Tipping and Service Charges in London

Tipping in London restaurants isn't as fixed a system as it is in some countries, but there are general norms worth knowing before the bill arrives, and they differ quite a bit depending on what kind of seafood restaurant you're actually in.

Sit-Down, Table-Service Restaurants

Many sit-down restaurants add a discretionary service charge, usually around 12.5%, directly to the bill. This should be clearly printed on the receipt or menu. It's called discretionary because you can ask for it to be removed if service was genuinely poor, though most people leave it in place.

If a service charge isn't already added, a tip of around 10 to 15% is the general expectation at a sit-down restaurant with table service, more for exceptional service, less or nothing at all if you weren't happy with it. This applies more at our £££ and ££££ tiers than at a casual counter.

Fish and Chip Shops and Quick Service

Fish and chip shops and other quick-service, order-at-the-counter spots are a different situation. Tipping isn't generally expected the way it is at a table-service restaurant, though a lot of places now have a tip jar or a card-machine prompt for a small amount, entirely optional, not something you'll be judged for skipping.

Where the Money Actually Goes

One thing worth checking: some restaurants, particularly larger groups, don't pass 100% of a service charge on to staff. If that matters to you, tipping in cash directly is the more reliable way to make sure it reaches your server, rather than relying on the printed service charge alone.

Ready to book somewhere? Browse our full seafood restaurant directory across London, with booking links where available. Not sure whether you even need to book? See how booking really works across different types of restaurant.