What OpenTable's per cover fees really cost a 40 seat restaurant (with the maths)
A worked example of a subscription plus per diner fees for a typical independent, with the assumptions written down so you can swap in your own numbers.
Read the mathsBlog
Notes from behind the bar
Articles on bookings for independent restaurants, pubs and cafes, written by people who run one. The maths is shown, the caveats are stated, and nobody is trying to sell you a marketplace.
Quandoo is closing on 31 December 2026: a 30 minute migration plan
New bookings stop on 30 September. Here is the checklist, in order, with how long each step takes and what to do with your existing bookings.
Read the planDeposits vs card holds: which cuts no-shows without scaring off regulars
The two ways to take a card at booking, what each does to your no-show rate and your booking rate, and what we are building into Tablez.
Read the comparison