🇺🇸Difference between Restaurants in the UK vs USA🇬🇧

[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

*Talking of tipping, if you'd like to tip us, you can do that here:* www.ko-fi.com/joelandlia

[@LIVEINPEACE2023]

In America we would say, speaking of tipping... 😀

[@swimfree-1023]

Servers in the US only make a couple of dollars an hour, they rely on their tips to make their actual money. It's a very bizarre government system that I can't really begin to understand, and I was born and raised (and live!) in the US, in Massachusetts. A 20% tip is the standard when we go out to eat, and we always tip more when the service is excellent :) If you ever make it to MA in the future, let me know and I'll give you some suggestions on local spots so you don't end up queuing everywhere LOL

[@webeeankylosingspindylitis7838]

Hi Joel & Lia! I'm in the US & because I have a low immune system I can't go into to places without a mask & gloves.we do have an Italian drive thru & some places we love we get drive thru or my husband goes inside & brings it to me & we eat in our car.we keep a roll of paper towels in the car & we keep a cooler in the car so we can buy cold stuff without worry.we live in/ around mountains & our town is so small if u blink u missed it.i have to go to Dr's & every 6 weeks get an infusion that last 3 hrs & as a treat we pick somewhere special to eat but as I said now we eat in our car.i never really dress up & if we accidentally go somewhere that is casual but fancy looking we always walk out because I makes us uncomfortable & just doesn't fit our vibe. Because of the covid my sister who was a waitress lost her job.but she has a special talent for the customers & they all love her but here if u want a good tip ur personality is how u get it.they don't get paid very good ,its up to the tips.sadly some places make the waitresses put the tips all together & the boss decides how much each 1 gets.which I think is so unfair.i just found out that even though in the UK they have US food chains th food is not the same.in the UK the food is healthier then here in the US.it is very interesting & I would love a video about that 🙂

[@nishadeanda105]

I miss being over there. I love the nandos over off commercial street

[@denisebranscum8044]

I know people are saying that servers only make a few dollars an hour but that is not true here in California. They get minimum wage ( which is around $10.00 per hour ) plus tips.As for them being too friendly, I love it( maybe because I love talking to people). Some of them have become our friends.

[@kimberlybailey4094]

No it’s cheaper in US to cook at home we just go out a lot. Also if you go to an actual nice restaurant ppl are dressed up but casual places no

[@charleneb5361]

But I will say that it seems that groceries are cheaper in the UK based on some of the prices Lia has mentioned in cooking videos/other videos

[@elcaballeronyc]

In many cities or if you are single it cost roughly the same or more to eat out. Cooking for one also creates a lot of waste

[@Vann-no2qw]

Food, in America, is generally cheaper than in many countries because of how much food we produce a year. In fact, the food market only grows when the population grows here.

[@lindsaycook3712]

We do eat out a lot in the US. I feel like that’s how we show our love, is food in some way. We meet up with friends for lunch/brunch/dinner/drinks etc. It’s a really social thing for the most part.

[@robertgronewold3326]

@@charleneb5361 It depends on where in America you are from. The coasts are more expensive. I'm from Iowa, and you can get a LOT of food fairly cheap due to significantly lower cost of living in the Midwest. It's why I don't go out to eat very often. A $20 meal at a Restaurant is basically three meals I could make for myself at home.

[@kimberlybailey4094]

Also leftovers are why our portions are so big we don’t eat them all in one meal typically

[@deborahgilliland1804]

I rarely eat more than half of my meal and if we are eating at a diner and the meal comes with soup and/or salad I get that to go and along with the leftovers. Great for lunches later in bv the ccx week or another dinner.

[@secretstars]

Right! I can usually turn one meal into 3, which makes it a better value.

[@audiencemember0098]

true. though it depends what you order.

[@flower9973]

Many waitresses ask if the order will be on one check or not before they take the orders. It’s extremely common to split the checks because we often spend time with friends at restaurants

[@BONNIEGRESHAM]

Yes, and generally if there’s an order for the table, whoever ordered it will tell the waiter it’s on their bill.

[@dr.westwood]

The computer systems used in restaurants are programmed for bill splitting.

[@EricT3769]

No, it’s witchcraft! 😂😂

[@heidimarchant5438]

Hand written ones are pretty simple too, it's not hard to do at all. Or you can do it at the till.

[@dal8963]

Its not easy, to give good service to large partys and the computers help alot but only if your able to use them correctly I always tip with that in mind. I dont like when its taken out automatically when in large groups. Probably a American thing to want to have control and freedom to tip how I want.

[@JP-sd3eu]

The computer systems that we enter the food into to go to the kitchen is divided by seat. So at the end you can print by seat, entire table, or combine couples or groups together.

[@mariablumberg4869]

A line to get into a restaurant is a sign that the food is really good. It means it's worth waiting for. 😋

[@dreamdisturber]

My aunt was telling me just last week that they waited over an hour to get into a place during a busy time But they didn’t mind because they knew the food was going to be good.

[@RavenclawStudent123]

I'm too impatient to wait in a queue 😂

[@barchtic]

But sometimes people just don’t know what good food is lol. Happens often I’m dissatisfied after waiting.

[@PNL-DJ-1]

I’d never wait more than 25 minutes to pay someone to feed me. Waiting longer is crazy.

[@TheCrossing2271]

Agree!

[@celiameek]

It warms my heart to the fullest to hear people appreciate the service industry because its so stressful and mentally tasking to meet a new person every fifteen minutes and take care of 20 peoples meals at once. Thank you guys.

