How much to tip at a restaurant in the United Kingdom (2026 Guide)
10–12.5% — check bill first; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge
10–12.5% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Sit-down restaurants in the UK commonly add a "discretionary service charge" of 12.5% to the bill, especially in London. If a service charge is on the bill, no additional tip is needed; if there is not one, 10% is the standard. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, in force since 1 October 2024, requires employers to pass 100% of tips (cash or card) to staff, so card tipping is no longer a loss to the worker. Service charges are legally optional — you can ask for them to be removed if service was poor.
Common mistakes
Tipping 10% on top of an already-added 12.5% service charge. Always scan the bill before adding extra.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the discretionary service charge?
Yes — it is optional by law, and reputable restaurants will remove it on request.
Do I still need to tip if there is a service charge?
No additional tip is required, though some diners add a small extra in cash for exceptional service.
Does the staff actually get the service charge?
Since October 2024, yes — UK law requires 100% to go to staff.
Tipping other services in the United Kingdom
- Counter / takeaway£0 — not customary; round-up or tip jar appreciated
- Café£0 — round up or drop change in tip jar
- Bar£0 — or offer "one for yourself" (~£1)
- Housekeeping£2–5 per night for mid- to high-end stays
- Porter£1–2 per bag
- Concierge£5–20 if they secure something hard to get
- TaxiRound up to nearest £ or ~10%
- RideshareOptional — £1–2 or ~10% via app
- Food delivery£1–3 or ~10% via app
- Grocery delivery£0 for supermarkets (Tesco/Sainsbury's policy bars it); £1–2 for app couriers
- Hairdresser10% standard
- Spa0–10%; many high-end spas add service charge
- Tour guide10–15% of tour cost, or £5–10 per person for free walking tours
- Tattoo artist£0 — not customary; 10–20% if you do tip
- Valet£2–5 on return of vehicle
- Airport baggage£1–2 per bag (porter service is rare at UK airports)
- Busker£1–5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers£20–50 per mover for a good job
- Tradesperson£0 — not customary; tea and biscuits preferred
Tipping at a restaurant in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: visitlondon.com, acas.org.uk, starlingbank.com