How Much Should You Tip in a UK Restaurant?

The standard amount

At a sit-down restaurant in the UK, 10–12.5% is a common tip for good service at sit-down restaurants, though many people in the UK tip nothing at all — and that is perfectly acceptable. Most people round to a convenient number — on a £47 bill, leaving £52 or £53 is perfectly normal. You don't need to calculate precisely.

If you received exceptional service, 15% is a generous gesture that will genuinely delight your server. If service was poor, leaving nothing is acceptable — unlike in the US, UK servers are paid at least the national minimum wage and tips are a bonus rather than a necessity.

Service charge — check your bill first

Many UK restaurants, particularly in London and other cities, add a service charge of 12.5% automatically to your bill. This is legal and common. Before leaving any additional tip, always check your bill for a "service charge" or "discretionary service charge" line. If it's already there, you've already tipped — leaving more on top is entirely your choice, not an obligation.

You are legally entitled to remove a service charge if you wish. It is described as "discretionary" for a reason. If service was genuinely poor, simply ask the server or manager to remove it.

The 2024 Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act

October 2024 brought a significant change to UK tipping law. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act now makes it illegal for employers to keep any portion of tips or service charges. Previously, some restaurants deducted a percentage for administration or kept tips entirely — this practice is now banned.

Every penny of a tip or service charge must now go directly to the workers who served you. This applies to cash tips, card tips, and service charges added to bills. Workers can request a written record of how tips have been distributed, and employers who breach the law face tribunal claims.

This means that when you tip in a UK restaurant today, you can be confident it reaches the person who actually served you.

Tipping at different venues

At pubs, tipping for drinks ordered at the bar is not expected and rarely done. If you're having a full meal with table service at a pub, the restaurant rules apply — 10% for good service is appropriate.

At cafés and coffee shops, tipping is entirely optional. Most have a tip jar or a card machine with a tip prompt — there is no expectation either way. Leaving your small change or rounding up is a kind gesture but never required.

At hotel restaurants, the same 10–12.5% rule applies. Room service tips are appreciated but not standard — £2–3 for a delivery is generous.

How to tip

When paying by card, most restaurants now have a tip prompt on the card machine. You can add a percentage or a custom amount. When paying cash, leave the tip on the table as you leave — handing it directly to your server is also fine and ensures it reaches them personally.