Tipping in the UK: Tips, Temptation, or Totally Avoided?
Ever wondered what the Brits actually do when they finish a meal? In England, unlike a streak of American restaurants, you’re not sitting there with a tip jar at the back of the counter. No hard‑wired etiquette there, and that’s why it can feel a bit like playing a guessing game when you’re out with friends.
Dojo’s Study – The Honesty Check
According to a fresh look by card payment giant Dojo, a whole 3% of Brits aren’t even willing to try the standard American tip style. That’s the kind of 20‑25% that many Americans think of chopping off of the bill. But the rest of the nation? They’re pretty much giving the “tip‑it‑if‑you‑wish” approach a polite, polite, no‑thanks nod.
What’s the Average Challenge?
- Gen Z (18‑24) – These young guns are actually tipping out an average of £18.24 per £100 bill, a clean 20% bump on top of their dining splurges.
- Older Generations – The same group tips noticeably less, proving that experience does not always translate into generosity.
- 24% of respondents said they’d rather skip the tip entirely. Even if the moment’s “hello barista” feels friendly, they’re holding back—likely because the economic pressure is pushing them to tighten their wallets.
Why This Tipping Frown? A Quick Peek
Brits say the cost‑of‑living crisis is making them re‑think every bill. The thought of adding a tip feels like saying “hello” to a new expense after a year of constant price hikes. The result? A quiet rebellion against what feels like an extra “golden coin” that’s not expected.
Bottom Line – Bad Tip, Good Spend?
In short, the UK sits firmly by its own tradition: tipping is optional, and for most people it’s a no‑go. If you’re planning a night out, hand over the cash for the service there, but feel free to carry the extra £20 when you’re rolling out of the restaurant. That keeps the mystery of tipping, and keeps us all fresh to chapter two of the bill.
42% of Brits want to abolish the typical service charge
How Brits Handle Tipping – A Tale of Service Charges and Granny‑School Wisdom
According to a recent study, 42 % of respondents would drop the customary 10‑12.5 % service fee and instead toss a tip that reflects the actual experience they had.
Generation‑by‑Generation Tip Trends
- Gen Z (18‑24 yrs) spend an average of £18.24 per £100 bill, which is sky‑high compared to the national norm.
- Old‑school 65‑plus only chip in about £5.11 per £100 – roughly 5 % of the bill, well below the 10 % floor.
Why the Young Crowd Loves the American Way
Interestingly, 8 % of Gen Z respondents reckon the U.S. tipping style is the way to go. They’re the most enthusiastic supporters of tipping by experience‑based bar‑nations.
Older Folks Ask for a Clean Slate
Meanwhile, 42 % of Brits aged 55‑64 would rather ditch the rigid service charge altogether and decide their tip on a case‑by‑case basis.
Spending Habits in 12 Months
The data also revealed that 67 % of 18‑24‑year‑olds have been splurging more at bars and restaurants over the past year, compared to just 47 % of the 45‑54 cohort who’ve been tightening their wallets.
Insights From Dojo
“Gen‑Z are the biggest champions of the American tipping culture,” says a Dojo spokesperson. “They’re pushing for a tipping system that’s more personal than the current regulations.”
“While the U.S. style is slowly creeping into British hospitality, people’re doing it by choice, not law,” the spokesperson adds.
Only 3 % of those surveyed feel a flat 20‑25 % tip for every service should be standard. In contrast, 42 % prefer not to pay a standing service fee and would like to tailor their tip to the level of service received.
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