Case Study: The Watson – Modern Hospitality Meets Iconic Belfast Heritage

Client Background
The Watson, a vibrant new addition to Belfast’s hospitality scene, opened its doors in December 2024. Located in the historic Robert Watson & Co. Ltd / Frames Building on Little Donegal Street, this innovative venue offers an eclectic mix of bar, café, and pool hall experiences under one roof. Combining modern amenities with the charm of a heritage site, The Watson is set to become a cornerstone of the city’s social and dining culture.

The Challenge
Opening a multi-faceted venue like The Watson required a seamless, reliable, and versatile EPoS (Electronic Point of Sale) solution to manage diverse operations. The system needed to handle restaurant table service, café counter sales, bar tabs, and pool hall transactions, all while providing an integrated payment solution. Stock control, staff management, and real-time reporting were also critical to the venue’s success.

The Solution
Recognizing the scale and complexity of the task, The Watson partnered with #SBS-winning DH Business Services to install a comprehensive ICRTouch EPoS system. The solution included:

  • ICRTouch EPoS Terminals: Intuitive TouchPoint systems tailored to the needs of the bar, restaurant, café, and pool hall.
  • Integrated Payments with Dojo: Fast, secure, and customer-friendly payment processing for a streamlined checkout experience.
  • TouchOffice Web+: Cloud-based back-office management for stock control, sales analysis, and staff performance tracking, accessible anytime, anywhere.

The Implementation
DH Business Services ensured a smooth installation and configuration process, adapting the ICRTouch system to meet The Watson’s specific requirements. Comprehensive staff training allowed the team to hit the ground running, ensuring they could make the most of the technology from day one.

The Results

  • Streamlined Operations: Staff can efficiently handle transactions across all areas of the venue, minimizing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Management: Real-time reporting and analytics give management a clear view of performance, enabling data-driven decisions.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Integrated Dojo payments offer speedy transactions, contributing to a seamless guest journey.

Client Testimonial
“The Watson is all about delivering an exceptional experience in a stunning historic setting. DH Business Services provided the perfect EPoS solution to help us achieve that. From the user-friendly terminals to the powerful reporting tools, everything works together beautifully. Their professionalism and expertise have been invaluable.” – David Neely, The Watson.

Conclusion
The Watson exemplifies how modern technology can complement a heritage-rich venue, delivering operational excellence and unforgettable guest experiences. DH Business Services continues to support The Watson, ensuring they remain at the forefront of Belfast’s dynamic hospitality scene.

Check out www.thewatsonbelfast.com