Industries
Contract Catering
Refreshment Systems works with contract caterers across the UK to deliver reliable, fully managed refreshment solutions across single sites and national estates.
- 4.8/5 average rating
- 3,000+ UK sites served
- 98% first-time fix rate
What we provide
Helping you deliver more from every catering contract
Refreshment Systems works with contract caterers across the UK to provide flexible vending, coffee, food, water and unattended retail solutions.
Whether you need to enhance an existing catering offer, extend service beyond staffed hours or introduce new revenue opportunities, we can provide the equipment, technology, products and support to work seamlessly alongside your catering operation.
Flexible solutions for every contract:
- Vending machines
- Coffee and hot drinks solutions
- Water dispensers and hydration
- Micro markets
- Smart Fridges
- NHS ward beverage trolley
24/7 Catering Solutions
Extend your offer
Not every customer wants refreshments during traditional service times.
Vending, micro markets and unattended retail can provide access to food and drinks 24/7, helping you extend your offer without increasing staffing requirements.
This makes it easier to support shift workers, night teams, visitors and customers who need convenient access outside standard catering hours.
- Out-of-hours meal and fresh food availability without dedicated kitchen staffing
- Grab-and-go chilled items, hot meals, and artisan hot beverages on demand
- Contactless payment terminals for rapid micro-break throughput
- Real-time telemetry to ensure night-shift stock levels never run empty
What we do
Why work with Refreshment Systems?
We understand that every catering contract is different.
Our team can work with you to create a refreshment solution that complements your existing food and beverage offer, supports your service standards and reflects the needs of each client site.
From a single vending machine to a fully managed multi-site solution, we can scale our service around your contract.
- Nationwide support
- Single and multi-site solutions
- Fully managed servicing
- Bespoke branding
- Connected technology
- Dedicated account management
VendSmart Connect
Manage your estate on one platform
VendSmart Connect gives catering teams greater visibility across their refreshment estate, bringing together telemetry, payments, reporting and remote management to help improve efficiency and performance.
- Real time Telemetry
Monitor performance, stock and machine status in real time
- Proactive Fault Detection
Reduced downtime and emergency engineer call-outs
- Live Reporting
Access accurate data that improves replenishment and decision-making
- Digital Content
Manage screen messaging, promotions and advertising opportunities
- Remote Management
Make updates, review performance and stay in control from anywhere
Had fantastic engagement from Michelle Jordan and her team. Very helpful and accommodating, with a positive can do attitude. Nothing has been too much trouble and Michelle has been very responsive when I've asked something. It’s been a pleasure working with her.
Our 360° approach
We don’t just
drop off a machine
From the first site survey to the engineer visit three years from now, it’s the same team on the same contract.
- 01
Site survey
We look at headcount, shift patterns, footfall and power & plumbing before recommending anything.
- 02
Specification
A costed proposal with the right machines, ingredients and payment setup for each location.
- 03
Install & train
Delivered, plumbed, connected and handed over — with barista training if you want it.
- 04
Monitor & maintain
Telemetry watches the estate; our engineers keep it running. 98% first-time fix.
Choose your machines
VendSmart Optic Media Snack & Drink Machine
Our brand new VendSmart Optic Media intelligent vending machine provides the future of vending solutions.
View machine
PicoCooler Vision Smart Fridge
The PicoCooler Vision is a next-generation smart fridge that delivers a seamless, unattended grab-and-go experience for chilled food and drinks.
View machine
SmartQube Model R
Powdered Milk. With high capacity, high performance, German design and superior quality, the SmartQube Model R X500 is the most innovative coffee machine to date.
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Stockwell 2.0 Smart Fridge
The Stockwell 2.0 Smart Fridge is a secure, unattended micro market solution
View machineQuestions
FAQ
Refreshment Systems provides fully managed refreshment solutions for contract caterers and catering management teams across single and multi-site estates. From vending and coffee to smart technology and servicing, we help simplify operations, improve visibility and deliver a consistent experience across every location.
Can Refreshment Systems work alongside an existing catering service?
Yes. Our vending, coffee, food and unattended retail solutions are designed to complement your existing catering offer.
Can you manage the service for us?
Yes. Our fully managed service can include installation, replenishment, cleaning, maintenance, servicing and ongoing account management.
What types of refreshment solutions do you provide?
We offer vending, coffee, water, micro markets, food and drink solutions, cashless payments and connected technology.
Can you work alongside our existing contract catering contract?
Yes. We can operate as a specialist refreshment partner within your wider Contract Catering structure and work alongside existing suppliers and site teams.
Can we have different solutions at different sites?
Yes. We can standardise where needed while adapting equipment and product ranges to suit individual site requirements, footfall and user needs.
How can VendSmart help contract catering teams?
VendSmart gives catering teams greater visibility across their refreshment estate through telemetry, reporting, payment data and remote management, helping improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary site visits.
Can you support our sustainability objectives?
Yes. We can help identify more efficient equipment, reduce unnecessary service journeys through remote monitoring and provide recycling and lower-impact refreshment solutions.
Can you help us review our existing refreshment provision?
Yes. We can assess your current setup, site requirements and usage before recommending opportunities to improve service, efficiency and customer experience.
Get started
Let’s work out what
your sites actually need
Tell us a little about your workplace and one of our team will come back within one working day. No hard sell, no obligation.
- General enquiries0800 169 3686
- Service department01274 750 008
- Order ingredients01226 720 482