In most parts of the world, the customary way of tipping the bartender is by leaving money or handing in a few bills after paying for your drinks. But this is not the same in a British bar. In the UK, if you want to show your appreciation for the great service that the bartender or the bar staff gave you, the proper way of showing it is by offering to buy him or her a drink.

You see, the British can be pretty queasy about most things that involve handling money. It is even considered vulgar to talk about money in the UK. And though the bartender works to serve you your pints, he or she is more often than not held to be a respected citisen amongst the local community. Handing the bartender some cash for good service is actually frowned upon because it is seen as putting him or her in a position of inferiority.

Instead of giving cash as tips, the correct way of saying “thank you” to the bartender for a service nicely rendered is to ask the bartender if you can buy him or her a drink. Take note that it should be worded as a question rather than as a command or an order. The point here is that you are supposed to treat the bartender as your equal, not as your servant. Phrasing it as an order in a show of generosity is also looked down upon.

When you ask the bartender, “And will you have a drink for yourself?” the bartender has the option to accept or refuse it. When he or she does accept it, the bartender would respond by saying thank you and by informing you that he or she will have a half-pint or whichever of one of their inexpensive brews and add the price of it to your total bill. You then hand over your payment and get your drinks.

Asking the bartender to have a drink is just like sharing a drink with him or her. It may not be physically possible for the bartender to share that drink with you in actuality when the bar is busy. But later on, when everything has settled down, the bartender will get that drink you bought for him or her, and then raise the glass in your direction with a nod and a smile.