If you’ve recently moved to London or are visiting for the first time, tipping in the UK might feel unfamiliar, especially if you’re used to customs in the United States, Canada, Japan, or elsewhere. London is one of the most international cities in the world, so visitors often arrive with different expectations and feel unsure about how tipping works.
This Remitly guide aims to remove that uncertainty and help you feel more confident tipping in London. You’ll learn what’s expected in real-world situations, including restaurants, pubs, taxis, hotels, coffee shops, and guided tours. We’ll also explain how service charges work, how card machines prompt for gratuities, and when leaving a cash tip is still appreciated.
Is tipping expected in London?
The short answer is no—tipping isn’t usually expected. A more useful way to think about it is that tipping depends on the service and the situation.
Unlike the US, where tipping is deeply ingrained in the financial structure of the service industry, London operates under different wage laws, cultural norms, and expectations regarding hospitality. You absolutely can tip, and it’s appreciated, but most Londoners only do so when service is good or above average, and when a service charge hasn’t already been added.
Because of this, tipping in London often feels more relaxed and discretionary. For many newcomers, that can be a relief, especially if you’re used to stricter tipping rules or social pressure.
Why tipping is different in London
London is an expensive city and has a high cost of living, so it’s easy to assume tipping works the same way as in places like New York, Toronto, or Los Angeles. In reality, the UK’s approach is shaped by two key factors.
Workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage
In the UK, employers must pay restaurant and bar staff at least the National Minimum Wage, which is £12.21 GBP per hour (roughly $16.30 USD). Because of this, tips aren’t needed to make up workers’ income.
This means customers aren’t expected to subsidize wages through tipping. As a result, tipping is not seen as an obligation, and staff don’t rely on it in the same way they might in the US.
Culturally, tipping is a way to show appreciation
In London, you tip when:
- Someone offers thoughtful or attentive service
- You want to say thank you
- There’s no automatic service charge
- Someone goes above and beyond
You don’t tip simply because an interaction took place.
Understanding service charges
Many restaurants, especially in central London, add a discretionary 12.5% service charge to your bill. If it’s included, you don’t need to tip extra.
That said, leaving a little more for exceptional service is always optional and appreciated. If the service didn’t meet your expectations, you can politely ask for the charge to be removed. This is common and not considered rude.
Tipping in restaurants and cafés
Restaurants are often where tipping questions come up most, whether you’re grabbing a traditional fish and chips or celebrating with a fine-dining meal. Across London, tipping habits are fairly consistent, no matter where you live or which part of London you’re exploring.
When there’s a service charge
If a 12.5% service charge appears on your bill, that’s your tip. Many restaurants do this to ensure fairness among staff and remove guesswork for guests.
Of course, you’re free to add more for outstanding service, but there’s no expectation to do so. If the service didn’t meet your expectations, you can politely ask for the charge to be removed.
When there’s no service charge
If the restaurant does not add a service charge, leaving 10-15% is thoughtful and appreciated for good service. This isn’t a strict rule, but it’s a helpful guideline.
For example, you might leave £4–£6 on a £40 meal or £12–£18 on a £120 family dinner. Ultimately, the right amount is whatever feels comfortable to you.
Card vs. cash tips
London restaurants commonly bring a card machine to your table, and most machines will prompt you to add a tip before you enter your PIN or tap to pay.
If you prefer, you can leave cash instead. Cash tips sometimes reach staff members more directly, and both coins and banknotes are welcome. A few coins are appropriate for a quick lunch or a casual meal, while a £5 note is typical for a sit-down dinner when no service charge is included.
Cafés, coffee shops, and casual eateries
London’s café culture is huge, from large chains like Pret A Manger to local neighborhood spots. Tipping in these places is entirely optional.
If you order at the counter in a café or bakery, leaving spare change in a tip jar is a nice gesture. If your coffee costs £3.50 and you hand over £4, leaving the extra 50p is thoughtful, but keeping the change is just as normal. Either option is completely acceptable.
Tipping in pubs and bars
Pubs are a central part of daily life in London, but tipping here works very differently than it does in restaurants.
No tips for ordering at the bar
In most London pubs, you order and pay at the bar. Because of this setup, tipping isn’t standard, even if the pub is busy and the bartender is working quickly. Locals rarely leave tips in pubs, so you won’t stand out if you don’t either.
