[beaversmom]

I don't know how tipping waiters and waitresses in England works, but I know when my cousin came over to the U.S.A. with his wife for a trip to Florida, he was very surprised at all the tipping that was expected. In his letter to me telling me about his trip, he had a really hard time understanding the concept.

Here's what he wrote:

That tipping thing we are not used to it, it just seemed wrong to us, but we had to go along with it, is it like that all over the USA?

[Daffynition]

In NYC/Boston, I would never think of *going* out without a wad of small bills for tips. It’s how it is. Less so in smaller cities.

[PLMerite]

I think the gratuity is built into the price or the wages higher.

Also, IIRC from living over there, the English are a bit on the “frugal” side, if you get my drift...

[mkjessup]

Re: Tipping

I was in a restaurant a few years ago, had to be the worst service I had ever experienced and the food was marginal at best, didn't even finish my meal and as the hostess rang up the bill, and said 'what about a tip for the server?' I said "you want a tip?"

"DON'T EAT HERE."

[EDINVA]

Sure they tip, but it’s built into the bill as a gratuity. In the US it’s optional, especially as to the amount.

[agere_contra]

I don't know how tipping waiters and waitresses in England works

In the UK the gratuity is included as a % of the bill. Customers can overpay the bill thus leaving a tip.

[ArrogantBustard]

I found “tipping” to be NOT expected in UK ... and the waitresses were both very pleased, and very attentive on repeat visits.