Where to Place a Self Service Kiosk in the UK: Best Spots for Takeaways, Cafés, and Retail Shops

A Self Service Kiosk isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity if you want to remain in the game. Whether you run a busy takeaway, a small café, or a local retail shop, smart self service kiosk placement can transform your customer experience, reduce pressure on staff, and boost your sales. But where you put it matters just as much as having one.

Here’s how to choose the right spot for your Self Service Kiosk — and why UK businesses are getting strategic with placement.

For Takeaways: Near the Door or Beside the Counter

Takeaways across the UK — from chicken shops in London to pizza joints in Manchester — are leading the way with self-order kiosks. But where should it go?

1. Near the entrance

• Catch customers the moment they walk in
• Keeps queues away from the till
• Great for fast-paced orders

2. Next to the counter

• Easy for staff to assist first-timers
• Works well for small shops with limited floor space

Kleo's floor stand variant is perfect for a freestanding setup.

For Cafes & Dessert Parlours: In the Order or Waiting Area

In coffee shops and dessert bars, the customer journey starts before they even reach the counter.

1. Counterfront or side wall

• Perfect for repeat customers who know what they want
• Frees up baristas to focus on drinks, not order taking

2. Waiting/pickup area

• Ideal for bubble tea or dessert shops with heavy customisation
• Can trigger upsells (add-ons, toppings)

Kleo's wall-mount and desktop models fit perfectly on compact counters.

For Retail Shops: By the Checkout or Store Entrance

From off-licences to international supermarkets, self-service kiosks are improving efficiency and queue flow.

1. Near the till or basket zone

• Enables self-checkout during peak hours
• Reduces wait time for small basket shoppers
• Have the option for self-weighing

2. By the entrance

• Supports quick product lookups or loyalty signups
• Great for click & collect orders or in-store promotions

Wall-mount and floor stand versions are most popular for retail layouts.

Don't Just Install — Plan for the Experience

Where your kiosk lives determines how it performs. So keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid bottlenecks: Place kiosks where traffic naturally flows
• Think of visibility: Customers should see it without needing directions
• Power + WiFi access: Sounds obvious, but easy to miss
• Add signage: First-timers will appreciate guidance

Placement isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s about matching your self-ordering kiosk to your space, flow, and customer behaviour. With the right setup, Kleo’s Self Service Kiosks help UK businesses serve more, sell more, and stress less.

Need help figuring out your setup? We’ve got the hardware and the know-how.