[@valc8765]

I'm going to be 100% honest. Went to England for the first time, 2 years ago and loved it, except for the eating out part. I thought it was a nightmare most of the time because of how long it would take for our waiter to come to our table so we could ask for the bill and then how long it would take for them to come back. Not to mention a lot of them seemed grumpy lol

[@diegoyuiop]

For me it was the opposite. I was so annoyed by the waiter constantly chatting, but now, when I visit the US, I'm more used to it and I don't care that much

[@AltCTRLF8]

Don Turco when someone asks me if i’ve ever waited tables, i answer “no i got real jobs...now refill my drink, peasant!”

[@violetgruner707]

European waiters in general have an attitude. They act like they are doing you a favor taking your order.

[@danieltadros3262]

They are grumpy because they have low paying jobs you ninny.

[@Seantiak]

As an American I literally died laughing at the scene of you two saying how the waitress would come and offer the special and the American would say "no I don't want that, I want something else." 😂. Spot ON!!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽..love you both!

[@jocy0808]

Never feel bad about turning down a suggested dish. As someone who has worked as a waitress... often times we are told to recommend a “special” or a specific dish because it is very profitable for the restaurant. Similar to how good waiters/waitresses will ask you if you’d like an appetizer to start or dessert at the end before giving you the bill. Tips are based on the overall cost of the bill, so the more money they can get you to spend the bigger the tip is to be expected.

[@marilynfernandez3279]

The level of service is not only due to tipping. Most companies have customer service standards that they expect their employees to meet and sometimes employees are graded on their service by customers; also I believe there are people that take pride in what they do and provide the best service they can.

[@meganprall8958]

Hi Joel and Lia! I’m from North Carolina, and my husband and I are planning a trip to the UK for my 30th birthday. I’m really curious about the fashion because I really don’t want to stick out as an obvious American. Would you guys do a video on what kinds of thing you’d wear just walking around the city vs going out to a nice restaurant or fashion in the cities vs. the suburbs or smaller villages? I gotta know! ❤️ you guys

[@ralphrogers7257]

Restaurant experiences can vary widely in the US. In rural America, the dining experience seems to be more casual. You find more "coffee shops" than fine dining establishments. Waitresses are more likely to call you "Hon" and they are more casual. Probably, most of your dining experiences in the US are from touristy locations. Hence the longer lines, the more formal and somewhat rushed atmosphere. At the age of 19, I worked in a coffee shop. Yes, I did work for tips but did not do as well as others as my legs were not as nice, I am a male, the only male waitstaff in the restaurant. One night a group of teens were sitting in my area. Teens are notorious for not tipping. I made my job fun whenever possible. The teens were having fun and were ordering with a German accent. I cannot do a German accent, so I replied in a British accent. When I went to turn in the order my assistant manager asked me what I was doing over there. I replied that I was taking their order. He said that I had several tables rolling in the aisles laughing.

[@miguele5077]

one good thing about tipping is the incentive in customer service; whenever I visit Europe I always notice the dip in quality when it came to customer service (no greeting, they never stop to ask us how we're doing, if we need refills, etc.), which wasn't an issue with me, but the tipping definitely adds into that better quality of customer service that we get here, either that or the servers I met hate Americans lol

[@nodakjak]

One thing I've noticed is portion size in the UK vs. the US. I think most restaurants in the UK serve reasonable portions of food, normally good value for your money, while a lot of US restaurants have much larger portions and expect you to take part home with you. I've only once in all my time in London taken food back to the hotel with me, it was from an Indian place that served way too much food for one person to eat in one meal. I only took it back with me because the room had a fridge and a microwave.

[@matts141]

I worked at a Friday’s and we’re actually trained to spew all that information. We’re told to advertise certain memu items into increase sales. And every once in a while a franchise employee will show up “undercover” and if anything goes wrong or you miss steps, you’ll hear about it later.

[@michaelmullard4292]

Absolutely loved this topic! Sometimes people do tip the maitre d’ or host/hostess on entry if they want a really good table, especially in Vegas if they’re seeing a dinner show. Most of the restaurants I went to in London, I ordered up at the bar and they brought me the food.

[@joanfinocchiaro5527]

Yes, swanky places ...patrons tip to get primo table or quicker seating. In older 🎥 they often show that happening and the date the men are with are usually very impressed by it.

[@LovesickbyheartLala]

As someone who has worked as a server/bartender for 8 years in the US this video blew my mind. In almost all restaurants I’ve worked in you have a max time of 5 minutes to reach & greet a table. When it comes to entry tip very rarely but sometimes larger parties will pre tip to ensure its taken care before hand. Some restaurants add an automatic tip to larger parties bills to make sure the server is taken care of. Where I live we only get paid $4.25 an hour due to tips. If we dont make enough tips per hour to make our hourly meet minimum wage than its compensated on our paycheck. Most time due to taxing & tipping I don’t get a paycheck because it balances to $0 after taxes. It is a huge no-no to have phones even present in customers view in the US as a server because we can calculate or spilt bills at our computers so them taking out their phones to calculate bills would have me cringing 😭

[@Becky_Theroux_Gockel]

My husband and I and our two teenage sons stopped by to eat lunch at a restaurant in Norfork. We walked in and the place was empty. We stood there waiting to be seated. The girl came over to us and very rudely said "we're booked". We went down the road to a pub that had a sign with big red letters "American Pizza", we were treated so nicely there.

