Tipping guide

Tipping in the UK

The single most useful habit in Britain is reading the bill before you add anything. A 'discretionary service charge' of 12.5% is on most London restaurant bills, and if it is there, it is the tip.

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Tipping in the UK at a glance

10-15% in restaurants — check for a service charge first

  • Restaurant (sit-down)
    10-15%
  • Cafe / Bar
    Round up
  • Taxi / Rideshare
    5-10%
  • Food delivery
    5-10%
  • Tour guide / Driver
    10%
  • Spa / Salon / Barber
    10%
  • Hotel housekeeping
    £1.50 per night
  • Hotel porter / Bellhop
    £1.00 per bag
  • Valet parking
    £1.50 per car
  • Hotel concierge
    £5.00 per request

Many restaurants add a 12.5% 'optional service charge'. If it's on the bill, that is the tip. Nobody tips at the bar for a pint.

Check for a "discretionary service charge" of 12.5% before adding anything — it is on most London restaurant bills and you are within your rights to ask for it to be removed if service was poor.

Rates shown are typical amounts, converted to local currency at approximately 27 Aug 2026. Tipping customs evolve and vary from region to region, so treat this as your best starting point rather than a hard rule. Where a bill already shows a service charge, that is usually the tip.

Common questions

How much do you tip in the UK?

10-15% at restaurants where no service charge has been added. Where it has, nothing more is expected.

Can I refuse the discretionary service charge?

Yes — discretionary means exactly that, and you can ask for it to be removed if service was poor. Since 2024 the law also requires that service charges are passed to staff.

Do you tip in British pubs?

Not for drinks at the bar. If you want to acknowledge good service, the traditional phrasing is offering to buy the bartender a drink — 'and one for yourself'. Table-service food is tipped like a restaurant.

International tipping guides by country

Open the free online tipping calculator — or read the guidance for another destination.