We'll be in England and Scotland (not London or Edinburgh) in a couple of weeks and wonder what the current tipping expectations are.
Posted by
Hove, Sussex, United Kingdom
4 posts
As a general rule of thumb Diane, a gratuity of 10-15% should be fine. Some restaurants automatically include the 'tip' in their charges but if so, this should be made clear on their menu and bill.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
We tip ten percent on average and then ONLY if the service has been good. If the service has been rubbish we leave nothing. If you see a "service charge" on the bill it is usually optional so, if you want, you can ask to have it removed and then tip the amount you choose, or not at all if that is what you want to do. Do not feel pressured into tipping when it is not earned.
Posted by
England
375 posts
When we first arrived in the UK to live, we were tipping between 10 and 15%. This is more than we tipped on the continent, and less than in the US. However, our British friends stopped us and told us that we were overdoing it. They said no more than 10% and that is not automatic. People get paid a wage for what they do, unlike waitstaff in the US, and the tip is not meant to make up their income. It is at the discretion of the tipper and is meant to reward good service.
Posted by
Liverpool, UK
30 posts
Many of the West End restaurants in London automatically add a 12.5% service charge..well so I found out the last time I was there to my cost. Agree with all the above - I don't pay the 12.5% if I'm not happy with the service and neither should anyone. If I am very happy with the service I'll still scrub the 12.5% off the bill and give between 10% - 12.5% in cash to the waiter / waitress. Last time at a chain restaurant on the South Bank - I wont stick my 'very long animal like neck' out and tell you which one - my wife and I overheard whom we presumed was the manager having words with the waitress for accepting my tip in this manner. I thanked her in front of him as we left and stared the guy out. Well.....What the heck...I felt better for it :-)
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5435 posts
The business resistance in restaurants towards making service charges inclusive to the prices is current practice is a form of tax avoidance as by separating service and making it voluntary there is no VAT to pay on it. Don't tip in pubs for drink service. Relatively few people absolutely expect tips, especially outside of London, but they won't be offended by them, so if you want to reward good service, go ahead.