Friday 17 February 2017

How to Tip in London

The most cost-efficient way to enjoy your London holiday is to stay at a place that can offer you the convenience of a home even if you’re far away from your home. There are plenty of holiday apartments in London that can serve as your temporary residence for a rate that is comparatively lower than the cost of an overnight stay at a hotel.

Places like the Presidential Marylebone Mayfair are not only affordable but are comfy as well. Just like a real house, the apartments have their own spacious lounge, kitchen, dining area and bedrooms. They are also conveniently located near restaurant hubs, modern and traditional pubs, shopping centers, and a host of other tourist attractions.

However, before booking a holiday apartments London and heading over to that part of London, it is advisable to research on some rules of etiquette, especially when it involves tipping. The dos and don’ts of tipping in London are so different from what it is dictated by the rules of etiquette in other countries.

Tipping varies from one situation or place to another. If you want to know what those rules on tipping in London are all about, then read on and be enlightened.

Restaurants

Tipping isn’t really customary in many of the eateries in London. However, in restaurants where customers are served by waiters, it is advisable to leave tips between 10 to 15%. Other restaurants will automatically add a service charge to your bill so there is no need to pay extra. On the other hand, a “service not included” written on your bill is a subtle indicator that tipping will be appreciated.

Bars and Pubs

Tipping is customary in cocktail bars in London. Everywhere else, you just have to pay for your order and nothing else. Bartenders in pubs and bars do not really expect you to leave tips. However, if you’ve established a connection with the people working at the bars or pub, it is appropriate to hand them a small amount and say, “and one for yourself.”
  
Taxis

It is not customary to tip taxi drivers. However, it has been a practice to round up the amount you pay and tell the driver to keep the change.

Hotels

Personnel working at five-star hotels are used to receiving tips from their guests. In contrast to that, it is not customary to tip the staff working at budget hotels. However, leaving money at your bedside table for room cleaners will be highly appreciated.




The Top 8 Most Romantic Spots in London

Many of the most romantic places in the world can be found in London. If you are planning to woo the love of your life, take her to the following places in the weekend. You will never regret it.

1. Kynance Mews

Sometimes romance can be experienced in a place where you least expect to find it: in the backstreets of historic and beautiful London. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life is one of London’s most beautiful 19th century mews, the Kynance Mews. You can find this pretty lane beyond a stone archway. It is simply perfect for a romantic afternoon stroll with your partner. With its cobbled roads, old brick walls, flower pots and vines, Kynance Mews looks like a peaceful rustic village straight out of a fairy tale book.

2. Kensington Palace Gardens

Another magical place to go for a romantic walk can be found in the backyard of the royal family. Kensington Palace Gardens is full of beautiful gardens and the best place of all to wander about hand-in-hand is under the lover’s arch in front of the royal residence.

3. Queen Mary’s Garden

Speaking of romantic strolls and royal gardens, another place to take your partner for some quality alone time is the Queen Mary’s Garden. Named in honor of the wife of King George V, you can find this world-famous garden inside the Regent’s Park. What makes the Queen Mary’s Garden special is its large collection of beautiful roses. It has about 12,000 roses. The rich sight and scents of this rose garden can certainly provide a romantic backdrop to any marriage proposal.

4. Primrose Hill

There is nothing more exciting than to have a picnic at a place where you are treated to the panoramic view of the city. The trees are kept low to avoid obscuring the beautiful scenery. One interesting fact to note about Primrose Hill is that it used to be a place where duels were fought.
  
5. St. Pancras Station

End every date with a blissful kiss. One of the most romantic spots to share a kiss is under the statue of an embracing couple at St. Pancras Station.

6. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Visiting St. Paul Cathedral at dusk is perfect for couples who share a love for history and architecture. The sight of this romantic domed structure against a fiery sky at sundown is simply breathtaking. You will surely be amazed by its great vaulted ceilings and the mysterious interiors of the cathedral’s whispering gallery. St. Paul’s Cathedral is an excellent place to whisper sweet nothings into your lover’s ear.

7. Clos Maggiore

The great thing about being a guest at the serviced apartments Covent Garden is your access to many great pubs and fine dining restaurants. Known for its colorful history and many attractions like shopping and dining, Covent Garden is never short of beautiful fancy places to go for a romantic date.

Clos Maggiore is probably one of the most romantic places in Coven Garden to go for dinner. With its wood paneling, fireplace, candles, and fairy light, Clos Maggiore is certainly an epitome of romance.

8. Your Apartment Suite

Nothing beats wooing your partner with a scrumptious meal that you prepared yourself. Cooking provides you the opportunity to impress your significant other with your culinary skills. After all, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach. So, if you don’t feel like going out of your suite that night, head over to your private kitchen to flex your culinary muscles and set up the table with flowers and scented tea candles.

Access to your own private kitchen is one of the greatest perks of staying in a holiday apartment. If you’re planning on a romantic getaway this weekend, book at the Serviced Apartments London for the convenience of having your own fully furnished kitchen during your mini break.