🍽️ There's no legally required tip in the UK — this is simply a convenient way to split a bill and work out a fair tip.
How Much Should You Tip in the UK?
Setting
Typical Tip
Sit-down restaurant
10–15%
Cafe / casual dining
Round up, or 5–10%
Pub (table service)
Optional, small amount
Takeaway / delivery
Optional, £1–£3 or round up
Taxi / rideshare
Round up, or 10%
Unlike the US, tipping in the UK is discretionary rather than expected as a wage top-up — but it's still a nice way to reward good service, and increasingly common in sit-down restaurants.
Check for an Existing Service Charge
Many restaurants automatically add a "discretionary service charge" of around 10–12.5% to the bill. If this is already there, you generally don't need to tip again on top of it — though you're free to add more for exceptional service. Always check your receipt before adding an additional tip.
Where Does Your Tip Actually Go?
Since October 2024, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 requires UK employers to pass on 100% of tips, gratuities and service charges to staff, with no deductions for admin or credit card fees, and a written policy on how tips are shared out. Card tips and cash tips are both covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
It isn't legally required, but it's customary in sit-down restaurants — typically 10–15% for good service. It's less common in pubs, cafes and takeaways.
Many restaurants add an optional service charge (usually 10–12.5%) directly to the bill. If it's already there, you don't need to tip on top unless you want to reward exceptional service — check your receipt first.
Since October 2024, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 requires employers to pass on 100% of tips to staff without deductions, with a written policy on distribution.
Add the tip to the subtotal to get the total bill, then divide by the number of people — this calculator does it automatically.