If you’re like me (or as old), you’ll remember the embarrassment Ross suffered in an episode of Friends when his tipping antics backfired…but did Ross do the right thing? OK, that was set in the US but what are the tipping guidelines for restaurants and hotels in the UK? Here’s a look at tipping etiquette, wherever you travel throughout the United Kingdom.
Tipping is not an expectation or used to top up to minimum wage
Unlike some parts of the world, waiters and hotel staff in the UK shouldn’t expect tips as they’re not compulsory by etiquette standards. Employers are not allowed to use tips as part of the minimum wage, so the staff receive the tips on top of their standard salary.
OK, but I think I might be the kind of person that might leave a tip…
Right, let’s look at the various places tipping applies.
Cafes and restaurants
Tipping is standard where table service is provided, most commonly in cafes and restaurants. The amount is usually around 5% to 10% if you are happy with the service. However, if you feel the service was poor or substandard, you can choose not to leave a tip.
A caveat to the above is fine dining. Whilst tips are considered voluntary, if you fine dine, you would be expected to provide a 10% tip. In some establishments this may show itself as a compulsory 10% or more ‘service charge’ or an optional ‘discretionary’ or ‘suggested’ charge that is added to the bill. Either way, if you don’t pay it, you may be considered rude or the waiter might question the level of service that has been provided!
Hotels and B&Bs
Tipping in hotels is not quite as standard. You would be expected to tip in high-star hotels, the following are reasonable guidelines:
- Room service or where someone has brought your bags to your room – £1 0r £2.
- Housekeeping – dependent on stay and just how good the chambermaids have been, a couple of pounds up to a banknote.
- Hotel restaurant/café – please see the rules above regarding restaurant tipping. You will find a lot of the posher hotels will add a discretionary amount to the restaurant bill anyway!
- Front desk – nothing if the above rules have been followed! If you’ve been remiss in tipping during your stay and you really want to, a banknote to the receptionist as you check out is acceptable.
Tipping in a B&B is not usually expected as typically the owners favour feedback on review websites like TripAdvisor.
Takeaways, Taxis and More
If you choose to get a takeaway to your hotel room, you will not be expected to tip the person who delivers it. However, it is polite to round up to the nearest pound (this also makes it easier for change!) or to the nearest note.
You wouldn’t be expected to pay a tip for a taxi journey. However, taxi fares are generally rounded up to the nearest pound, again mostly for the ease of change.
Understanding the way of tipping in the UK will help to avoid a social faux pas although we cannot be held responsible for clashes with fellow diners who have a different view on the subject!