Table service in gastropubs
Some pubs, especially gastropubs that serve full meals, offer table service. In these cases, a service charge may be added to your bill. If there’s no service charge and the service was good, leaving around 10% is appreciated, but still optional.
The phrase “and one for yourself”
You might hear the expression “and one for yourself.” This is a classic British way of tipping a bartender after especially friendly or attentive service. When you say this, the bartender usually adds the cost of a drink to your bill.
For example, if your total is £18, and you use this phrase, the final charge might be closer to £21. While this custom is less common today, it’s still understood, especially in more traditional pubs.
Tipping for taxis and ride-sharing
Getting around London involves many transport options, and each one approaches tipping a little differently.
Black cabs
Black cab drivers, licensed by Transport for London (TfL), are known for their expert knowledge of the city’s roads. Although tipping isn’t required, rounding up your fare is a common way to show appreciation.
For example, if your fare is £13.40, you might pay £14 and tell the driver to keep the change. If a driver offers to help with heavy luggage or goes out of their way to assist you, some passengers tip a bit more, often around 10% or a few extra pounds, but this is always optional.
Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow)
Tipping for ride-sharing apps, including Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow, is simple. After your trip ends, the app usually prompts you to add a tip. A few pounds is considered generous for a smooth, pleasant journey, especially if the driver arrives quickly, keeps the car clean, or is particularly helpful or friendly.
Tipping in hotels
Hotels in London range from small boutique stays to large luxury properties, and tipping customs can vary slightly depending on the level of service provided.
Porters and bellhops
When someone helps carry your bags or brings them to your room, many guests give £1–£2 per bag. This is a friendly way to show appreciation for a helpful service, especially in larger hotels.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping staff work behind the scenes to keep rooms clean and comfortable. Leaving a few pounds, usually £1–£2 per night, is a thoughtful gesture. You can leave it in a clearly labeled envelope or on a note saying thank you. Some guests prefer to leave the tip at the end of their stay, while others leave a small amount each day. Both approaches are perfectly acceptable.
Concierge services
Tipping a concierge depends on the level of help provided. For simple requests, like directions or general advice, tipping isn’t expected. When concierge staff help with more complex requests, such as booking a popular restaurant, arranging theater tickets, or helping with a special occasion, £5–£10 is a kind and respectful way to say thank you.
Tipping tour guides
London offers many kinds of tours, from free walking tours to specialized experiences focused on art, architecture, history, and food. Tipping practices vary slightly depending on the type of tour.
Free walking tours
Many free walking tours operate on a “pay what you think it’s worth” model. Tipping is how guides earn most of their income, and most people give around £5–£10 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Paid tours
For paid tours, tipping isn’t required. However, if your guide creates a memorable experience or shares insightful stories, many visitors choose to leave £5–£10 as a gesture of appreciation.
A simple, stress-free approach to tipping in London
Tipping in London doesn’t need to feel complicated. Once you’re familiar with a few local customs, it becomes much easier to navigate everyday situations with confidence. In most cases, tipping is appreciated rather than expected, and many Londoners only tip when they receive genuinely good service.
In restaurants, it helps to check whether a 12.5% service charge is already included. If it is, there’s no need to add anything extra. When it isn’t, many people choose to leave around 10–15% for a positive dining experience.
In taxis, rounding up the fare is a common way to say thank you, and in pubs, tipping is rare unless the service has been exceptional. Small gestures—like a couple of pounds for hotel staff or a tip after an engaging tour—can also be warmly received.
Above all, tipping in London is about appreciation, not obligation. A kind word, a simple thank you, or a small gesture when someone goes out of their way can make their day, and yours, feel a little brighter.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a service charge and a tip?
A service charge is a set amount added by the restaurant or business, usually around 12.5%, and it appears directly on your bill. A tip is a voluntary amount you choose to give based on your experience.
Do I have to pay the service charge?
If the service charge is listed as discretionary, it’s optional. You can ask politely to have it removed. If it’s listed as non-discretionary, it’s part of the final bill.
Is it rude not to tip in London?
No, people in London generally don’t see it as rude if you don’t tip, especially if a service charge is already included or if the service wasn’t what you expected.
Should I tip in cash or by card?
Either is fine. You can add a tip by card when paying, or give cash directly to the staff member if you prefer.