Are We Witnessing a New Tipping Phenomenon?
On a recent visit to a relatively new eatery in the Queen’s Park area, I had an interesting experience that led me to wonder about emerging trends in restaurant tipping. The establishment offered a delightful dining adventure, with a creative menu and exceptional service that made the visit memorable. I left satisfied, eager to return, however…
Upon receiving the bill, I noticed it was presented through a QR code that directed me to the Sunday system for online payment. As is common in London, a 12.5% discretionary service charge was automatically included on the bill. I had no qualms about paying it. However, what followed was unexpected—through the app, I was prompted to consider an additional tip specifically for our server, indicating that the included service charge benefits the restaurant rather than the individual staff members. This additional gratuity was suggested to be between 5-10%, on top of the existing 12.5% charge.
This novel approach to tipping raises questions. Could this be the start of a new tipping culture?
London’s Evolving Tipping Culture: A New Perspective?
As a resident of London, I find this discussion quite intriguing. Our city’s dining scene has always been dynamic, and the integration of digital payment systems is pushing us toward new norms. The practice of including discretionary service charges alongside optional tip suggestions via apps certainly reflects a shift towards more transparent and flexible tipping models.
Here are some key considerations about this emerging trend:
However, it’s important for eateries to communicate these practices openly to avoid confusion or feelings of pressure. as London continues to evolve its hospitality standards, balancing technological convenience with genuine customer engagement will be key. It’ll be interesting to see if this hybrid approach becomes the new standard across the capital.