We recently assisted Palmers Brewery with the development of a check-in system for their pubs. We were delighted to support the Dorset-based brewery with a web-based QR code solution to help the NHS Test and Trace scheme.
Having provided this system ourselves earlier in the year, it has been great to see the UK government now adopt a similar QR code driven version of the NHS Test and Trace app. The previous iteration of the nationwide government-funded app was first trialled on the Isle of Wight, but had to be abandoned due to poor performance.
The challenge
Throughout the lockdown period we worked closely with our clients to identify new ways of working. This meant that we could provide flexible digital solutions at very short notice. We were tasked with a tight deadline to have the system in place for the re-opening of pubs on 4th July.
A requirement was introduced in the summer for pubs to assist with test and trace and collect customer data when they visit. This presented a new challenge for Palmers Brewery, who own over 50 iconic pubs across the south west.
Despite the complexity of the issue, we quickly added an easy-to-use update to the Palmers website. This task was made easier as we had previously completed the design and development of the Palmers website in 2019.
How it works
The system we developed makes it possible to ‘check-in’ at all Palmers pubs, either by scanning a QR code at the door, or visiting the brewery website directly and filling out some simple details on a smart phone or tablet. A simple process which takes less than a minute to complete.
The recorded data is then stored in a safe environment, not used for any marketing purposes and only accessed if NHS test and trace request it. A benefit of the digital solution is that the data records include date and time information stored with them.
At the time of the release of the check-in system, Jim Jones, Tenanted Trade Director at Palmers Brewery commented :
“Having thought things through, we were quick to realise that by making some changes to our website, we were able to accept all of the data that NHS track and trace would need, and store it securely before auto deleting it all after the required 21 days. With the help of our digital partners, Key Digital in Dorchester, in less than a day we had everything up and running, which is quite staggering given the scale of the problem.
I have been overwhelmed with the generous feedback from our licensees to our quick and inventive solution. It looked like a potentially big banana skin to start with…let’s remember that the government itself has just admitted defeat with it’s £12 million test and trace app, so to come up with a fully operational fix in such a short space of time is staggering really”

The test and trace solution on the Palmers Brewery website is still maintaining popularity now with around 400-500 page views per day hitting the landing page.
NHS Test And Trace QR Code User Guide
NHS Test and Trace has released a user guide to help explain how to use QR codes to check into venues around the country.

We hope that the system helps to make it safe for visitors at Palmers pubs and venues up and down the country. So we can continue to enjoy pubs and restaurants now and in the future.