⏱️ Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Getting Your Hospitality Printing Spot On in London
When it comes to hospitality printing—think menus, price lists, and related materials—the stakes feel pretty high. You want your guests to admire your style before they even taste the food or enjoy the service. But finding the right printers in London who truly understand the hospitality industry can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some practical tips for getting your hospitality print just right, share a mini case study from our own experience, and explain how Newstyle Print can support your project every step of the way.
⏱️ Reading time: 6 minutes · Updated for 2025 · UK Printing Guide
Helpful Tips for Hospitality Printing That Works
1. Choose the Right Paper and Finish
Menus and price lists are handled frequently—sometimes more than you’d expect—so durability is essential. A paper stock between 250 and 350 GSM tends to strike a good balance: thick enough to feel substantial in hand, yet not so thick that it becomes cumbersome. I’ve seen venues where flimsy paper quickly deteriorates, leaving a poor impression on guests. That said, your choice of finish can be just as important. For instance, lamination or a soft-touch matte coating can offer protection against inevitable spills, fingerprints, and general wear, which are all too common during busy service hours. On the other hand, uncoated or silk finishes offer a more tactile, natural feel that many customers find appealing—it’s the kind of texture that invites a closer look, making the menu part of the overall dining experience rather than just a functional item.
2. Keep Your Design Clear and Readable
While it’s tempting to experiment with fancy fonts or intricate layouts, legibility is really the priority. Especially in dimly lit restaurants or bustling cafes, guests want to quickly scan through options without squinting or getting frustrated. Fonts that are too ornate or small can slow down decision-making, which may affect the overall dining flow. A well-organized layout with clear sections—for starters, mains, drinks, and desserts—helps guests find what they want efficiently. I recall a bistro where a cluttered menu led to repeated questions from customers, causing delays and confusion. Simple, clean typography combined with a logical structure can prevent that, making the whole experience smoother for everyone involved.
3. Opt for Print Quality That Reflects Your Brand
Menus don’t just list food—they speak volumes about the establishment’s ethos and quality. A cheap-looking menu might unintentionally suggest a cheap experience, even if your food and service are top-notch. At Newstyle Print, we offer both digital and litho printing options that produce sharp text and vibrant colours consistently. For best results, high-resolution artwork (at least 300 dpi) is essential to avoid any fuzzy or pixelated images. If you’re unsure about your files, we provide a free artwork check to flag issues such as insufficient bleed or colour mismatches before printing. This step is often overlooked but can save headaches and wasted materials down the line. The quality of your printed materials is, in many ways, the first tangible touchpoint of your brand—don’t underestimate its impact.
4. Consider Eco-Friendly Options
There’s a growing expectation among customers that businesses take sustainability seriously, and your printed materials can echo this commitment. At Newstyle Print, we provide a range of recycled and FSC-certified paper stocks, as well as eco-friendly finishes. It’s worth noting that choosing these options not only reduces environmental impact but can also resonate with your clientele, who are increasingly mindful of such details. Some venues have found that advertising their use of sustainable materials in the menu itself creates a positive impression and strengthens customer loyalty. While these eco-options might sometimes come at a slightly higher cost, the goodwill and brand alignment they generate often make it a worthwhile investment.
5. Think Beyond Menus: Coordinated Print Materials
Menus and price lists are just the beginning. To build a cohesive and memorable brand presence, consider extending your print materials to include matching table talkers, loyalty cards, event flyers, or even gift vouchers. Such consistency helps guests feel immersed in your brand’s atmosphere and can encourage repeat visits. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of London venues develop these complementary pieces, which often play a subtle but important role in customer engagement. For example, a loyalty card with the same aesthetic as the menu can reinforce brand recognition and subtly encourage return business. It’s a detail that might not be immediately obvious but contributes to the overall guest experience.
A Real-Life Example: How We Helped a London Bistro Refresh Their Menus
A small, cozy bistro in East London approached Newstyle Print with menus that had seen better days. They felt the old menus didn’t reflect the fresh, modern vibe the owners had cultivated inside the venue. The challenge was to create something durable enough to withstand daily handling yet elegant and with a slightly rustic feel matching their decor—think exposed brick and wooden tables.
We recommended a 300 GSM uncoated stock paired with a soft-touch matte lamination. This gave the menus a warm, inviting texture while providing protection against spills, which is inevitable in a busy bistro. The client’s artwork required adjustments—particularly to colour consistency and bleed areas—which our team addressed during the complimentary artwork check.
When the menus arrived, the quality was immediately noticeable: crisp printing, rich colours, and a subtle tactile finish that guests commented on. The bistro owner later shared that they received numerous compliments from customers and even noticed an uptick in drink orders, possibly because the new menus made the offerings more enticing and easier to navigate.
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Wrapping Up: Getting Your Hospitality Printing Right
When you think about printing menus and price lists for hospitality businesses in London, it’s clear that this task involves more than just choosing paper and ink. It’s about crafting a tactile and visual experience that complements your venue’s atmosphere and ensures your guests feel both welcome and well-informed. This subtle interplay between material and message can influence perceptions more than one might initially expect.
At Newstyle Print, we recognise that this process can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you’re juggling other priorities. That’s why we provide expert advice, a free artwork check, and a broad selection of print and paper options tailored specifically for hospitality needs. Whether you want eco-friendly choices, a rustic finish, or something more polished, we’re here to help you navigate those options and find what suits your brand best.
If you’re embarking on a printing project, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to review your artwork, discuss paper and finish selections, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote. Whether it’s a small batch of menus or a large order, our goal is to help you get it right the first time, making the entire process as smooth as possible.
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FAQ
What paper weight is best for menus?
Menus generally perform best on thicker stocks ranging between 250 and 350 GSM. This range offers a good balance of durability and a quality feel without becoming too bulky or unwieldy.
Can I have laminated menus?
Absolutely. Lamination is a common choice to protect menus from spills, smudges, and general wear. We offer various finishes including glossy and soft-touch matte, allowing you to choose the look and tactile experience that best fits your venue’s style.
How do I prepare artwork for menu printing?
It’s best to have artwork at a resolution of at least 300 dpi to ensure sharp printing. Additionally, including a proper bleed—usually around 3mm—is important to prevent unwanted white borders after trimming. If you’re uncertain about your files, our free artwork check service can identify potential problems before print, saving time and money.
Are eco-friendly papers available for hospitality printing?
Yes, we offer a variety of recycled and FSC-certified paper stocks suitable for menus and price lists. Choosing these environmentally conscious options can help your business reduce its ecological footprint and appeal to sustainability-minded customers.
Can I print other hospitality materials besides menus?
Definitely. We print a wide range of materials such as price lists, loyalty cards, table talkers, and event flyers—all designed to complement your main printed items and create a consistent brand presence.
How long does printing and delivery usually take?
Most standard print jobs are completed and dispatched within a few working days, with free delivery across the UK. If you’re pressed for time, we can advise on expedited turnaround options to meet tighter deadlines.
Do you offer help with design services?
While our main focus is printing, we do provide guidance on artwork preparation and can recommend trusted designers should you need comprehensive design assistance.
Updated on 19 January 2026
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