Photos: Skipping the bar line

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  • Bar interior

    Bar interior

    The Intermission bar at the University of Westminster student union, which can hold 499 people, hosts six high-tech tables equipped with pop-up touch screens that let students can order drinks without having to leave their seats.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Screen up

    Screen up

    According to Escapism Media, one of two companies behind the tables, drinkers who order remotely become more creative, frequently leaving their lager comfort zone for spirits and cocktails.

    The student union's Rayhan Rafiq Omar says the touch screen ordering will save students having to wrestle with a throng of drinkers to get served. The union is also looking at new ways to earn money from the tables, including opening the system up to advertisers.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Screen flat

    Screen flat

    The tables are all waterproof and can fold down to let students rest their pints on them. In addition to ordering drinks, students can use the built-in screens to send text messages, play games and soon even to order taxis. A system to request music from the student radio station is also expected to be added.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Chat screen

    Chat screen

    For those with a little Dutch courage, the tabletops enable users to chat with fellow drinkers by sending short messages, similar to using instant messaging. A list of preprogrammed pick-up lines is also included--and if they prove successful, there's the option to send another student a drink or credit for one.

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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A university bar hosts six tables embedded with touch screens that let students chat, plus order drinks and cabs.

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Bar interior

The Intermission bar at the University of Westminster student union, which can hold 499 people, hosts six high-tech tables equipped with pop-up touch screens that let students can order drinks without having to leave their seats.

Caption by: Andy Smith

1 of 4

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