United Kingdom Tipping Guide

In the United Kingdom, tipping is strictly discretionary and not legally expected. Hospitality workers in the UK are legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, reducing reliance on tips.

The 12.5% Service Charge in the UK

In London and major UK cities, most full-service restaurants automatically append an "Optional Service Charge" of 12.5% directly to your bill.

• If this 12.5% service charge is already included on the receipt, you do not need to tip anything extra.
• Under the UK Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2024, hospitality businesses must pass 100% of tips and service charges to their staff without commercial deductions.
• Because it is legally "optional," you can ask the server to remove it if you experienced poor service.
• If no service charge is included, leaving 10% in cash or on the card terminal is customary for good table service.

Pubs, Bars & Coffee Shops

Never tip at a traditional pub counter. You order and pay at the bar. If you wish to thank a bartender for exceptional banter or hospitality, the customary British phrase is "and one for yourself," which lets them take the cost of a half-pint (around £2).

Taxis & Miniciabs

For iconic London Black Cabs and private hire vehicles, rounding up to the nearest £1 or £2 is the standard polite practice.