How much to tip – especially when service charge is already included – is something that’s a constant bafflement to Brits.
Starting today, service workers in the UK will legally be entitled keep 100 per cent of the money they’ve earned through tips, bringing in an extra £200 million for workers.
But how much is the correct amount to tip? And should you still leave a gratuity if you’ve had mediocre service – or only when it’s exceptional?
Well, according to etiquette bible Debrett’s, many people may be tipping too much.
Another expert, Laura Akano, Etiquette Coach and founder of Polished Manners, warned that tipping is never required in the UK, but is a ‘nice thing to do’.
Here, Femail reveals how much to tip when at the hairdresser, cafe or restaurant.
Restaurants and cafes: 10 – 15 per cent
Many restaurants in the UK, especially in London and other big cities, now include a service charge in the bill – usually of 12.5 per cent.
If this hasn’t been automatically added, according to etiquette experts Debrett’s, the minimum you should offer is 10 per cent.
‘Many restaurants include service, in which case a tip is not necessary other than for exceptional service,’ the guide says.
‘It is traditional to leave 10 per cent, but up to 15 per cent is now commonplace for good service.’
Laura Akano, Etiquette Coach and founder of Polished Manners, told Femail that tipping is never necessary in the UK, but a ‘nice thing to do’.
‘What I’ve observed is that a lot of restaurants will add 12.5 to 15 per cent automatically.
‘Based on that, from an etiquette point of view, I wouldn’t leave an additional tip, unless you’re feeling generous or you had exceptional service.
‘But there is no obligation, in England it’s not mandatory – anywhere you go. It’s okay to take off the service charge.
‘While it’s not mandatory, I would say that if you can’t afford a tip, consider not going out’.
Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, The Hospitality Professionals Association told FEMAIL: ‘While there are no hard and fast rules to tipping, there are some general guidelines that can help.
‘In restaurants, a service charge of around 10 to 15 per cent is often added to the bill.
‘If it’s included, there’s no need to tip on top unless the service was exceptional. However, if no service charge is added, it’s customary to tip a similar amount.
Bars: Round up or £1 to £2
Experts suggested that in cafes you should tip up to 10 per cent
Jane added: ‘In bars, tipping isn’t as common for drink orders alone, but if there’s table service or the bartender has gone above and beyond, a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated.
‘When it comes to cafes and casual dining, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave a small amount, say £1 to £2 or round up to the nearest pound, as these establishments may not always add a service charge.
‘Tipping higher for exceptional service is always appreciated, and conversely, if service was lacking, reducing the tip or not leaving one at all sends a message, though it’s often best to give feedback directly.
‘Whether you tip by cash or card makes little difference these days, though many in the industry appreciate cash tips as, traditionally, they’d go directly to the staff.
‘The new legislation though will negate the need to factor that in – with 100 per cent of tips now going to staff.
‘In terms of location, tipping in larger cities like London might be slightly higher due to the higher costs of living and dining, but the percentage range remains largely the same.
‘Also, in London hotels it’s not unusual to see a percentage added to the whole stay – mainly accommodation. Typically, this is 5 per cent but it’s sometimes higher.
Taxis: Round up or keep the change
‘If you’re paying with cash – might say keep the change or round up to the nearest pound.
Delivery Services: Entirely discretionary
Laura explained that tipping delivery services isn’t necessary, because you ‘often don’t see them’.
‘With delivery drivers, you will often not seem them in person, so it’s entirely up to you,’ she said.
‘With food delivery, it’s recommend about 10 per cent, depending on what your bill is.
‘Some food delivery apps give you the option to tip in the app. But I would never tip before you’ve had the service.’