[@robynweinstein570]

How on earth did I not know this channel existed. I pretty much binge watched you both all day yesterday while organizing closets, drawers and shoes (we just moved). You two are EVERYTHING!! My new favorite channel!!

[@faithlehman]

1) There's a restaurant called BJ's in the US and it's just your standard place with plenty of options that is not a fast food place. They served these desserts called pizzokies and they were amazing! It's a giant cookie cooked in a pizza pan (they have mini sizes too, the regular was too big), and it was topped with ice cream. It's delicious, I highly recommend you try one the next time you're able to visit the US! There was a BJ's close to my college so I would go a lot with my friends. We would go after we had a bonfire on the beach and we're sandy and wearing sweatshirts, shorts, and flip flops, and we'd also go after a formal event and we are all wearing formal dresses and suits, so it really depends on the occasion for the level of dressing up. The difference wouldmake sense why restaurants aren't open as late in the UK then they are in the US. The times I've been to the UK, I've sometimes struggled to find a place that was open when it was only 8pm. I don't normally eat that late, but sometimes it just happens. The earliest that most restaurants will close (unless it's a brunch only place) is 9pm, and they'll usuallybe open until 10,11,12, or sometimes on weekends, 1am (but that's not common). 2) The service is definitely different in the UK when first entering a restaurant. Servers and hosts in the US are trained to always be available and to be as helpful and informative as possible. Unfortunately, a lot of customers are rude and impatient, so any job that has some sort of customer service interaction trains the workers to be extra friendly and that the customer is always right (which they usually aren't). If someone walks into a restaurant, even a busy one, and aren't helped right away, or in a timely manner, they would make a fuss. Unfortunately, people aren't always nice to food service/retail workers in the US. I've had my fair share of customers calling me names or accusing me of things that I didn't do because they aren't happy about our policies or they're trying to get something out of it. 3) I've never heard of tipping before the end of the meal with the check, but it might happen. Sometimes waitors are too over the top for me and way too involved and chatty, but I'm also more introverted so I don't mind being left alone while I eat. Except I do drink a lot of water when eating and sometimes they don't come around fast enough to refill my water, but that's just on me not on the waitors haha. 4) I've only ever experienced a waitor suggesting something for me when I can't decide between two things and ask them which one they think is better, but I don't do that often. The only commenting I've heard is a "that's a good choice" after telling them my order. 5) When it comes to splitting the bill, a lot of places put a limit on it and only allow groups to split it 3 or 4 ways max. Whenever I'm with a big group, we always ask at the very beginning what would be easiest for the waitor to do because their system might work differently than another place's. Sometimes they can put each order on a separate check, sometimes they can split the check by table (if there's a lot of people), and sometimes they aren't able to do it at all. It has become a lot easier with an app called Venmo. Idk if it's a thing in the UK, but it's an app that's connected to your bank account so that you can virtually pay someone money. So what I do when eating out with large groups is we'll put the check all on one card, and then venmo our individual amounts to the card owner. That way it's easier for the waitor to process and all we have to do is split the tax and tip amongst everyone to pay equally. I've never had a waitor split the check for us though, I've always done our own math and tried to make it as easy as possible for our waitor. 6) Usually, when you ask for separate checks at the beginning of the meal when everyone is ordering, the waitor will be able to put in the order separately as they go so that they don't have to remember which items went with which order. Most places all have electronic recording systems too, so they aren't writing down every order in a 20 person group. 7) It's not as common anymore, but we still call it a doggy bag when we get leftovers to bring home from restaurants. US restaurants also have larger portions than I've experienced in the UK, so I think that's why it's more common to bring home leftovers here. Most of the time I don't finish my meal and there's still a lot leftover, so I'll get mine to go.

[@garycamara9955]

Where the hell did you work. This must have been on the east coast!

[@faithlehman]

@@garycamara9955 nope! West coast, best coast all the way

[@garyballard179]

American servers are exhausted at the end of the night, but have a pocketful of cash. Working harder generally gets them more and bigger tips. As a delivery driver, I was making more than the managers with my tips.

[@kellymarie9498]

I agree, the greeting in UK was a bit cold depending on where we went. We didn’t have a wait when down south but had a wait at a small little Italian restaurant in London. We were given a heads up by friends not to tip.

[@garycamara9955]

I would tip anyway!

[@chelseysmith2412]

I’m a waitress in Virginia in America and we do run around a lot, we pretty much are personal assistants. We live off tips I make $3 an hour (2.43 pounds). Honestly the longer you do it the easier it is to remember what people get even with large numbers. I’ve had a table of almost 30 before and remembered what everyone ordered for bill splitting. The only thing that’s sometimes hard for me to remember is who had what drink. I’ve been doing this for 3 years ❤️

[@garycamara9955]

Minimum wage is $8 an hour here. But that just reflects the economy.

[@ThomasGabrielWhite]

I work at Dunkin Donuts and there is a sign on the wall that says, "The customers are always in a rush". Time management and customer satisfaction are the primary goals of a restaurant in America. I've been trained in Culinary Arts and Customer Service, so I know a lot about how restaurants work.

[@ThomasGabrielWhite]

Food safety is also important.

[@bigaspidistra]

The worst thing in UK restaurants is the 'service charge' which despite its name doesn't have to go to the people who serve you at all - it is just another part of the bill going to the management. This is generally optional in theory but can be a bit troublesome to get removed if you want to. It also confuses a lot of people who think it replaces a tip; it shouldn't as this is always at your discretion. Also I can remember the days when it was quite common in the UK to tip the maître d' at a restaurant to get a decent table, unless you liked being by the kitchen door or a drafty window.

