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How much to tip in the UK?

Tipping in restaurants and bars is widely accepted, but how much do you tip and when should you? Many people often get confused about tipping in the UK compared to other countries, like the United States of America. Tipping across the pond is seen as part of the overall bill while in the UK, there’s a different attitude towards it. If you’re interested in finding out how much to tip in the UK, continue reading this guide from tastecard!

Tom Pressman

17-07-2024

Smiling brunette couple paying the bill for their food at a restaurant.

How much to tip in a restaurant in the UK?

Tipping in a UK restaurant is often considered discretionary and not mandatory. However, it’s a good custom to leave a tip for a server who has provided a good service throughout your experience. If you feel that your server was friendly and attentive to your needs, answered any questions you had, and the food was to a good standard and was served quickly, you’ll often leave a healthy tip before you leave. The size of the tip will vary depending on the overall cost of the meal and the level of service provided but, generally, a positive experience leads to a tip in the UK. In contrast, in America, a tip of at least 10% is deemed mandatory in many restaurants and bars. How much should you tip in the UK, though, and how should you tip?

Customer paying smiling employee at checkout for a coffee in a coffee shop

Discretionary tipping

If you’re ever wondering how to figure out a tip at a restaurant, it’s customary to tip around 10 to 15% of the bill’s total when you feel you’ve had good service. This can be adjusted based on the quality of the service and how generous you’re feeling!

Man with beard smiling and paying the bill using a card machine

Service charge

Some restaurants in the UK will automatically add a service charge to your bill, which is typically around 12.5%. This is often only included for larger parties. If this is added to the overall bill, there is no need to leave an additional tip, unless you feel it necessary.

Cash tip

When leaving a tip, it’s common practice to do so in cash. You can either leave the cash on the table for the server to collect when clearing up, or you can hand it to them personally.

Three business associates dressed in business attire paying for the bill at a coffee shop using a card machine

Bill split

If you’re dining out as a group, whether it’s friends or family, make sure to agree on an even split for not only the bill but also the tip. It’s likely, though, that you’ll have a service charge added to your bill if you’re a large booking. If not, ensure you reward your server!

Close up shot of a customer making a payment using a card machine

Round-up tip

Another tip, which is more common in bars and fast food restaurants, is the round-up tip. This is when you choose to let the server “keep the change” when paying with cash for your order. So, if your order comes to £16.20, you’ll round up the overall bill and leave an 80p tip instead of taking change from a £17 payment.

Focus shot on the card machine in progress whilst processing a a couples card after making a payment.

Tipping location variety

If you’re on holiday and are left wondering about the tipping etiquette in your location, it’s a good idea to get some knowledge beforehand. Whether that’s in America or somewhere in Europe, read up on tipping before you arrive. If you’re unsure while dining, speak to the server and other customers to see their perspective on the matter. This is a great way of understanding the customs of the area you’re visiting and may even give you some helpful tips and habits to take home with you.

Images sourced directly from Adobe stock. All restaurants available on tastecard at the time of publishing.