In this article we describe the rules of tipping in London, including restaurants, transportation and hospitality services. As you may find in other parts of the world, tipping is not mandatory in the UK, but it is always a bonus when given to the waiters or anybody who offers their service. Some eating establishments automatically add a service charge while in other eating places such as pubs, tipping the bar staff is frowned at. Read more info about Vikas Nath
Here now is a quick guide to follow when tipping:
Tipping in London Restaurants and Bars:
. The food was great and the service was great. Then the bill arrives and suddenly you are starting to think whether you should tip the waiter – do not worry!
Take a look at the bill to see if a service charge has been added as many London restaurants do add this when a large amount of people are dining.
- Service Charge Included: There is no need to pay an extra tip if there is an included service charge.
- No Service Charge: If none is posted then 10-15% should do the trick.
- Optional Service Charge or Suggested Tip: At times you may find that an extra charge is advertised as optional, and the tip amounts to, for instance, 10/15/20 per cent – it’s just an easy-to-understand pointer.
What is a tip jar?
A tip jar which can be a container placed in cafes or other small stores near the checker’s desk is an opportunity to add a few extra dollars to a tip. It has become quite familiar to drop a few coins or round up to the nearest pound, if possible. It is normally common for all the staff to share the tips and the workers who work behind the scenes such as the dishwasher.
How much to tip?
Tipping in London: A Quick Guide
- Bartenders: There are no traditions regarding tipping for drinks in the bar in London pubs. In some bars that offer table service, you tip as you would do in a restaurant and this is usually at the end of the night.
- Taxis: Londoners usually overpay a few pounds in black taxis and this is an intentional action of many individuals. For longer trips, such as airport transfers, you can tip more and if the driver helps with bags, even better.
- Buses and Trains: In public transportation, particularly in buses and the ‘’matatus’’, tipping is not expected and is not even allowed. Civility involves saying “thank you” even to the bus driver.
- Hotels:
- Porters: In lavish hotels a couple of shillings of tips for helping with bags or hailing a taxi is welcomed.
- Concierge: Additional services that may involve for instance, going out of their way, such as arranging for a ticket to a special event that is difficult to come to, a token is expected to be given.
- Room Service: In luxury hotels, tipping is also common where a few pounds can be placed on the nightstand for the cleaners but again not forced.