[@jakespoon4891]

As an American (Texas) who traveled to London dozens of times for work, I can say that UK restaurants are a bit less customer friendly. However, I do like the fact that in the UK you are not constantly bombarded with "how is your meal" every 3 minutes as they are looking for a generous tip. Having said that, if I walk in a restaurant and am not greeted quickly I leave.

[@ladysmom87]

This was excellent! the one thing I didn't hear you address was the typical portion size, which has a direct influence on leftovers. Many times, people in the US will order something out and one of their criteria will be how well it reheats/ keeps. They will purposely be ordering BOTH their dinner and something to take the next day for lunch. Not ALWAYS, but it's far from uncommon. K-12 teachers are very likely to do this, as lunch breaks are frequently short and often get crowded with other tasks as well.

[@shawna620]

@Rosie ! 40-45 minutes? Lucky! 😆 In high school I teach in, we get 30 minutes for lunch. So yeah, I always order 2 meals, so I have something for the next day.

[@ladysmom87]

Shawna t I’m betting that 45 minutes is at an elementary school where they are fortunate enough to have enough support staff that classroom teachers don’t have playground duty. 30 minutes is the norm in secondary here as well.

[@teknekon]

Love the topic! Really appreciate it. Delivery is nice but I miss going to restaurants. Ours haven't all reopened yet. And I really miss eating out in London! Love seeing you guys back doing videos. Thanks! L&C 👍♥️😘🇬🇧

[@garycamara9955]

Our restaurants are open, but then most didn't shut down for covid. We just added outdoor dining.

[@mimimc4723]

I tip the ones that leave me alone the most. 😂

[@elenikominos7404]

😂😂😂Me too!

[@joeundercoffer2567]

Agreed lol! 😂

[@heddystgeorge3756]

They always seem to ask how everything is when you have a mouthful of food

[@emilywinslett8284]

Same.... but also I under tip the ones who show up only when I've just taken a bite because like once or twice its an accident, but everytime its clearly on purpose so i can't ask for anything lol

[@garyzhang6662]

@@emilywinslett8284 on purpose but it's required. restaurants hire secret shoppers to grade servers. you're referring to the 2 bites or 2-minute check-back rule. they get dinged if they dont

[@eddie_d1233]

I went to a pub in London and sat at a table then realized I had to go to the bar to order food and pick up the food, but at an Italian restaurant they greeted at the door and were very friendly during the entire meal.

[@potownrob]

At the old hotel and tavern I worked at we would get calls asking if we had a dress code which we didn’t (other than having to wear shoes and a shirt of course). I was always glad people would ask about this since it shows they care about the tavern’s policies and are probably asking before going to other places. Most restaurants in the US do not have a dress code anymore, though they probably did several decades ago. At our tavern most people showed up dressed at least a step below business casual, so they may be wearing jeans or shorts with a button down shirt or sweater or a dress or a step down (blouse or skirt?), unless they were coming from something and didn’t have time to change. We used to get bike groups worried about not being able to come to dinner directly from their bike ride in their biking outfits, but were allowed in without changing. This tavern would be higher end for our village but not super high end. Super high end places are more rare, at least around here (upstate NY).

[@garycamara9955]

The only dress code in the US is from peer pressure. Some restaurants require a tie though. But only in large cities and the more expensive restaurants. I don't like the mandatory dress codes. For Christs sake I am not in highschool.

[@BKLNHobo]

In America restaurants are concerned with economical use of table space and turnover of tables to maximize their earnings. That is why they are focused on the size of the party and make people wait in line for seating. If you've finished the meal, servers keep coming back to check in as a nice way to encourage you to either order more or pay the bill and move along. Tips definitely explain the rest of the service experience.

[@garycamara9955]

We eat out alot, we have been known to stay awhile, but we always tip well. They don't seem to care how long we stay.

[@rebeccajanemae]

Also, in the US, if your “party” is a large group, the restaurant automatically charges a gratuity aka tip.

[@potownrob]

They can but not all places do

[@componenx]

That should be illegal!

[@taylorg7079]

Not all. Mine doesn't.

[@cricketwry]

@otis driftwood excepting alice

[@trevorstephens9874]

Gratuity is not required, you can say you won’t play it, they can call the cops and the police can’t do anything since it not a law but restaurants add it in anyway and we have gotten used to playing for it . It usually added to parties of 6+.

[@thomashodges6896]

The restaurant customs confused me on my first trip to the UK. First, the fact that when yo go into certain places (like the place I had breakfast most mornings in Camden) you either queue at the counter and take your food away, or you seat yourself and wait for a server. The first time I went in I queued at the counter and then took my food to a table. In London I slowly grew accustomed to seating myself and waiting for a server in restaurants rather than waiting to be seated by a host (usually as pubs and such). The nicest place I remember doing this was a vegan place with outdoor seating in Neal's (Neil's? Niels? KNEELS?!) Yard. As I write this, I'm second guessing whether I did the right thing. Then I took a train northward for a few days in Penistone and while there went to a slightly nicer restaurant and walked in and sat myself and waited for service. I *was* served, but I definitely got a strong vibe that I wasn't meant to have done that.

