Tipping in the UK
If you are American, dial it down. UK tipping is real but light, and a service charge is often already on the bill. This page is the UK exception to the US custom on the rest of the site.
Last checked September 2026
In the UK, tip about 10 to 15% at a sit-down restaurant, and only if a service charge is not already added. You do not tip when buying drinks at a pub bar. Taxis get rounded up. Most other services expect little or nothing. There is no 20% default like in the States.
Restaurants
Check the bill first. Many UK restaurants add a discretionary service charge of 12.5%, and that is the tip. It is discretionary by law, so you can ask for it to be removed if service was poor. If there is no service charge, 10 to 15% is generous.
- Restaurant: 10 to 15%, or nothing extra if service is already charged.
- Pub, ordering at the bar: no tip. You can offer to buy the bartender a drink.
- Taxi or private hire: round up to the nearest pound or two.
- Hotel housekeeping and porters: a pound or two, not expected.
- Cafes and takeaway: a tip jar is optional, coins at most.
The pub rule
When you order and pay at the bar, you do not tip. If you want to be friendly to a bartender who looked after you, the tradition is to offer to buy them a drink rather than leave cash.
Service charge, not gratuity
The UK phrase is usually service charge. It works like the American auto gratuity: printed on the bill, meant as the tip, and something you should not double up on. For the general distinction, see tip vs gratuity.
Why this page exists
The rest of this site is built on US custom, where 15 to 20% is standard. The UK is the clearest example of how different that is from the rest of the world. If you are traveling elsewhere, treat the American numbers as the US answer and follow local practice. Our tipping etiquette guide covers the US side.
This is general guidance for travelers, not a rule. Norms vary across the UK and change over time.