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WhatTheTip

Restaurants · United Kingdom

Do you tip at restaurants in United Kingdom?

Short answer

10–12.5%

10–12.5%, unless service is already on the bill.

Common

Check the bill before adding anything: most mid-range and upmarket restaurants add a discretionary 12.5% service charge. If they haven't, 10–12.5% is the norm for table service. Nothing is expected at a café counter, a takeaway or a chain where you order at the till.

In practice

  • A £60 dinner with no service charge → leave £66–68
  • A £48 bill showing 12.5% service → nothing extra

Tip calculator

10%
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12.5%
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Cash or card?

Card tipping is normal and easy — terminals routinely prompt. Since the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act came into force in October 2024, employers must pass tips on to staff in full.

Common questions

Do you tip at restaurants in United Kingdom?
10–12.5%, unless service is already on the bill. Check the bill before adding anything: most mid-range and upmarket restaurants add a discretionary 12.5% service charge. If they haven't, 10–12.5% is the norm for table service. Nothing is expected at a café counter, a takeaway or a chain where you order at the till.
How much should you tip at restaurants in United Kingdom?
10–12.5%. 10–12.5%, unless service is already on the bill.
Can you tip by card in United Kingdom?
Card tipping is normal and easy — terminals routinely prompt. Since the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act came into force in October 2024, employers must pass tips on to staff in full.

← Full tipping guide for United Kingdom

Editorial review pending. These figures reflect widely reported norms for United Kingdom and have not yet been checked against cited sources.