Do you tip in restaurants?

krohag92

On the broader question of getting value when eating out — I find independent restaurants give much better value than chains, even before the tipping question comes up. Chains charge more for an inferior product and experience, while independents often have early dining menus or set lunches that are significantly cheaper than the a la carte. With a chain you often feel pressured into the service charge; at a good independent where the staff genuinely care, I'm more inclined to tip without any pressure. The other thing I've noticed is that restaurants that invest in good photography for their menus and social media tend to be more serious about food quality generally — it's become a useful proxy for me when deciding where to go.

Pollycat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81899160#Comment_81899160

On the subject of photography - I wouldn't take one bit of notice about photos of food, either on menus or social media.

I read reviews and the menu.

If there are dishes on there to tempt me, I'd book.

But that's sort-of off-topic.

strawb_shortcake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81899160#Comment_81899160

I'd also disagree, a national chain was in the papers yesterday about their reviews going down the pan. They were quite big with influencers, but they are more about the style and not the substance. I went for a Christmas meal at this chain 2 years ago and was really disappointed.

I think there are a lot of good options for food now from independent businesses, I'm happy to give these a tip, but I don't tip in chains not that I eat in them often now.

krohag92

Agree with those who say independents are better value. At good independents the tipping question is easier too because you can see the staff are invested in the experience. At chains it always feels more like going through the motions.

DBW_0987

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906259#Comment_81906259

Totally agree. Tipping feels genuine at independent restaurants where as at a chain it's just a card reader prompting you to decide on a percentage. The whole dynamic is different when staff actually care which I feel is lost in the chain restaurants these days.

Glad

I do tip in restaurants if the service has been good, probably because both of my children work in the hospitality business and I know that tips are very welcome on minimum wages. However I do appreciate that I can afford to do that and some people can't.

Earlier in the year I bought a new pair of ski boots out in France and the service from the person dealing with me was exceptional, I walked away thinking, if he was a waiter I would definitely have tipped, so popped back in the next day with 10 euros for him.

ch3shirecat4

In this country I dont think its necessary to tip. The responsibility of an employees wage falls upon the employer not the customer. Also, most places put a service charge on automatically these days, so we shouldnt be expected to add to that. I think its cheeky putting the automatic charge on tbh

Pollycat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82021282#Comment_82021282

I don't agree that tipping is anything to do with an employee's wage.

For me, it's about recognising service over and above that expected.

It may depend on whereabouts you live but most places I eat (I tend to choose small, independent places rather than chains) do not automatically add a service charge onto the bill.

The only place that does is upfront about it on the menu and also when they present the bill saying 'you are welcome to remove it if you wish'.

The service charge is what I'd tip anyway (the food and service is always superb) so I'm happy to pay it.

If a restaurant adds a service charge why would you think you are expected to also leave a tip? 🤔

ch3shirecat4

Either way the service charge should not be on there. It should be up to me to give that.

I see it in most places i go to be honest. I do sometimes ask for it to be removed but im often met with questions as to why i want it removing, and them asking me if the service wasnt up to scratch. And i just think, well the service was good, but thats the bare minimum. Thats literally what is expected of you as a server

Pollycat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82021305#Comment_82021305

But restaurants are allowed to add a service charge.

Lobby your MP to have the law changed.

Other than the restaurant I mentioned above (which is an independent family run place), I would ask any restaurant to remove the service charge and tell them I wish to tip in cash if they ask why.

I might not be able to control what happens to a cash tip after I've left the restaurant but I can control how it is paid.

I do the same when paying by credit card. I do not tip on my card, I tip in cash.

As I said up-thread:

"For me, it's about recognising service over and above that expected."