Self-serve bars at a Bognor Regis resort are a first in Europe

More than 30 self-serve bar units have been installed across the entertainment venues in Butlin’s at a cost of more than £300,000. Introduced in time for the busy summer holidays, the new bars will help guests get served faster and spend less time queuing.

The new self-serve bars can dispense a drink in as little as six seconds, offering guests more than 20 options including draught beers and ciders, cocktails, spirits and mixers, as well as soft drinks. With the speedy service, the new technology will cut bar queues across the resort.

The drinks range includes guest favourites Madri, Guinness, Smirnoff and the brand’s own cocktail Butlin’s On The Beach. The new bars are available to guests on all family breaks and adult-only Big Weekenders. Family guests with the popular All Inclusive Drinks package can also use the machines, making it even quicker and easier to get a drink during their holiday.

Butlin’s confirmed the bars would not replace bar staff.

Heidi Watson, head of innovation at Butlin’s, said: “This is an exciting first for Butlin’s. 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.

“Open in time for the school summer holidays, the bars are designed to reduce wait times and make it quicker and easier for guests to get a drink. This means less time queuing and more time enjoying their holiday with family and friends.”