[@niobi9999]

Queuing for restaurants in the U.S. is, as you guys alluded to, very different depending on the city you're in and the restaurant. Florida is very touristy, and Vegas is very touristy, so you're much more likely to have to wait at restaurants, especially during certain times of the year. I live in the Chicago suburbs and in Chicago there are some restaurants that are so busy all the time (outside of pandemic, of course) that you may be turned away if you haven't made reservations (booked ahead), and others that you can get right into, depending on what part of the city you're in and the particular restaurant. There are even a few very high-end restaurants that you have to buy tickets for. Out in the burbs where we are, you can get into many restaurants without a reservation, but there are still some that it's probably a good idea if you don't want to wait 30 minutes or more. Funny comments about servers suggesting things. That's really funny. You should never feel bad about not ordering a suggested dish at a restaurant in the U.S.

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

Exactly. I live in the suburbs of LA, and it's super rare to have to wait in line for any restaurant here close to home. Unless it's a holiday (Mother's Day, Valentines, etc). But in LA/Hollyweird/West LA, etc there is a good chance there will be a line. And valet parking. Peace.

[@brandonaston2261]

In terms of waiting, over here in the US you usually only have this at popular sit down restaurants like Olive Garden and Chik fil a is an exception for fast food. Olive Garden is interesting because you might have an hour wait but the restaurant is only half full. Its because they don’t want to fill up every table and they know half the people coming in will just go to another restaurant if its an hour wait.

[@garycamara9955]

I refuse to wait more than 10 minutes. There are other restaurants nearby. Just go there.

[@nukemanmd]

Server behavior tends to depend on the nature of the place. In a "hip" eatery catering to a younger clientele, the serves are more likely to interact with customers, whereas servers in places frequented by mature folks, servers are inclined to chat it up. I can't recall any instance where a server brought separate checks unless asked to do so in advance. Frankly, in the event that we go dutch with another couple, we simply settle up after one of us pays the tab.

[@maureenboyle1926]

In Cincinnati,OH there was a 5 star restaurant called The Masionette. It was french. A company took our whole department there for lunch. We all took doggie bags. My mom was embarrassed when I told her. The container had a picture of a dog on it

[@Texaslawhorn]

I fill up fast - often on the pre-meal bread or chips and salsa - so I'm always asking for a to-go box. Plus, the serving sizes are often very generous.

[@susanapplegate9758]

Yep, we have mostly amazing waitstaff in the US. I don't know anyone who tips ahead of time - but about everyone I know tips well. Not usually expected to be a 'living wage' for waiting tables here; however, tips are just part of the price of a good meal with good service here :) You two do have great vids, thanks!

[@LiamMill]

I'm from California and it's true, we value customer service just as much as our food. It's part of our American culture also to always be optimistic and happy, if your not forcing yourself to be happy then people think there must be something wrong with you.

[@garycamara9955]

There is!

[@lilliecast5826]

I have to say that listening to both of you is very interesting. I live in california and I know everyone is different in the U.S. but I think this world needs more friendlier people. I like when my waiters or waitresses are friendly that makes me want to tip them more.. when they are not friendly then don't get much from me. I don't feel obligated to tip but when someone is working hard to bring my food and make sure i'm ok then it's nice to give them a bigger tip. Part of me doesn't want to go to England since you always mention how people are not friendly, how do people meet other people? A smile opens many doors. I get the too friendly is too much to but everyone needs to be a little friendly, don't you think?

[@thesameboyyouvealwaysknown904]

When I went to a Japanese restaurant in Portland Oregon the guy who served us was super friendly in a not annoying way. I felt he genuinely loved his job, I'm Japanese myself so I was really happy to have someone like him (who seemed really passionate about Japan) as my server. On the other hand through I am not really a social person so I didn't like it when people were clearly doing it for money. I was like just leave me alone. I'd rather not talk at all than have a small talk like "how's the food" "it's good" like what else am I supposed to say damn it! But if it's genuine, it's really great. Oh also in Japan as well we don't take food home like ever. I remember I got sick at this one restaurant and I hadn't even started eating so I wanted to take it home cause I didn't want to waste it, so I asked them for a takeaway box and they kind of started panicking lol.

[@mariahg6146]

If you pay 20pounds each at a pizza place, no wonder you all don’t tip lol

[@alvallac2171]

*20 pounds

[@martincurrie6243]

Pizza express is a nice pizza chain, modern interiors , neopolitan pizzas. middle class (in the British Sense), Quiet, a good date restaurant. In some towns it may be the poshest chain restaurant there.

[@ownpetard8379]

She said 20 pounds each so that is about $24 each. With that, we are not talking fast food in the US - $24 each would be a lot of food. However, it would not buy a meal in a nicer restaurant either. So, in the US it would be a diner or a casual family type restaurant, with an appetizer, or some extra. (I'm omitting tip and tax in the $24.)

[@colbymcarthur7871]

@@martincurrie6243 I live in a large city in the US a really nice steak dinner is somewhere between $8 and $24 depending on how nice the restaurant is

[@bryanharvey1689]

Sooooo true about service in the U.K. (based on my experiences), and living in Florida for 15 years. I never think about it, but we DO have wait times a lot at restaurants, unless you sit in the bar area (and even then there’s a wait at some places). And we DO eat out a LOT here. Haha! And as for the service in the U.K., it wasn’t “rude”, but it certainly wasn’t “special”. Then again, I’m a southerner, and expect courteous and talkative chatter from the staff. I don’t expect it anymore whenever I visit England. Haha. Love the videos, and keep doing amazing things, guys! 💪🏽👍🏽

[@paulobrien9572]

I managed a sport bar in Boston and we had the Larry Bird rule "33" All patrons were greeted within 30 seconds and met at their table by a server within 3 minutes to introduce themselves. By acknowledging you in this manner we were trying to welcome you and enjoy are establishment

[@potownrob]

Very good thinking

[@dreamdisturber]

Great policy!

