Tipping in the United Kingdom
Tip 10–12.5% at UK restaurants unless a service charge is already on the bill — that's the one rule that matters. Many restaurants, especially in London, add a discretionary 12.5% service charge automatically, and you can ask for it to be removed if service was poor. Staff earn at least the National Minimum Wage, so tipping elsewhere is modest. Since October 2024, employers must pass all tips and service charges on to workers in full.
Usual: 10–12.5%
Short answer
In the UK, tip 10–12.5% at sit-down restaurants — but only if the bill doesn't already include a "discretionary service charge" (often 12.5%). No tip is expected at pubs or for counter service; round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Open the tip calculator for this countryRestaurants
Check the bill first. If it says "discretionary service charge" or "service included" (usually 10–12.5%), you don't need to add more. If there's no service charge, leave 10–12.5% for good table service; 15% is for exceptional service. Card machines often ask if you'd like to add a tip — make sure you're not tipping twice on top of a service charge. For takeaways and counter service, no tip is expected. Delivery riders appreciate £1–2.
Hotels
Hotel tipping isn't ingrained in the UK. Give a porter £1–2 per bag in upmarket hotels, and leave a few pounds for housekeeping at the end of a longer stay if you like. Concierge tips are rare unless they arrange something notable, when £5–10 is generous. Room service usually includes a service charge.
Taxis & Transport
For London black cabs and other metered taxis, round up to the nearest pound or add about 10%. A pre-booked minicab or airport transfer usually gets £2–5 if the driver helps with luggage. For Uber, Bolt and FreeNow, in-app tipping is optional — not tipping is common.
Tours, spas, cafés & more
Pubs: tipping isn't expected at the bar; offering the bartender a drink ("and one for yourself") is a traditional alternative, often taken as the price of a half. Table-service bars may add a service charge. Cafés: a tip jar for spare change is optional. Hairdressers and barbers: about 10% or round up. Spa treatments: 10% if no service charge. Tour guides: £2–5 per person for a walking tour, more for a full-day trip; free walking tours expect £5–10. Coach drivers on day trips often get £1–2 per person.
Common practice
Check for a service charge before tipping. Without one, 10–12.5% in sit-down restaurants is standard. Pubs and counter service don't expect tips; taxis are rounded up.
Typical examples
A £40 meal with no service charge: leave £4–5. A £80 bill with a 12.5% service charge (£10) already added: no extra tip needed. A £15 black cab: pay £16–17. Two pints at the bar: no tip.
Helpful note
A service charge is discretionary — if service was poor, you can ask for it to be removed. Our calculator's 12.5% preset matches the most common UK service charge.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you tip in UK restaurants?
10–12.5% for good table service if there's no service charge on the bill. If a service charge is included, no extra tip is needed.
Do I have to pay the service charge in the UK?
No. A discretionary service charge is optional; you can ask for it to be removed if you weren't happy with the service.
Do you tip in pubs in the UK?
Usually not when ordering at the bar. Some people offer the bartender a drink instead; table service may come with a service charge.
How much do you tip a taxi in the UK?
Round up to the nearest pound or add about 10% for black cabs; tipping Uber drivers is optional.