Is tipping at a restaurant polite in United Kingdom?

Optional but appreciated. In the United Kingdom, tipping at a restaurant is considered polite but not mandatory, as service charges are often included in the bill. A tip of 10-15% is customary for good service, though many locals simply round up the bill or leave small change. It is important to check the bill first, as some establishments add a discretionary service charge that can be removed if service was poor.

Leave 10-12.5% for good service, but always check if a service charge is already included before adding extra.

In London and other major cities, tipping is more common and expected in higher-end restaurants, while in rural areas or pubs, tipping is less frequent and often just rounding up.