Do you usually Tip on top of the bill when you eat out?

[LunarLass]

Hi everyone,
Just curious, how many of you usually leave a tip when you eat out?
I generally don't, but the other day, we went out with some friends who always tip. This time, I stuck to paying just for what we ordered—no tip—and you should've seen the looks on our friends' faces! Our bill came to £55, so it wasn't exactly cheap, to be honest. The meal was lovely, no complaints there; it's just that I don't usually tip out of principle, since they're getting paid for their job like anyone else

If table service I normally round up. Lots of places are now over 10% service charge. I don’t tip etc.
Also the tip should go to everyone not just the server. The staff in the kitchen work really hard for minimum wage too( Unless head chef)

I always tip unless the service has been particularly awful or if they have automatically calculated a service fee. Which I consider to be BS to be honest as then it's just a price hike and undermines the whole point of a gratuitous payment.

My dh always makes a big deal of asking the wait staff if they personally will receive the tip. He won't tip if it goes directly to management, and I agree with him.

but thats not the case in the UK. The minimum wage for someone over 21 is £11.44.

Unless there is a service charge already included in the bill when it comes, or unless the service has been awful ( when I would already have complained) - Yes I always tip.

And @YellowComb - I live in Scotland and was brought up to tip.

However suggesting that a waitressing minimum wage job is the same as a supermarket job is ridiculous. They do much of the same role (carrying/restocking/standing) BUT they also have to know all the allergens of the food, give recommendations

Know all the allergens? Tell you to scan the QR code in the menu and check the allergen list online more likely.

Also, tipping creates inequality. Good service should be rendered regardless of tip, and with tipping, the small-tippers or people who are deemed less worthy so to speak are often then provided sub-par service! Whether someone orders a £5 meal or a £60 one, the service should be the same!

I was going to say this - absolutely does no waiting staff know the allergens of by heart and claiming to do so would be endangering to customers in case of error. They all use QR code or printed out paperwork provided by the restaurant.

Never. Unless is exceptional service. Tipping culture is toxic and American.

I always tip unless service charge is included. I just think it looks so cheap not to. You will also be remembered if this is a place you regularly go to.

Unless they have added 12% service charge on top of course I tip for seated service meals!
I’ve done waitressing, and so I know that tip counts.

@LunarLass I always tip unless service charge is already added (visible on bill) unless the service is bad. Even if there is a food issue, still tip the server if they handle it appropriately/give good service.

What if the customer is also working for minimum wage? Are they supposed to tip too?

To answer the op, I might leave a pound or 2 if the service has been especially good. But don't agree with tipping as a general rule no.

Alright Mr Pink?

So arrogant. By the same token, if you rely on tips then you need to get a job that earns more. I don't find waiting staff in the UK do a particularly good job. Not all but some of them are really in the wrong business altogether. The expectation of tips when other service employees do not get and do not expect them is bizarre.

An example of deserving waiting staff would be hotel breakfast servers; they are really busy but quick and deft in the main. They don't get tipped. Call in at lunchtime/dinnertime and the waiting staff are less efficient (generally) but expect tipping for doing the job.

I see the usual "if I can't tip I would eat out less" nonsense has been trotted out. Ask the establishments concerned whether they think patrons should do that... they're going out of business every day.

I live in Glasgow and I barely know anyone who doesn't tip- one friend in my group doesn't and it's very noticeable- we tipbar staff, hairdressers, delivery drivers etc as well as waiting staff. I do think tipping has cut down a bit though with most people not having cash on them.

... and they will do what exactly? Perform their jobs badly? Spit in the food? Be rude and obnoxious? You're really not helping their cause.

I give really good tips to the people who perform services for me - waxing, nails, hair, PT, it means a lot to them and they deserve it. I don't 'pull faces' at people who don't tip them and think that face-pullers are just odd-bods generally.

I went to the barbers last week, cost £8 and I gave them a tenner, they were well happy.
Food if paying cash yes, if card no because it feels awkward...

AND they have to look after their customers for, sometimes, hours on end.
I don't usually tip if I'm getting a coffee at a counter, but I always tip at least 10% if my table has been well looked after for the whole time I've been in the cafe/restaurant/bar.
I get why people make the argument about minimum wage-earning retail staff etc. but retail staff aren't running around looking after their patrons for an hour or two or three.

I disagree with tipping on principle, especially considering its very dubious history, but it has made its way to the UK/Ireland.
It should never be necessary for staff to make up wages with tips, but so long as employers are above-board and paying at least minimum wage, it's considered a perk of the job.

I agree. Once the new law comes in at least there's clarity. I suspect that a lot of those who think they are tipping their waiter are actually lining the pockets of the restaurant owner.

Always.

Always.

Yup now they add it I give nothing more.

Always tip, assuming everything is ok. If you can afford to eat out you can afford to tip.

This.