London bars are now double-dipping on tips!
I visited Zetter Townhouse Marylebone for cocktails last night. The atmosphere was nice, the drinks were great, and the service was decent.
However, when the bill arrived, the waiter handed me the card machine and said, “You can add a tip if you’d like.” After reviewing the bill, I noticed a 12.5% service charge was already included.
I asked the waiter what that service charge was for, and he explained that it was shared among all three Zetter Townhouse locations, while any extra tip would go directly to that bar’s staff.
I have no issue with paying a reasonable service charge or tip, but I feel like it should be one or the other!
I completely understand your frustration! It’s becoming more common for places to have both a service charge and then still ask for additional tips, which can feel a bit unfair, especially when it’s not clear where the money is actually going. If the service charge is meant to cover the staff, then it would make sense for that to be the end of it. It’s all about transparency—if people know where their money is going, they’re usually more willing to pay. It’s definitely worth raising this with the management; they might not even realize how it’s coming across to customers.
Insight on Tipping Practices in London Bars
As a London resident, I find this issue quite relevant to many of us who enjoy exploring our vibrant bar scene. The practice of including a service charge alongside the option to tip can sometimes lead to confusion among patrons about where their money is going.
To add some clarity, many establishments now include a service charge to ensure fair compensation for staff, especially given the often low base wages. However, transparency is key. Customers should be clearly informed whether the service charge is pooled or allocated directly to staff, and how additional tips will be used.
For visitors and locals alike, it might be helpful to:
Ultimately, fair and transparent tipping practices benefit both staff and customers, fostering a respectful and enjoyable drinking experience in this city we love.