How much to tip in London

Buckish chums and bonny lasses, come hither! Allow me to lead you on a little jaunt towards the land of manners and custom! Ah, tipping etiquette in London. We need to navigate this maze carefully, folks! Fear not, I've the full skinny on this subject so strap in for some handy information.

How much to tip at restaurants

In the wonderful world of London dining, a tip-worthy service usually demands around 10-15% of your bill. Occasionally, restaurants add a ‘discretionary’ service charge of 12.5% so keep your peepers peeled for that one on the bill. If this isn't the case and you're left to your own devices, consider gifting that 10-15% for a job well done!

How much to tip at coffee shops

Now, onto the sipping scene! Our beloved coffee shops - humming hives of casual meetups, studious contemplation and caffeine-fuelled ideas. Strict tipping isn't usually the done thing here, yet a charm-loaded ‘keep the change’ won’t go amiss for your favourite barista. Some establishments might also feature comely little tip jars near the till if you're feeling a tad generous.

How much to tip at bars

Stroll into the convivial chaos of London’s pubs and bars, and you'll be met with an different tipping landscape. Unlike our American cousins, we Brits don't typically tip for every beverage; lesson one of 'Pub Tipping 101'. However, if your bartender has delivered exceptionally quick service or concocted a particularly cracking cocktail, tipping a pound or two isn't uncommon. Alternatively, an ol’ fashioned ‘one for yourself’ is a novel way of saying cheers.

How much to tip in a taxi

Next stop: taxi rides! While tipping isn't mandatory, it's customary to round up to the nearest pound when paying the fare. This thrifty practice ensures a smooth ride the next time you hail a cab. Exceptional guidance through London's winding roads could prompt a gratuity of 10% or more, but generally, just embracing the 'keep the change’ mantra will do.

Should you tip with card or cash

So, should you part with your hard-earned paper notes or whip out the card to leave a tip? With contactless payments becoming ubiquitous, it’s perfectly acceptable to tip via card. However, a word to the wise, my dear friends: make sure that you explicitly mention you're leaving a tip on your card, as this needs to be entered before the transaction is processed. If you're uncertain, cash is your fail-safe option, ensuring your well-earned gratuity goes straight into the hands of your service provider.

There we have it! You’re now fully equipped to traverse London’s tipping terrain. Remember, tipping is a way to appreciate good service, but it's never compulsory. Keep it gracious, keep it classy. With your newfound knowledge, you’re ready to take on London like a pro!