I am arriving in London tomorrow morning?

Question

Any suggestions? I will be there for 3 days. Also do you tip in reasturants? Any other major cultural differences I should be aware of? I'm American.

Answer 1

Definitely tip in restaurants, about 10% to 15%, like you would in the states.

If you get food in a pub, pick your table first and note the number on the table. If there are no table numbers, sometimes they will give you a wooden spoon with the number on it. Use that number when placing your order (you have to go up to the bar to tell them what you want; they only come to your table when they bring you your order). There is no need to tip a bartender when buying a drink. You can offer "And one for yourself?" if they have been serving you quite regularly all night. To sum up, pick a table, look at the menu, go up to bar, state table number and place order. Pay for your meal at that time. Get receipt and sit down.

Do NOT hold up two fingers backwards (like the peace sign, but with your palm facing inwards) if ordering two drinks and want to make sure that they have heard you. That is the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger and most likely will be met with the evil eye.

You have to be 18 to drink in England.

Have fun!!!!

Answer 2

Yes, it is usual to tip in restaurants - unless the menu/bill states that a service charge is included. In that case, the service charge should be considered the tip! Go to the Tower of London. I love it there - a real bit of history. There's also St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace (but not sure if it's open to the public at this time of year) and of course SHOPS! Harrods - expensive but nice. Londoners are used to Americans so I can't think of any real cultural differences. Remember we queue (line), ask for the bill (check) and the elevator is the lift - but they'll understand you if you forget. Well you Americans understood me when I lived in New York so I guess it works both ways! Have a lovely time - and be prepared for rain, but hope you don't get it.

Answer 3

Tipping in restaurants - first check to see if there is a service charge if not, ten percent is considered a good tip in London. Do not tip in 'pubs' unless there is waiter service (unusual) and do not buy the staff drinks. You pay as you drink - no tabs. If service in a restaurant is bad you are entitled to deduct the service charge and make a complaint.............. have a great time and happy Christmas............ (the best means of travel is to buy an Oyster Card which is about £6.50 and gives you unlimited travel on the Underground and buses - you can download the underground map by going to London Transport on Google).....