98 Lygon Street + GoTab: Tradition Meets Technology in Melbourne, Australia

When industry veterans Ben Clark and Simon Aukett setout to open 98 Lygon Street Bar & Bistro, they wanted toblend timeless hospitality with modern efficiency. Locatedin Brunswick East, Melbourne, the Parisian-inspiredbrasserie and cocktail bar opened on Mother’s Day 2025with a curated menu, moody yet welcoming design, andfull table service. Behind the scenes, GoTab powered thelaunch with a flexible, intuitive POS system that supportedtheir high standards. From real-time menu updates toseamless billing and handheld management, GoTab gavethe team confidence to deliver flawless service. Together,we’ve created a venue where tradition and technologythrive side by side.

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The Situation

Ben Clark and Simon Aukett brought decades of globalexperience to Melbourne when they launched 98 LygonStreet. Their vision was simple but ambitious: create anindulgent, Parisian-inspired brasserie with Melbournecharacter, where hospitality feels generous and servicestays at the heart of the experience.Yet opening a complex venue on a tight deadline demandedmore than great food and cocktails. They needed technologythat could disappear into the background while adaptingto Australia’s unique service culture. Initially set up withSquare, the founders pivoted to GoTab after a last-minuteconversation with the GoTab Australia team

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GoTab looks modern and feels intuitive.I can update the menu mid-service frommy phone, and it’s live within seconds.That speed and responsiveness gave usconfidence from the start. — Simon Aukett, Co-Founder

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The Solution

The stakes were high: the POS had to be live by Mother’sDay. GoTab delivered. From day one, staff used GoTabhandhelds at tableside to deliver a high-touch, guest-centricexperience for their guests. The GoTab Manager app madereal-time menu changes a breeze, speeding up service,and streamlining operations. GoTab adapted quickly tolocal billing formats and workflows, while the responsivecustomer service team provided hands-on supportthroughout the critical opening period.For Clark and Aukett, the partnership proved that moderntechnology can elevate traditional hospitality. For GoTab,it marks a successful Australian debut, showing that theplatform can flex to fit new markets while protecting thehuman connection at the heart of dining.