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Original poster

Miffed at having to tip in bars?

28 replies

HermitageWay · 09/10/2025 15:27

I live in a popular, busy city. Prices seem to be shooting up everywhere lately, a large glass of wine near me is now around £10. Fine, it’s the way things are going, but what’s really annoying me is that bars have started adding service charges to drinks.

A few weeks ago I was out with a friend, ordered a bottle of wine (£40 on the menu), and offered to pay. That’s all we had, no food. When the bill came, it was £44, they’d added a 10% service charge! For literally handing us a bottle of wine. She didn’t even pour it!

Am I being a total moan, or does that feel a bit cheeky to anyone else? For context, I’m in the UK, not the US!

OP posts:
TypeyMcTypeface · 09/10/2025 18:21

I don't like pre-added services charges, full stop. I do usually tip if the service has been good, but I don't want my hand forced.

Original poster
HermitageWay · 09/10/2025 18:39

LasVegass · 09/10/2025 18:11

There should be more emoticons available: shocked, angry, outraged.

I like to tip but I do it for selfish reasons, usually because it makes me feel good in the moment to tip for good service. When it’s imposed I feel I’m taken for a mug. That’s the difference. A ready-made cocktail would be in that category.

I agree re the emotions! I wanted to reply shock to @Gottonsomedraws and @largeprintagathachristie post! Ridiculous, even in London.

@MaxBeth There’s a huge difference between someone serving you a full three-course meal with drinks and someone just plonking a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table. Yes you order and someone cooks it but you order more, they usually (or should) come back to check how you are getting on, you may order a dessert, you’re probably having more drinks with food etc - at the very least, consider the time and attention. The waitress spent about two minutes with us!

@HeadsWinTailsLose £40 for a bottle of wine nowadays, near me, isn’t that unusual. Even in cheaper/mid-range pubs - average I would say is about £30-35.

@DownThePubWithStevieNicks I am obviously even more of a miserable Scot! I honestly don’t mind tipping… I just didn’t feel it was justified on this occasion.

OP posts:
HeadsWinTailsLose · 09/10/2025 22:34

HermitageWay · 09/10/2025 18:39

I agree re the emotions! I wanted to reply shock to @Gottonsomedraws and @largeprintagathachristie post! Ridiculous, even in London.

@MaxBeth There’s a huge difference between someone serving you a full three-course meal with drinks and someone just plonking a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table. Yes you order and someone cooks it but you order more, they usually (or should) come back to check how you are getting on, you may order a dessert, you’re probably having more drinks with food etc - at the very least, consider the time and attention. The waitress spent about two minutes with us!

@HeadsWinTailsLose £40 for a bottle of wine nowadays, near me, isn’t that unusual. Even in cheaper/mid-range pubs - average I would say is about £30-35.

@DownThePubWithStevieNicks I am obviously even more of a miserable Scot! I honestly don’t mind tipping… I just didn’t feel it was justified on this occasion.

Edited
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So if the bottle had been £44 without any service charge would you have still bought it?

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