Bars will make a real difference to guests on a family break or a Big Weekender,' she said. She added that the bars are designed to reduce wait times, allowing guests to spend 'less time queuing and more time enjoying their holiday with family and friends.'
Customer reactions
Some guests have praised the new system. Nicola Bradstreet said: 'I'd certainly rather these than stand at the bar for 30mins + to get served.' Andrew Dabbs, who tried the self-service during a trial, wrote: 'We recently went to Minehead for an adult weekend and it worked well for us as queuing at the bar took ages.'
However, not all feedback has been positive. Jenna Louise Bentall called the machines 'so tacky,' and Malcolm Pack commented: 'What rubbish. Keep bar tenders.' Kayleigh Ellis added: 'Hoping they're gonna be knocking prices off the holidays if we are serving ourselves.'
Addressing queue complaints
Previously, guests had complained about long waits, particularly during Big Weekender events. On Facebook, Samantha Moss warned that queues at Skegness pubs were 'ridiculous,' and Dhiren Patel noted: 'Everytime I want a drink at the bar it takes forever.' Mart Lloyd described waits as 'shocking,' while Chris Harding called lines 'mad,' and Sarah Harrison reported: 'An hour my mate queued for last night.'
Butlin's welcomes approximately 1.5 million guests annually, and the new self-service bars aim to streamline service during busy periods.
