Tipping in London?

[DisneyHumbug]

DD is in London for 3 weeks and is confused about the protocol there for tipping. She was told not to tip the bartenders, they would consider it an insult. Does anyone know the proper etiquette for bartenders, waiters/waitresses? hotel housekeepers? Thanks for your help!!

 

[VSL]

I've never heard of anyone tipping bartenders here in the UK. They'd probably be confused more than anything and wouldn't be allowed to take it.

I don't even think about leaving a tip for hotel housekeeping in the UK...

The most tipped people are probably waiters/waitresses and taxi drivers. There's no percentage rule here (10% of a sit-down meal in sterling can be a lot of money), and it's generally a 'keep the change' thing. Tipping is not expected or 'required' as it is in the US (no one in the UK gets taxed on tips), and people are far more inclined to tip only when service has been unexpectedly good, or when there was a large group of people out dining together.

There really is no etiquette for tipping as there is in the US. Our tipping cultures are very different.

 

[emily1982]

I've posted on your other thread on the uk board, but also we have a minimum wage over here for staff, so people know how much they are being paid so don't give them extra normally.

 

[yo-ho-yo-ho]

Tipping is ok in Bars, i do it. I'd agree with waiters/waitresses and taxi drivers and around 10% or for taxi's a few pounds extra.

 

[supercarrie]

Personally, I never tip in pubs. Some bars have started to give you your change on silver trays in the hopes you will leave some, but I don't think I ever have and its not expected at all. Sit-down meals - usually around 10-12%. She may notice some restaurants have little "tip pots" similar to what US restaurants have if you order at the counter and have your meal delivered to your table - for those I generally throw in any extra change. Taxis - keep the change, unless the driver was a huge help, and then I give a bit more.