I’ve had several emails and tweets about tipping in London, so I thought I’d put a little post together for you lovely girls on how I usually add or don’t add to my bills…
Tipping in Restaurants
Usually when you dine out gratuity is included in the bill. This is almost always the case with fancy-pants restaurants, so usually you don’t have to worry about it because they have already included between 12-15% to your bill. Pubs and other casual restaurants (i.e. Pizza Express) usually don’t have the service included so in that case add on depending on the service. I know, it can usually be awful, so sometimes its hard to be generous….
Tipping in Taxis
There is no need to tip a taxi driver, unless he is especially nice and helps you with your pram, shopping bags, etc. However, I always just round up the fare to the closest pound. So if the cab is £5.70 I’ll give £6.00. I also generally give a little extra if it’s a long journey, i.e. Heathrow.
Tipping in Salons
Here’s one I get a lot. Ok, so for nail salons, it’s the same as the States. Give a few extra pounds to whoever scrubbed your tootsies and filed your fingers. Same goes for the guy/gal that washes your hair when you’re getting a haircut. Give a couple extra pounds to the poor starving assistant that is usually being verbally assaulted by your stylist. As far as the stylist goes, I usually leave a little extra in an envelope depending on how great my bouncy blow-dry came out.
Have any other tipping troubles? Feel free to comment! Have your own view? Always love those too.
Comments
Anonymoussays
What is the terminology used when you do wish to tip at a pub? I've heard people say something along the lines of “and one for yourself.”
If you wish to tip a barman or barlady, you can offer a small tip, people will sometimes say “have one for yourself.” This tip is usually something small, say half the price of a beer…
I’ve been trying to figure this out – so many different opinions! I’m going to a rather posh salon for the first time on Saturday for a haircut (£75) and don’t know if I should tip 10%, tip £5, or what!
What is the terminology used when you do wish to tip at a pub? I've heard people say something along the lines of “and one for yourself.”
Hi Anon,
If you wish to tip a barman or barlady, you can offer a small tip, people will sometimes say “have one for yourself.” This tip is usually something small, say half the price of a beer…
I’ve been trying to figure this out – so many different opinions! I’m going to a rather posh salon for the first time on Saturday for a haircut (£75) and don’t know if I should tip 10%, tip £5, or what!