When it comes to tipping, the British, similar to the Americans, are renowned for giving generous tips. Go to the likes of Barcelona, Krakow, Marrakech and Milan and whilst tipping is appreciated, you can get an almost paranoid feeling that the locals are perhaps humouring your generosity.

So what about in London, what is the tipping ‘etiquette’ in one of the world’s most famous cities? Here’s how to tip in London.

Giving tips in bars and pubs in London

It is not generally necessary to tip in bars or pubs in London, although if you have particularly great service in a bar or pub and want to thank the bartender, this is of course up to you. It is more common to offer to buy the bartender a drink in a bar or pub in London rather than leave a monetary tip.

Giving tips to taxi drivers

London cabbies are as synonymous with the capital as red phone boxes and double decker buses! Getting around London in a black cab or private taxi company can be notoriously expensive, it is entirely up to you whether or not you want to tip. It is common for people to say to London cabbies to “keep the change!”

Giving tips in restaurants in London

When you are eating in a restaurant in London it is customary to give approximately 10 – 15% of the bill as a tip. Although many restaurants in the capital now routinely put on a service charge of this amount, so ensure that you check your bill thoroughly to avoid tipping twice!

Giving tips in London hotels

Similar to restaurants in the capital, most hotels in London automatically put on approximately 10 – 12% of the bill as service charge. If this is the case then there is obviously no need to tip, although not all hotels put on the additional service charge, so if you are happy with the service you have received during your stay and want to tip, then be sure to check your bill!