[@kymarie20]

It would have made me felt really welcomed if I went to your bar!

[@potownrob]

Keep in mind with Florida (not sure where you were down there) that many chain restaurants start down there to see how they do. The idea is that if they can survive with all of the competing restaurants down there, they can survive anywhere. Also, cost of living is lower than in many parts down in Florida, so if a restaurant is priced too high people will either go somewhere else or eat at home. There are often places that cost not much of at all more than you’d pay to eat at home down there though. Wish I could say the same for up here in New York State...

[@garycamara9955]

I would rather live in my car than in New York.

[@potownrob]

@@garycamara9955 I hope you mean NYC - most of the rest of NY state is no wheres as bad

[@alexandercruz3796]

Great topic guys 🙌🏾 Looking forward to visiting the UK, specially beautiful parks like the one you were taping on. Also, thank you for recognizing servers. They tend to be underappreciated here in the States and they do handle quite a lot. I use to be a server for a short time while in University and I tell you what, it ain't easy. I always treat them with respect because I understand how hard and unappreciated their jobs are. Also, I always leave a tip because I realize that they may also have bad days when they don't perform as well. Peace ✌🏾

[@jcreed09]

When I was in London, the waiters were all Polish(?) and were not rude, not friendly either. However, once they heard my accent, they were all smiles and very courteous- and yes they got at least 15% tip.

[@garycamara9955]

20% is he norm here!

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

It is nice to see our Joel and Lia grow into their careers more and more. :). So proud of you two making your way in life. :).

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Judy Reyes 😀😀

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Lucy! 😀😀

[@MaryMary-pr4iu]

I've been watching older videos from years ago and they've both become very striking 😍😚💕

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Mary Haul Yes. 😀😀

[@alliebenson4653]

I've eaten out in places all over Birmingham (where I live now) and various cities in the UK, and I've never been bothered by the style of service! There's been a couple of times where I've asked for the bill and it's taken forever to arrive, or I've had to ask more than once for it, but I like the unobtrusive style of service where they give you your food and leave you to eat in peace. I don't eat out often so when I do I really want to enjoy the experience and not feel like I'm being rushed out of the place. My ex and I used to eat out at some really fancy restaurants from time to time and the service was always excellent - still unobtrusive while we were eating, but they were really knowledgeable about the drinks and the menu and were super professional. Whenever I've eaten out, the staff have always been absolutely fine about splitting the bill as well so that's never been an issue. Most cafes and pubs will get you to order and pay at the counter first which is nice because you can just leave whenever you're ready, or go and order more if you want to without any fuss. It's the same style in Australia (where I'm from) so I was used to it before I got to the UK.

[@garycamara9955]

If they don't wa t to bring you the bill, maybe the food is free, just leave, hahahahaha.

[@TheSophie198511]

My family have taken food home from restaurants for years in the UK. I always thought it was normal. When I got older and started going to restaurants with friends, I was shocked when they thought I was weird for taking my leftover food home

[@curleyfamily5]

"Party" is just another word for "group" but we only use it in a recreational setting, like a restaurant or a group activity like bowling or golf.

[@fordhouse8b]

The original meaning in English was in the political sense, a group of people that were divided from (or partitioned from) another group politically. Later in came to be used in the sense of a group of people gathered for some social activities, be it eating, drinking, dancing, hunting, or whatever.

[@curleyfamily5]

@@fordhouse8b interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@ks4isu]

And don't forget, America used to have a TV show called "Party of Five"...

[@rachellvanveelen2731]

Love you guys! You always have such great information offered!

[@kymarie20]

I actually am thankful for the whole "leftover" thing. Someone with a small stomach like me can normally not be able to finish my meal in one sitting so I love being able to take my food home because I still get what I paid for. (I am also American so it is common anyways).

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

Growing up in England and now living in America I'd say the #1 difference is: U.S. restaurants have edible food. Of course there are exceptions but I definitely don't miss the "food I grew up with"... except Prawn-flavors crisps. Cheers from Florida.

[@suanfife8640]

I just became a waitress at a popular cafe here in Texas. The restaurant reopened about a month ago. I really enjoyed your vlog on the subject ! At my restaurant we must put the food order from each table on one ticket, no matter how large the party is. We enter it into a computer and the order gets sent to the kitchen. This way everyone's food from the table is brought out at the same time. If the ticket is to be split two or three ways we have a way to set the split ticket up on the computer screen, click "print all tickets" and the printer shoots out how ever many itemized bills we need. I never need to use my personal calculator.

[@mariareznik7672]

Halepi, a Greek Restaurant in London- we loved it, so cozy, home-like, and welcoming. Right next to a hotel where we stayed- never had a question what we were doing for dinner. Halepi all the way.

[@elenikominos7404]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Melanie-sn1rc]

Being American, one huge difference I noticed dining out in Switzerland and Italy last year was that the servers don’t come to your table much at all once they bring your food...plus you’re not rushed out after being there for 45 minutes. They don’t care if you sit there for 3 hours! I kinda liked it 😃

[@garycamara9955]

We eat out often, sometimes daily. I don't usually have to wait more than a few minutes. Even at a busy restaurant. But then they know us!

