What are the tipping custom in London. Do restaurants include a higher fee in the bill. Is there a different custom in pubs and cabs
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1386 posts
My practice is pretty much the same as Keith's except that if there is a service charge in a restaurant I never leave anything else. Also in restaurants where there is no service charge I tend to leave the tip in cash. If you pay it on a credit card as part of the bill most large restaurants will charge an 'admin fee' to the staff before passing it on. This fee is generally 8 - 10% so if you want all of the tip to go to the people doing the work it's best to leave it in cash. Alan
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Be aware that if there is a service charge listed on the bill it may be optional (apart from for large groups) and should say so on the menu/bill. If that is the case I ask for it to be removed and leave nothing (for bad service) or whatever I think appropriate. As above I usually avoid eating in places where there is a mandatory service charge. When I tip it is about 10% or £5 a head whichever is less.