It’s entirely up to you how much you leave as a tip, but many tourism websites suggest leaving about 10% to 15% in the UK.
Where Mae works, a 12.5% service charge is added to the bill.
Jemma Swallow, who used to own a tea shop in London, says 10% “covers most situations, without leaving the customer resentful of being asked for it and the staff for not receiving one”.
Ms Akano agrees that 10% is about right. “Whether people do that or not is a different thing but it’s nice to have a guide.”
Outside the UK, in countries such as the US, tipping can involve paying more than 20%, which is often compulsory even if the service is mediocre.
Mae says she doesn’t tip in the UK because the service is almost always included, but did when she went to the US.
“I did tip every time because the tipping culture is different there. That being said, it was a bit uncomfortable at times.”
In some Asian countries tipping is seen as rude, although the spread of Western-brand hotels is making the practice less of a taboo.
“Penelope”, not her real name, is a kitchen manager and says the level of tip depends on where you’re eating.
If it’s a Hungry Horse, you have certain expectations of what the meal will be like, and will tip accordingly. If you’re dining at the Ivy, however, you’re likely to tip more “to give the impression you’re a big spender”, she says.
“At the end of the day, it’s theatre,” she adds.
