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Money & Costs Updated April 2026

Tipping in the UK — Full Guide

The UK has its own tipping rules — less than the US, more than Japan. Here's when you should, when you shouldn't, and what's service charge.

InfoUK.org · Independent guide · Not affiliated with any government

Restaurant Tipping

  • Full-service restaurant: 10-15% (unless service charge already added)
  • Service charge already added (check your bill): don't tip extra; optional to remove
  • Café / counter-service: no tip expected; tip jar appreciated but optional
  • Delivery (Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat): optional — £1-3 or round up
  • Fine dining: 12.5-15% standard; tip more for exceptional
💷 Service charge law (2024): Since July 2024, employers must pass 100% of service charges to staff. Previous system allowed employers to keep some — now illegal.

Pubs

  • Drinks at the bar: no tip. Just say "thanks" and "cheers".
  • "And one for yourself": old tradition of buying the bartender a drink — rarely done now
  • Table service food: 10% if service is good
  • Gastropub fine dining: 10-15% on food

Taxis & Ubers

  • Black cabs: round up to the nearest pound OR 10% for longer journeys. £8.50 fare → £10 is normal.
  • Uber/Bolt: optional tip via app (£1-3). Not expected.
  • Minicab: pre-agreed fare; no tip needed.
  • Airport transfer: £2-5 tip if driver helps with luggage.

Hotels & Hairdressers

  • Hotel porter: £1-2 per bag
  • Hotel housekeeping: £2-5 left at end of stay (envelope on nightstand)
  • Concierge: £5-10 for restaurant booking or tickets
  • Hairdresser/barber: 10% or £2-5 for basic cut
  • Spa/massage therapist: 10-15%
  • Tour guide: £5-10 per person for half-day tour
  • Food delivery rider: £1-3 or round up

Tips Distribution Law

As of October 2024, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 requires UK employers to:

  • Pass 100% of tips and service charges to workers
  • Distribute fairly among all workers including bar/kitchen staff
  • Keep records that employees can request
  • No longer allowed to keep any portion for the company

This means tips now genuinely reach the people who served you. Cash tips go directly to staff; card tips go via payroll.

💡 Tipping reality: UK servers earn legal minimum wage (£11.44/hour for 21+ in 2026) — not dependent on tips like in the US. Tipping is appreciated but never obligatory. You will not offend anyone by not tipping at a pub.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you tip at UK restaurants?

10-15% for table service. Many restaurants now add a 12.5% "optional service charge" — you can ask for it to be removed.

Do you tip in UK pubs?

No — not when ordering drinks at the bar. If you're getting table-service food, 10% is fair.

Do you tip Uber drivers in the UK?

Optional — round up to the nearest pound or add £1-2. Not expected but appreciated.

What is service charge in the UK?

A 10-12.5% fee added to restaurant bills, labeled "discretionary" or "optional". You can ask to remove it; by law it should go to staff.