Tipping in the UK: How does it work?

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 USA, for example. Tipping across the pond is seen as part of the overall bill, but there’s a different attitude towards it in the UK. So, if you’re interested in finding out how much to tip in the UK, continue reading this guide from tastecard!

Tipping in UK restaurants is entirely optional. 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.

Whilst you’re able to leave as much, or as little, as you see fit, the standard tends to be 10% of whatever your total bill cost.

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 or in upscale restaurants. If this is added to the overall bill, there is no need to leave an additional tip unless you feel it is necessary!

When you think about tipping, cash probably comes to mind. Nowadays, however, cash tipping isn’t necessarily required as many restaurants allow you to tip via a card machine. When paying your bill, you’ll generally have the option to input an amount that you wish to tip. 

That said, cash tipping is still welcomed! So, if you feel more comfortable giving your physical tip directly to the member of staff who served you, you’re more than entitled to!

If your group is paying with cash, don’t forget to factor in the cost of your tip when working out how much you owe! Alternatively, if you’re paying with the card machine, each of you will be able to divide up the tip exactly how you like when it’s your turn to pay.

If you frequent eateries, coffee shops, and bars, you’re probably familiar with the ol’ ‘keep the change’ move. This essentially rounds up the cost of your purchases and acts as an immediate tip for your server. 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.

When it comes to international tipping, this is just the tip of the iceberg! 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, we’d really recommend reading up on tipping before you arrive. Certain places like America take tipping especially seriously - with tips making up quite a large portion of a server’s wage. 

So, 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.

Hopefully, you’ll have a better understanding of tipping in UK restaurants! Yes, tipping may add extra costs to your bill, but when you visit restaurants for less with tastecard’s restaurant deals, you won’t mind giving that little bit of extra cash to your dedicated server! So download the tastecard app today and take a look at what restaurants are available in your area! Book your table and prepare to flaunt your tipping etiquette out in the world!

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