Londoners don’t tip as much as Americans, but more than Asian cultures. Many people say that tipping makes Britons uncomfortable. So that you are comfortable with the rules, here is a quick London tipping guide:
Restaurants
You will find a 15% service charge on many restaurant bills. Obviously, you are not expected to tip on top of this. If the bill does not include service, a 10 – 15% tip is expected. You are not supposed to tip in a pub and that goes for food, too.
Pub
The rule is straightforward : don’t tip in a pub. If you are particularly impressed by a member of staff, offer to get him/her a drink. If the offer is accepted, it is usually half a pint to be drunk later.
Taxis
A 10% tip is appreciated.
Hairdressers
10 – 15% is expected, especially if an assistant washed your hair. If the owner of the salon washed and cut/colored your hair, however, you are not expected to tip.
Doormen
If a hotel or apartment building door attendant helps you with your bags, a £1 tip is appreciated.
Annual Tipping
If you feel that your cleaner or concierge went above the call of duty, feel free to tip this person around Christmas-time. It is not expected but it is always welcome. Two other categories will expect a tip at the end-of-the year, that’s your local rubbish collectors and the milk-man; it varies from one household to another, the range is between £5 and £10.
