The Art of Tipping

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Tipping is not expected in the UK, as in the States, but it is, of course, much appreciated.

Tip are normally not added to a restaurant bill, but some have begun the practice, especially when you are in a large group of 6 or more. Look carefully. If it is not added, the amount most people leave for good serivce is 10% of the total cost.

If you are in a pub, and you ordering "rounds," it's not uncommon to include any performers on stage by shouting, "get them in." More common is to include the bartender by saying "and one for yourself" after you have finished your order. You are actually inviting them to have a drink on you, but in most cases, they will thank you and take a discretionary amount - anything from 20 pence to 2 pounds, depending on the size of the order. You're not expected to do this every time.

To be honest, I never personally tipped in pubs this way. This routine is for a real pro! Our group, however, did leave nice tips at the end of an evening on several occasions.

A good first impression, even in a bar, is important. And if you want to be welcomed back, get good service, even make a few short term friends, it's best not to treat people like strangers you'll never see again.

It is not necessary to tip cab drivers, but their expenses are high and many do work long and lonely hours. I actually tipped drivers very well. My cab drivers in Scotland were exceptional, and I really appreciated them, especially.

To compensate for any nasty thought that I was just another rich American brat on holiday, I always made it a point to say how much I enjoyed their service and acknowledged their friendly helpfulness.

A Snow Day!

Monday (Day 29): Let it Snow!

Heaviest Snow Recorded in 20 Years.
Class cancelled. Public transit suspended.

My three roommates and I woke up surprised to receive e-mails cancelling class for the morning! After we had gone to bed abandoning the Super Bowl at halftime, it had snowed four to six inches. Back home, such a snowfall might lead to a two hour delay, but in England, this is the most snow they’ve gotten in the past twenty years!Because snow is such a rare occurrence and because many of the roads are so narrow, many go unattended. Tube lines were either closed down or delayed, AND my internship interview with the Camden People’s Theater scheduled for today was cancelled. Despite these set backs, Tuche and I trudged to Piccadilly hoping that at least movie theaters and West End shows were still open. We were so excited to see Che Part 1, but no such luck!At least the Pizza Express across the street remained open, allowing us to go back to South Ken feeling like we’d done something fun! Regardless, it was a great day without classes that gave us a beautiful view of the city in the snow!