Country guide
Tip calculator for the United Kingdom
Tipping in the UK is much lower-pressure than in the US. Service workers are paid at least minimum wage, so tips are a thank-you, not a subsidy. 10–12.5% is standard at sit-down restaurants, and many places add it automatically as a service charge.
Per person
£28.13
2 × £28.13 = £56.25
- Bill
- £50.00
- Tip (12.5%)
- £6.25
- Total
- £56.25
Splitting unevenly? If someone had a steak and someone had a salad, an equal split isn't fair. Supasplit handles per-item assignments and proportional tax+tip in the app.
Open in SupasplitWhat's customary
| Service | Customary tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10–12.5% | Often added as "optional service charge" — check the bill. |
| Pub (ordering at bar) | Nothing | You can offer to "get one in" for the bartender. |
| Pub (table service) | 10% | Only if food is served to the table. |
| Taxi / Black cab | Round up | 10% for a long or helpful journey. |
| Uber | Optional | In-app. Not expected. |
| Hair salon | 10% | Or a few pounds to the person who washed your hair. |
| Hotel porter | £1–2 per bag | No tipping housekeeping unless stay is long. |
| Takeaway / delivery | Optional | Small tip for long-distance deliveries in bad weather. |
Should you tip in the UK?
Sometimes. Not at the pub. Not for counter service. Not for a taxi unless you're rounding up. And if the restaurant already added a "discretionary service charge," that is your tip — don't add another one on top unless service was exceptional.
The discretionary line is called discretionary for a reason. If service was bad or the charge feels gouging, you can ask for it to be removed. Most restaurants will remove it without drama.
When it IS expected
- Sit-down restaurants: 10–12.5% is customary. 15% is generous. 20% is a tourist being extremely nice.
- Table service at a gastropub: same as a restaurant.
- Hair/beauty services: 10% if you feel like it, cash preferred.
- Hotel porters and concierges: £1–2 per bag, £5 for a bigger favor.
When it's NOT expected
- Pubs. You don't tip a bartender who pulled you a pint. If you want to be kind, offer them a drink: "and one for yourself."
- Counter service / fast food. The iPad prompt is a US import. Ignore it.
- Taxis. Round up (£18.40 → £20) and you're fine.
- Deliveroo / Uber Eats. In-app tips are optional and rarely expected.
Splitting the bill
UK tipping culture is equal-splitting culture — most groups just divide the total. If orders were uneven, itemise it: Supasplit lets you assign items on the receipt and it distributes the service charge proportionally. Much easier than handing a calculator around the table.
Frequently asked questions
Is the service charge automatic in UK restaurants?
Often yes — especially in London and for groups. It's usually 12.5% and always labelled "discretionary," meaning you can ask to have it removed. You're not obligated to pay both a service charge AND a tip.
Do I tip in a UK pub?
No. Tipping bartenders isn't part of British pub culture. If a bartender's been particularly helpful you can say "and one for yourself" — they'll add the price of a drink to your round and pocket it.
Does the service charge actually go to the staff?
Since July 2024 (Tipping Act), yes — by law, employers must pass on 100% of tips and service charges to staff. Before then, some chains kept a cut. Today it all goes to workers.
How much do I tip a taxi in the UK?
Round up to the next pound or five. For a long journey with help with luggage, 10% is a nice gesture. Not expected for short rides.