How much to tip – especially when service charge is already included – is something that’s a constant source of 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?
Laura Akano, Etiquette Coach and founder of Polished Manners, said 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 (stock image)
Anyone who has visited the US will be aware that you must tip the bartender for serving your drink, but the same practice has not extended to the UK.
Jane Pendlebury of HOSPA said: ‘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.’
Cafes: Round up the bill or leave a few pounds
‘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,’ says Laura Akano.
Ride hailing apps offer the option to tip the driver, making it easy to add an extra pound at the end of your journey.
Food delivery services: 10 per cent
Thanks to the rise of apps such as Deliveroo and JustEat, people are having restaurant food brought to their door regularly.
And that means that the same etiquette applies to tipping.
Even if you’re eating on your sofa, rather than a restaurant, the etiquette is to tip the driver who brought your food on a bike in the same way as you would a waiter.
‘With food delivery, it’s recommend to give about 10 per cent, depending on what your bill is,’ Laura said.
‘Some food delivery apps give you the option to tip in the app. But I would never tip before you’ve had the service.’
Parcel delivery Services: Entirely discretionary
Laura explained that tipping parcel delivery services isn’t necessary.
Many of us are familiar with packages being left in safe places or with a neighbour while we’re not at home, and so a tipping culture hasn’t developed.
‘With delivery drivers, you will often not seem them in person, so it’s entirely up to you,’ she said.
Even if you do sign for a package, there’s no tradition of handing over a few quid at the door.
So although it may seem a little unfair, there’s no need to tip the person who brings your next ASOS or Amazon order, unless you feel it’s particularly deserved.
Hairdressers, nail salons and beauty services: 10 per cent
While people fully expect a service charge in restaurants, tipping for beauty services is a matter of debate.
Some people wouldn’t dream of leaving the salon without giving their manicurist or hairdresser a gratuity, but others don’t feel it’s necessary.
On the basis that it is quite a common practice, experts suggest leaving a tip of 10 per cent of the cost of the service, but only if you’re happy with the outcome.
