?'s About Tipping at Victoria & Alberts

[ZephyrHawk]

Having read through various threads on V&A's in the past, I think I already have the answers to the following questions, but my DH wants to be sure we act with all propriety and so he has requested that I ask the Disboards for confirmation.

1. What's an appropriate tip percentage? 20%? 25%? More? Obviously, you pay what you think you should based on the level of service, but given that the service is always excellent, what's the average cut?

2. Do we tip the two servers separately or do they (as with most restaurants) split their tips?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Usually 15%-18%, or pay what you want.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just one tip per check and they'll attend to the "details" later.
Tipping is a highly personal thing.
Since we know a # of the servers at V&A, we usually wind up tipping a bit more than 20%. That is a pretty good amount of $$, when you consider the cost of the meal can easily exceed $300.

 

[pmiranda]

Usually 15%-18%, or pay what you want.

If you end up with the same type of service you might from...say...your local hometown TS restautrant, then that may be just ok. But at V&A, these servers are the best of best. They've worked hard to get to where they are, and for them, it probably is a bit of a career. Assuming you get the standard V&A service, it will exceptional, and let's be honest thats half the experience. I would err on the 20%-25% side of the scale. However, tip what YOU feel is appropriate after your dining experience has concluded. Above all, go and have a fantastic time. I'm jealous!!!

 

[lonegungirl]

Interesting to see what happens when/if the DDE starts adding the 18% automatic gratuity--but probably most people going there will add on anyway.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They've worked hard to get to where they are, and for them, it probably is a bit of a career.

A couple of years ago at the CT we were asking our waitress about her experience. She had over 15 years working at WDW and previously was working at Yachtsman's Steakhouse.

She said her manager called her into his office as the shift was beginning one day, asked her to sit down, and then said something like: "I have been asked to see if you would accept the position of a server at Victoria and Albert's."

She said the manager must have known the effect of that question to have her sit down first. She was definitely shocked (and very happy) at the offer. She said that applications to work at V&A are not accepted, invitations are given.

 

[i3utterfli82]

I almost think 15% at V&A would be insulting, as least for me it would be.

 

[waltskids]

We tipped around 25%- it was incredible service in every way!!

 

[icunurse]

I would plan on at least 20%....you will find when you get there that you will want to tip as much as you can afford. Plan on it....the service was like nothing we had ever experienced. You have a waiter (in tuxedo) and a waitress (in a long dress) per table. They do not hover, but are constantly taking care of you. When I used the restroom, the waitor escorted me, and when I came out, he was waiting to walk me back, put the napkin back on my lap, and pushed my chair in. The food, experience, everything was incredible. I planned the meal for our anniversary, and had to talk my dh into spending that amount of money on one meal. It was worth every penny for the beautiful memories. Two more things, your dh is not required to wear a tie as long as he has a sportcoat, but my dh wished he had worn a tie. Also, we were able to tour the kitchen after our meal, we just asked.

 

[AllyBri]

I would plan on at least 20%....you will find when you get there that you will want to tip as much as you can afford. Plan on it....the service was like nothing we had ever experienced. You have a waiter (in tuxedo) and a waitress (in a long dress) per table. They do not hover, but are constantly taking care of you. When I used the restroom, the waitor escorted me, and when I came out, he was waiting to walk me back,

As many times as we have eaten at V & A.....Albert has never escorted me to and from the restroom.
Believe me, I'm not complaining.

 

[jiminy14]

We celebrated our DD's graduation from college at V & A. Told her she could have dinner anywhere and that's what she chose. The food was delicious and the service outstanding. We had three servers, two men and a woman. We ended up tipping about 30% because they deserved it. We never had to ask for anything. We also received a tour of the kitchen from the maitre d'. It was so much fun to have the young chefs and line cooks come up and ask us if we enjoyed our meal.