“Tipping is not expected in Britain the way it is in the U.S.,” Windsor said. “A tip is considered a bonus, not a right,” she added. One of the main reasons for the difference is that service industry workers are paid differently in the U.K. and the U.S., Windsor and Bryant said.

Tipping in the UK is common but not mandatory, and the etiquette differs significantly from the United States. In 2026, the standard practice at "sit-down" restaurants is to leave a tip of 10% to 12.5% if the service was good. However, many UK restaurants now include a "Discretionary Service Charge" (usually 12.5%) directly on the bill; if you see this, no additional tip is required. Under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, 100% of these tips must legally go to the staff. In pubs, you generally do not tip for drinks at the bar, although a "one for yourself" gesture (costing the price of a drink) is appreciated for exceptional service. For taxis and hairdressers, rounding up to the nearest £5 or £10 is the norm. For 2026 travelers, the "pro-tip" is that tipping is not expected in fast-food outlets, coffee chains, or for "counter service." Unlike the US, service staff in the UK are paid a national minimum wage, so the tip is viewed as a genuine "thank you" rather than a necessary supplement to their base salary.