Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary: What’s the etiquette of tipping takeaway delivery drivers?

iStock 
issue 12 March 2022

Q. Rory Sutherland recently wrote about high-end takeaways (Wiki Man, 19 February). In the last London lockdown, I was fortunate to use the Supper app to try a number of gourmet takeaways from places such as Nobu, Coya Mayfair and Park Chinois, spending up to £100 per head. What surprised me, given that someone had driven halfway across town at speed to deliver the food, was that no service charge was added. I considered this far greater service and effort than one receives in a restaurant, but my fellow diners were aghast when I insisted on giving 10-20 per cent as a tip to the driver. What is the correct protocol here, Mary?

– S.F., Chesterfield

A. A tip on top of what has been factored into your bill as payment to the delivery driver is entirely voluntary.

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