How much to tip a waiter in United Kingdom?
Many UK restaurants add an optional 12.5% service charge; if it is on the bill, no extra tip is needed.
Tipping a waiter in United Kingdom: the local custom
When dining out in United Kingdom, the guidance for restaurant service is: 10-12.5% (check for service charge). Tip in cash in pound sterling (GBP) where you can, and always check whether a service charge has already been added before you decide.
Example: a £50.00 bill in United Kingdom
If you decide to tip around the local level, use the calculator below in GBP. Remember to check the bill first — a service charge may already be included, in which case an extra tip is optional.
Tip calculator (GBP)
United Kingdom vs the US
In the US, a waiter is typically tipped 18%. In United Kingdom, the custom is 10-12.5% (check for service charge) — so if you are visiting from the US, expect to tip less than you would at home. For the full picture across every venue, see the United Kingdom tipping guide.
- Tipping in United Kingdom — restaurants, taxis, hotels and bars
- How much to tip a waiter — the US standard and calculator
- Compare tipping in all 53 countries
Reviewed 2026-08-10. Customs vary by venue and region; check the bill before tipping.