Expert: Willie Wallace - 12/23/2007

Question
aside from the amount, I worry that American tipping customs don't work in
the UK. Example: an American would leave a tip on the restaurant table,
whereas in some European countries it is customary to hand the tip directly to
the waiter.
Eating in a pub presents another unfamiliar situation: in the UK you often
order at the bar and take the food to the table yourself, or it is brought later.  
When and to whom is the tip given?
Thanks very much.  I like traveling in the UK and don't want to offend.

Answer
Hi Bill,

Don't fret too much about this.  The general norm is to leave a 10% tip, although we are more likely to round off, say the cost for a meal is GBP80, then with tip, it would be GBP88, so pay GBP90.  As most people here are inclined to pay that amount of money with a card, they will often pay the tip into the price and the credit card machine will give you the option to enter a gratuity.  If the bill is brought and you are paying cash, just add 10% to your payment, simple.  They will probably bring the bill folded in a little saucer (don't, for goodness sake, ask me why they do that.  Tradition is a funny thing).  You then put the money and the bill back in the saucer and either leave it on the taable, or pass it to the staff as you are leaving.

In general, we do not tip in pubs, whether for a drink or for a meal.  If you want to say thanks to a bar member, offer them a drink.  The likelihood is, they will not be allowed to drink on duty, so they will opt to "take/have it later".  This means they can either have the drink or take the money.  They then don't have the situation that bar and waiting staff have in the States, of having to declare tips as income.  Very few people, here, tip bar staff, so the tax people don't look into whether or not they need to tax them.

If you eat in a pub, you will likely pay when you order, so tipping is more difficult.  They will probably bring the food to the table and when you finish, they will be in no hurry to clear up, treating your plates as just something to be cleared by the barman on their regular glass collection round.  I think if you want to tip them, you will actually have to approach the waiting staff after your meal and give them money.  I might sound a little vague on that, but I think pubs are for drinking in, not eating :o)  Except. perhaps for some nourishing home-made soup and a chunk of bread, or maybe a toasted sandwich.

I hope that helps.

Have a great trip,

Willie Wallace
http://www.celticlegend.co.uk/car