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Tipping in London is polite but optional. If there's no service charge on the bill, VisitBritain says 10–15% is well received at restaurants; if an optional service charge has been added, you don't need to tip on top. Round taxi fares up to the nearest pound, and give hotel porters about £2.
How much to tip in London
| Where | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants (no service charge on the bill) | 10–15% if you're happy with the service |
| Restaurants (optional service charge added) | Nothing more — the charge is optional, and you can ask for it to be removed |
| Taxis | Round up to the nearest pound; 10–15% is a nice gesture |
| Hotel porters | About £2 |
| Hotel room service | At your discretion |
| If in doubt | Around 10% |
These are VisitBritain's guidelines. Hungry? Start with our best restaurants in London, pubs or Sunday roasts.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip in London?
It's polite but not expected the way it is in some countries. VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, says it isn't necessary to tip but it's polite to do so if you've had good service. Staff must be paid at least the minimum wage, so tips are a thank-you rather than part of their basic pay.
How much should I tip in a London restaurant?
If there's no service charge on the bill and you're happy with the service, 10 to 15% is well received, according to VisitBritain. Many restaurants add an optional service charge to the bill instead; if they have, you don't need to tip on top.
Is the service charge compulsory in the UK?
No. VisitBritain notes that an optional service charge is sometimes added to the bill and you can choose whether to pay it. If the service wasn't good, you can ask for it to be taken off.
Do waiters actually get the tips and service charges?
They must. Since 1 October 2024 the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 has required employers to pass all tips on to workers without deductions, and its statutory code of practice covers tips, gratuities and service charges.
Do you tip London taxi drivers?
It's normal to round the fare up to the nearest pound, and a 10–15% tip is a nice gesture, according to VisitBritain. Our Oyster and Travelcard calculator also shows TfL's typical black cab fares.
Sources and how current this is
Every fare, rate and norm on this page comes from the official source below and was checked in November 2026. Operators change prices, so check the source before you rely on a number.
- VisitBritain — Useful information — tipping not expected but polite; 10–15% at restaurants without a service charge; optional service charges; taxis; porters about £2; around 10% if in doubt
- GOV.UK — Distributing tips fairly: statutory code of practice — all tips passed to workers without deductions, from 1 October 2024; the code covers tips, gratuities and service charges
Left out because we could not confirm it from an official source: a standard service-charge percentage (none is set by law; the menu or bill shows it).
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