V & A Questions

[jiminy14]

It has been a while since we last ate here and I have a few quick questions. Is there an additional charge for the coffee service and approximately how much is it? How do you go about tipping the sommelier? What do you consider to be an appropriate tip for him/her? When do you actually tip? Is it a separate transaction or is it included in the final bill?
We are celebrating my DDs birthdays and one college graduation so I would like the evening to go as smoothly as possible. I certainly do not want to commit any faux pas on this special occasion. Thanks for your help.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The coffee service is part of the meal.

If you do not take the wine pairings and utilize the assistance of the sommelier to make your selections then you might want to tip. However, the sommelier at V&A, Isreal Perez, is also the maitre'd. Generally if you are looking for wines he will suggest the pairings as they have already been selected (by him) to go with each of the dishes.

 

[jiminy14]

Thanks for the information Cheshire Figment. I will probably just purchase a bottle of wine from their wine list rather than do the pairings. I just wanted to know if I select the wine do I still tip the sommelier for opening and serving it and if so, when?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you select the bottle it will just be brought by either Victoia or Albert.