How much should I tip

Loobeylou

Having been to the States a few times, and knowing the score with the tipping over there, my husband and I have been on the receiving end of some pretty embarrassing situations from waiting staff.

From a waitress several years ago we had, "do you realise that the tipping norm is 15% in the States?" This was after we had had absolutely atrocious service - the waitress obviously gave us the thumbs down after hearing our accents and assumed we would not tip, so did not bother in the slightest.

Another time we had so over the top attention from the waiter it was unbelievable - the guy would not leave us alone and was a real pest.

Yet another time we plonked ourselves down at a bar and ordered drinks. We decided we wanted something to eat and ordered. However, we then decided we wanted to sit at a table to eat. We were not a popular couple, as it then meant that the bar staff member who had originally served us would not then get our tip at the end of the meal - it would go to the person serving at the table.

It is the ones who remind you of the tipping code that really get up my nose. What happened to tipping being a small thank you for good service? You can soon get through zillions when being coerced into parting with 15-20% of the total bill.