C4.54 Tipping in the UK

Should you tip in the UK? How much to tip in the UK?

In many countries, tipping is common in restaurants, hotels, taxis, etc. For example, tipping has become mandatory in countries like the US and Canada. When Shishengmiao was in the US, he was asked to leave a tip every time he ate out—almost all the Chinese restaurants he visited only accepted cash, no card or other non-cash payments. He also has a strong impression of Thailand, where tipping is expected for meals, hotels, and transportation; he even gave extra tips for massages there.

So, do you need to tip in the UK?

There is no legal requirement for customers to tip in the UK. Only some restaurants add a percentage-based service charge directly to your bill (clearly stated as a service fee)—all other places do not mandate tipping. In other words, apart from the specified service charge on the bill, most restaurants do not collect tips. However, if you are satisfied with the service or food, you can leave a tip—usually around £2-3 per person. Of course, if you’re feeling generous, you can leave £50. Shishengmiao once witnessed a customer leaving over £20 as a tip.

Reminder from Shishengmiao: Even if a restaurant includes a service charge, you can ask to have it removed if the service is poor and unsatisfactory. The process may be a bit awkward or unpleasant, but the restaurant will usually comply.

This reminds Shishengmiao of some Chinese restaurants in London’s Chinatown—they are packed every day, but the staff are extremely rude, even arrogant. But there’s not much you can do: take it or leave it. Before trying them, Shishengmiao didn’t think it could be that bad, but after dining there—wow, it was unbelievable! As a customer, you’d better not bother them; if you ask for anything, they get irritable and might snap at you. What’s more, these restaurants only accept cash, no cards at all!

In reality, most polite British locals leave a tip every time they eat. Some leave the change as a tip, some put aside a small amount separately, and others add a tip when paying by card, which is deducted directly from their account.

A classmate of Shishengmiao once worked in a British restaurant. A foreign customer was so satisfied with his service that he called him over and gave him a separate tip of £10 (or a similar amount)—it was the first time he received a tip not during checkout but as an extra. He was happy but, out of respect for the restaurant owner, asked for permission. The owner said, “The customer is satisfied with your service—keep it.” However, Shishengmiao reminds you: this is not the case everywhere. Some restaurants require all tips to be pooled and distributed later (or not distributed at all)—it depends on the owner.

Ultimately, whether to tip is up to you. For example, when taking a taxi or eating out, you can leave the change as a tip or offer a few pounds voluntarily. It’s perfectly fine not to tip, but there’s a small aspect of British culture to consider: tipping is a sign of politeness and respect, similar to holding the door open for others, queuing voluntarily, or saying “thank you” casually. Still, Shishengmiao recommends leaving a little—for instance, keeping the loose change when you get your bill.