Tip Calculator for London

Tip Calculator for London

In London many restaurants add a discretionary service charge, usually 12.5 percent, directly to the bill. It is optional: you can ask for it to be removed if the service was poor. When there is no service charge, a tip of 10 to 15 percent is normal at table service, while pubs, cafés and takeaways do not expect one.

Facts that change the answer

• Typical service charge in London restaurants: 12.5%, shown on the bill
• VAT (20%) is already included in menu prices
• Since 1 October 2024 employers must pass on all tips and service charges to workers (Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023)
• Currency: pound sterling (GBP)

Worked example for London

A meal for two costs £80.00. A 12.5% service charge adds £10.00, so the bill is £90.00, or £45.00 each. If the restaurant adds no service charge and you choose to leave 10%, the total is £88.00. Set the tip field to 12.5 in the calculator to match the common London service charge.

The main thing to avoid is paying twice. If you see "service charge" or "optional service" on the receipt, the tip has already been added, and the card machine may still ask whether you want to add more.

Because of the 2024 law, money paid as a service charge or tip has to go to staff in full, so tipping by card is no longer worse for workers than leaving cash.

Black cabs are commonly rounded up to the next pound or given about 10 percent. Hotel porters and housekeeping are tipped a few pounds at the guest's discretion. Bar staff in pubs are not normally tipped, though some people offer to buy the bartender a drink.

Sources: GOV.UK: Distributing tips fairly – code of practice. Checked 5 November 2026. For how the maths works, see the Tip Calculator guide.