[@taytaysinger]

Watching these as an American are so funny because I’m just used to the service here. There are definitely rude waiters here, but general rule of thumb is that being kind is part of your job as a server (and you’ll get better tips) so it’s kind of expected. But chattiness is not. I don’t like it when servers are super chatty and come over way too often.

[@simonpowell2559]

As a Brit. The last thing you want is a waiter/waitress buzzing around. That makes him a pain in the arse, and guarantees no tip.

[@kymarie20]

I worked at Subway so we didn't have to get tips (but it was offered) and it was expected to be nice even though the tips didn't influence us. I wonder if in the UK they view the term "customer service" in the same light as we do (aka faking a smile and being really kind)

[@Mercy-v9e6m]

Fascinating presentation. I think many servers get training to be hospitable... not solely in hopes of a tip but also to give you a good feeling about the place so you'll come back... you'll let your friends know about a positive experience

[@krystal7415]

I'm an American and I lived in Edinburgh, my then-husband is Scottish. Once we were at a restaurant in a tourist area. My ex ordered. Then we could not get the waiter's attention to get a refill, etc. The table next to us was getting refills and all the attention. They were Americans. I told my husband that from that day forward I would do the ordering and he could not talk to where the waiter/waitress could hear him so we could hopefully get better service. If in a small village, it didn't always seem to matter. Yet in areas where they got more tourists, if I ordered, we got better service...most of the time. My ex hated it because then he had to tip...haha...because as you said, tipping is not done there.

[@garycamara9955]

Yep brits are cheap.

[@creightonsamuels2831]

You're correct, the seats around the table are numbered. This is why there's a preference for who orders first (1st position) and wether the process moves clockwise or counterclockwise. Also, the tables themselves are numbered and there's usually a map in the kitchen. They really don't like it when you have a huge party and have to move tables. I have 5 kids, and come from an extended family wherein both my parents have 7 siblings; so I've seen "party of 20" many times and it's rare for a restaurant to have a plan for that many.

[@BrokebackBob]

I love you guys more and more. I felt down at the start of the vid, now I feel much better! 💞

[@jstringfellow1961]

I liked this one. I have always stated my likes and dislikes so if a waiter suggested something I didn't want I would thank them, but get what I think I may like. We called it a "doggy bag" for years, but now we just say "can I get a to-go box?"

[@utxex97]

I went to London for the first time 2 years ago. On the first day, I walked into a pub and no one approached me. I went up to the bar & was told just to grab my own table. That's completely different from the restaurant experience here in the U.S. where someone asks you how many people & seats you. And forget about refills or more than a couple of ice cubes. I was so happy when I went to Nando's - unlimited refills & ice cubes.

[@thomsherry3554]

More and more restaurants in London have tip Included in the bill at 12.5%. Service has improved much more in UK with staff letting you know about the specials menu and vegan options . I've starting eating more vegan food even though I eat meat as they food is really tasty. If service is really bad you can ask them to remove tip when paying the bill explaining why I've only had that twice. :/

[@garycamara9955]

12.5%, yep brits are tightwads. Its 20% everywhere else. If the tip is included in the bill , its not a tip, its a surcharge.

[@garycamara9955]

I have never had a tasty vegan meal. Passable but not tasty.

[@rars1965]

I’m an American and I want to say I really enjoy your channel! When I go out to eat, my attire definitely depends on the type of restaurant. I’ve gone to fancier places in shorts and a tee shirt but I prefer to dress smart. I love nice pants with a shirt and tie or something more casual but fashionable. I will also look at the menu online to somewhat plan the evening. I do like friendly waitstaff but too much chit chat bugs me too lol.

[@jadecummings8093]

Hi guys, I'm Jade the new subscriber and it's nice to meet you! Great informative video and be safe as well!

[@diegoyuiop]

They are indeed

[@garycamara9955]

I don't like sitting on a seat at a table in the middle of the room. I always request a corner.

[@katismith]

It's funny that Lia mentioned being embarrassed to ask for the take out and blaming it on the dog. Not so much anymore but when I was a kid, my parents would ask for a "doggie bag".

[@donniebrooks21]

It reminds me not to ever tip again when I come to the UK. I'm with Joel and hate dressing up to go eat. Now, ready to see your Nando's haul when you last filmed!

[@MarlenaBrammer]

I love the outdoor sets during lockdown!

[@caseyflorida]

Another American friend and I went to a pub in Balham High Street and we got the waiter to be chatty! lol. He had a tattoo on his arm that we couldn't figure out and my friend asked him about his tattoo, and we got a big description of what it was and what it meant to him, and then he asked us where we were from and what we did for a living. It was a great night in the pub, and the waiter was very attentive and friendly. So, I had a great experience at a UK restaurant.

[@spanishdncr71]

Have you ever been to Bubba Gump Shrimp? If you’re ever in New York or San Francisco you should try it, I think you would love how you turn a sign when you want something and a waiter or waitress will stop as soon as they see it and stop and ask what you want, it’s great!!

[@QuinnnMallory]

You and your husband have such a great chemistry! Love the channel!

[@christineallocca7307]

I just love when you do these UK vs US videos!! ❤❤❤

[@robertschuck8246]

I learned in a food service class that TIP actually means to insure promptness.

[@chriswheeler9158]

I believe it is TIP To Insure Performance, but both acronyms work.

