Keep Guests Entertained | How NFC Table Tags are Modernising British Pubs
British pubs are evolving. Alongside good food and drink, customers now expect a bit more, especially when waiting for orders or catching up with friends. If you want to keep guests entertained without adding staff workload, NFC table tags offer a simple, low-maintenance solution. These smart tags let customers tap their phones to trigger instant pub quizzes or generate random dad jokes. No apps, no fuss. In this post, we explore how they're changing the pub experience for the better.
Why Keep Customers Engaged
Keeping customers engaged at the table is great hospitality and very good for business. When guests are relaxed and entertained, they’re more likely to stay longer, order more, and return in future. This is especially important in an age where attention spans are short and smartphones are always within reach.
Pubs are already social spaces, but downtime between ordering and eating, or while waiting for friends, can lead to disengagement. Bored customers scroll their phones, consider leaving, or avoid striking up conversation. By giving them something simple and enjoyable to do at the table, you help shape a more positive experience.
Small touches like a quick laugh or a friendly challenge can change the tone of a visit. That’s where interactive table features like tap-with-phone joke and quiz generators come in. They don’t interrupt service or require staff involvement, but they do prompt interaction, create talking points, and add value to the time guests spend waiting.
How NFC Table Tags Work
NFC (Near Field Communication) is the same technology used in contactless payments. When a smartphone is brought close to an NFC tag, typically within 1 to 5cm, it triggers a short instruction, like opening a webpage. There’s no need for batteries, pairing, or installing an app. The phone does all the work, as long as NFC is enabled (which it is by default on most modern devices).
In pubs, these tags are built into small vinyl stickers designed to sit discreetly on tables. Tapping them with a phone instantly loads a random dad joke or quiz question in the guest’s browser. The interaction is private, fast, and doesn't disrupt the flow of conversation. Since the tags are waterproof and long-lasting, they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor tables.
Each tag contains a tiny chip with a lifetime of over 50 years, pre-programmed to access a live, cloud-hosted database of content. This means jokes and questions are updated regularly, so the experience stays fresh even for repeat visitors.
Because they rely on passive technology and don’t require any upkeep, NFC table tags are ideal for busy venues looking to modernise customer experience without adding to staff workload. Installation is straightforward too: simply peel and stick.
If you're unfamiliar with how NFC works in general, this basic overview of NFC technology explains the principles in simple terms.
Instant Entertainment at the Table. Just Tap Your Phone, No Apps Needed.
What Guests Can Access
NFC table tags create a micro experience tailored to the setting. Once a guest taps their phone, they’re taken straight to a mobile-friendly page with light, on-the-spot entertainment. There’s no login, no app, and no waiting.
Currently, two popular options are in circulation:
The Dad Joke Generator: A random joke appears with a single tap, just hit “Reveal” to see the punchline. It’s light-hearted, family-friendly, and great for sparking laughs at the table.
The Quiz Question Generator: Designed for all-round general knowledge, this tag presents a random quiz question on topics like sport, food & drink, history and TV. One tap, one question, then press “Reveal” to see if you were right.
Both options update regularly from curated content libraries, so even regulars won’t run into repeats too often. It’s entertainment on demand, suited for all ages, with no need for staff involvement or printed materials.
Coming soon, additional table tags will offer more ways to pass the time, listed here once available:
Mini Games for Kids: Tap-to-play activities like spot-the-difference, simple puzzles, and interactive questions designed to keep younger visitors busy at the table without screens turning into a free-for-all.
Bar Game Challenges: Quick tap-to-play rounds of pub classics like higher or lower, would-you-rather, or “guess the emoji film title” games, built for groups of adults or couples looking for something fun while they wait.
Add a Little Fun to Every Visit
Why It Works
The reason NFC table tags work is simple: they meet customers where they are, on their phones, without asking them to do anything extra. In a pub environment, where attention spans are short and the wait between orders can feel long, even a moment of relevant distraction adds value. A quick laugh or a quiz question helps fill gaps in conversation, reduces perceived wait times, and keeps guests mentally present.
Crucially, this kind of interaction is opt-in. There’s no push notification, no intrusive ad, and no pressure. It respects the customer's space while offering something entertaining within easy reach. That makes it feel more like a hidden bonus than a gimmick.
For the venue, the benefit is passive engagement. Unlike digital jukeboxes, table buzzers or QR-based menus, NFC table tags don’t require power, maintenance, or staff input. Once installed, they work silently in the background, improving guest experience table by table.
A deeper look into the psychology of interactive design in hospitality highlights how small, user-initiated activities can positively influence customer satisfaction without overwhelming attention.
Instant Entertainment at the Table. Just Tap Your Phone, No Apps Needed.
Adding NFC Tags to Your Tables
Installing NFC table tags is fast, simple, and requires no specialist tools or tech skills. Each tag is supplied ready to use, just peel and stick. Once applied, it’s instantly active: customers can tap their phones within 1–5cm to load the interactive content straight into their browser. There are no batteries to worry about, no apps to install, and no ongoing maintenance.
The tags are designed to be waterproof, durable, and long-lasting, suitable for both indoor and outdoor tables. Once affixed, they withstand spills, cleaning, and the general wear of a busy pub or café environment. The embedded chip has a lifetime of over 50 years, so it’s a one-time job with long-term payoff.
For best performance:
- Choose a clean, flat surface free from metal (as metal can interfere with NFC signals)
- Wipe the area dry before applying
- Press firmly across the full surface of the tag to ensure solid adhesion
Placement matters too. Ideal positions include the centre of the table or near a drinks menu, anywhere a phone is likely to rest naturally. Once installed, there’s nothing more to do; guests tap, interact, and enjoy.
If you’re adding tags to multiple tables, it’s worth noting the bulk pricing options available, making it cost-effective for venues of all sizes. Volume discounts start from five units, and full product info is available on the product page including exact dimensions, compatibility, and pricing tiers.
With a quick install and no technical upkeep, NFC tags offer one of the easiest ways to enhance customer experience while adding a subtle layer of entertainment.
Add a Little Fun to Every Visit