Scots diners ‘most likely to leave tips’

Edinburgh folk are, on average, more generous tippers than their Glasgow counterparts. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

SCOTTISH diners have been identified as the most generous tippers in the UK - with Edinburgh residents tipping on average 50 pence more than their Glasgow neighbours, according to new research.

Diners from north of the Border are the most likely to tip when at a restaurant, with 91 per cent leaving a gratuity following a meal, a survey by booking firm Open Table found.

And London residents tend to tip an average of £5.68 - over £1 more than the British average of £4.18.

Edinburgh residents leave an average gratuity of £4.97, a full 55 pence more than their Glasgow counterparts, who tend to tip to the tune of £4.42.

Both Scottish cities had an average tip higher than that of York, Newcastle, Cambridge and Bristol, with Edinburgh the third-highest in the UK behind London and Swansea.

The average tip after a meal works out at around nine per cent of the total bill, while 87 per cent of people surveyed said they would always tip.

The survey asked 2,000 adults based in the UK about their tipping habits, with men less likely to leave a tip than women, with 17 per cent saying they never left a tip, compared to ten per cent of women.

The quality of service was identified as a key factor in tipping, with 76 per cent citing rude waiting staff as a reason not to leave a tip, compared to 61 per cent choosing slow service.

Forgotten items also featured as a reason for not leaving gratuity.

Mike Xenakis, managing director of OpenTable said: “Our new research shows that the UK is a nation of discerning diners.

“Most of us are happy to leave a little extra for the restaurant staff - as long as the service diners receive is of a high level.”

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