No need to provide good service - The American Experience Growing up as a child in the UK giving a tip was always optional and a way of showing appreciation for the good or exceptional service received. The amount given, if at all, was discretionary and it was certainly not a way of supplementing the wages of the waiter/waitress. I was told as a child in the US waiters/waitress expect a tip and it can be as high as 20%. In recent years the UK experience of eat out has changed to the American experience of eating out. Initially service charge was added on and you had the option to say no (I am sure a lot like myself felt embarrassed to say please take off the service charge and so paid it begrudgingly) as it said optional at the bottom. Now the bill just says a service change of 10% or 15% will be added to your bill. As a service change is automatically added there really is no incentive to go above and beyond your duty. Notice the two pound coins are not on the plate, showing my disapproval of the mandatory service change.