Wanna Leave a Tip?

If so, here are a few guidelines:

Eating in a Restaurant:  First, in the UK it is generally considered rude for a server to bring you the bill without you asking for it first.  So, whenever you are finished with your meal or are ready to go, just ask the server to bring you the bill.  Second, you will want to check the bill for a service charge or gratuity.  It is very common in the UK for restaurants to include the tip on the bill, generally at a rate of 12.5%.  It is not considered rude to ask a server if gratuity is included if you are unsure.  Also a very, very nice tip is 12.5-15%.  We are much more likely to tip around 10-12.5%.  (Also, you can look on the menu to see if service will be included.  It generally says so at the bottom.)  Credit card machines are brought to the table here, and your card is run in front of you.  If you wish to leave the tip on your credit card, the machine will prompt you for doing so.  

Eating and Drinking in Pub:  The vast, vast majority of pubs are self-service.  Whether you are eating or drinking, you will place your order at the bar.  If you are only drinking, you can order your drinks at the bar, and then select a table.  It is not customary to tip the bartender.  If you are eating, you will select your table first, and if there is a table number you should make note of it before you order your meal.  Meals are also ordered and paid for at the bar.  The bartender will take note of your table number and a bartender or server will bring you your meal.  It is not customary to tip the bartender nor to leave a tip on the table when you are finished.

Riding in a Taxi: Taxi drivers are not usually tipped here, but they certainly appreciate it.  Jason typically rounds up to the next pound, I often add another pound or two to the total.  It is always appreciated.  

Hotel Staff: We generally tip hotel staff as you would in America.  A couple of pounds for bringing the luggage up, etc.