Giggling Squid reveals wide differential in tips across group
Giggling Squid the Thai restaurant chain has reaveled figures which show a marked contrast in the level of tips left by customers at its different branches throughout the country.
Henley-on-Thames tops the table with an average tip of 9 percent, which is almost 3 times the typical gratuity left by Brighton customers at just 3.2 percent. Brighton’s neighbour, Hove, is one place ahead with an average tip of 4 percent, confirming a distinct regional difference for the south coast.
The full break down in Giggling Squid restaurants is:
• Henley-on-Thames 9.0%
• Tunbridge Wells 6.7%
• Crawley 6.5%
• Reigate 5.7%
• Hove 4.0%
• Brighton 3.2%
Average spend per customer in Brighton at £22 is also lowest across the group, comparing to £30 in Henley, with identical menus.
The Giggling Squid has a group-wide policy of not adding a compulsory service charge to customers’ bills.
Giggling Squid owner, Andy Laurillard, said:
“We leave gratuities to the discretion of the customer which are shared between waiting and kitchen staff and should reflect the customer’s enjoyment of the entire experience.
“Personally I added around 10 percent to the bill when I dine out, but sometimes as high as 15 if the meal has been exceptionally good.”
Compulsory service charges added automatically to bills are also subject to 20 percent VAT, whereas voluntary tips are exempt.
The chain will monitor the regional tipping differences around the country as it embarks on its quest to become the first national Thai chain in Britain with plans to open 70 restaurants.
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