[@componenx]

@@chriswheeler9158 These days both are lies because they expect a tip even if the service sucks!

[@chadohara9132]

Actually it literally means To insure proper service Back in the day you would to tip before service To insure proper service!! TIPS

[@Bbabcock8]

Loved it! I’m very much the person to dress up and really interact with my server. I’ve had servers get so friendly they’ve ended their shift and followed us out for drinks at a bar. I’m that guy! Lol If I did go to the UK I would think this is the rudest thing ever. I’d have to know this behavior in advance so that I go in knowing not to expect different. I’m also from the South so no matter what you’re raised to be polite and chatty so anywhere I go where people don’t do that I get ticked off and scratch that place off as a negative place.

[@lollypop2414]

Yes, if I'm visiting my family in the South I would be shocked if a waiter/waitress wasn't over-the-top friendly and talkative. Even here in the Midwest it's common. Now when I'm visiting the Northeast that's a different story.

[@kymarie20]

I'm a Southern too! Currently living in the West and even that culture is a bit different and definitely not as kind as the South is. I am thankful Joel & Lia talked about this because I would have thought the same thing if I ever went

[@heatherjones1423]

Great comparison! So fun! Can’t wait to go out to restaurants again 😃

[@barryallender4861]

Happy to see your video. Have missed you guys. When I was in the UK I ate in local Pubs more than restaurants. Pubs are friendly.

[@kristenr1090]

Here in America the portions are often so big you practically need to take some home or it feels really wasteful. Also I would never think of NEEDING to order something a waiter suggests 😄

[@Shadowfax-1980]

What I found interesting when I was in the UK last summer was that it seemed like the nicer the restaurant, the more stand-offish the wait staff was. The more casual restaurants like Pizza Express had a waitress like you’d expect at a comparable American place.

[@sugarkitty4777]

The reason why you always get greeted in America is because there is usually a person whose ONLY job is to do that. They take you to a table first, then someone serves you. In most European places, the regular staff seats you. Part of that is probably because in America you would never have any random waitress take your order. It's assigned to only one person because that's their tip.

[@keithwhitney594]

I don’t particular like when the server is too chatty either and I hate when they call me baby, honey, darling, etc.

[@hollyzmyname]

I love it when they're friendly and use terms of endearment

[@dreamdisturber]

Right. It’s weird when they get too flirty.

[@dogbarbill]

For me it depends how how cute and attractive they are. The better she looks, the longer she can stick around. I know she's fishing for tips, but I love the attention. I think of it as flirting. And if she uses the little nicknames to me, I return it right back calling her sweety or sweetheart, darling, sugar, or even baby doll.

[@alvallac2171]

*particularly (adverb) particular = adjective

[@alistairt7544]

That is such a pet peeve of mine! Honey, darling, buddy, etc. *cringe

[@heddystgeorge3756]

Wait staff here in the U.S. at some restaurants only make 2.13 an hour so tipping helps a lot

[@johnp139]

Most servers in the US (at least the good ONES) earn MUCH MORE because of tips than if they earned minimum wage.

[@allmylovetolongago7605]

$2.50 an hour the last place I worked, and the tips were not reliable enough to bring me up to minimum wage, not to mention minimum wage isn’t sufficient to actually pay the bills anyway.

[@elenikominos7404]

That’s terrible $2.13 an hour 🥴In Australia most Teenagers earn over $16 per hour.I feel sad for your Hospitality workers😞

[@spencerwilton5831]

Heddy St George $2.13 an hour? I thought slavery had been abolished! That's disgusting in a supposedly developed country!

[@heddystgeorge3756]

@@elenikominos7404 I do too

[@stpaley]

i use to wait tables for years and enjoyed it, i would always numbered the guest on the check starting with a particular point but could take the order at any point for the customers convenience, but you wanted to do that because the customers would not always remember what they ordered, also it was easier to split the check if needed but i have head some restaurants do not allow check splitting

[@atrain9042]

been a fan of you 2 for over 2 years first comment tho , HELLO FROM FLORIDA :)

[@nadaleenbrady8183]

I used to be a server many years ago the idea was to turn the tables the more tables the more the tips. You hustled for your tip.

[@patty-cf7jj]

I was in London a few months ago and I made sure to say we had a “booking” whereas in the US we say we have a “reservation.”

[@garycamara9955]

Hahahahaha. Do you need a reservation if you are not an American Indian?

[@Nina-ex5xd]

The host isn’t usually your waiter or waitress so if they get part of your tip it’s bc the waiter gave it to them or bc you gave it to them bc they were super nice but when you leave a tip at the table that goes to the waiter and cooks

[@brandoncota8132]

American here. I was in the UK just before the pandemic lockdown. Went to a Miller and Carter in Newcastle with no reservation and honestly, the service was stellar. Far and away better than most places in the US. Maybe hearing our American accents, the waiter stepped up his game. He definitely did get a nice tip because it was well above the level of service I've come to expect in the UK.

[@kennethkauzlaric8948]

I love your viewpoint. I live in the U.S. and have waited tables, and, yes, it's exhausting. Good waiters will be able to read your mood and back away. You have to understand that we live in a service culture here. Poor service is considered rude and unacceptable.

[@deetorrance3659]

In a lot of places in the U.S. the waitresses have to share tips with the hostess and busboys.

[@Blondy321]

The 6-7 restaurants I visited in England were all very friendly. The Green Room was one of them. From casual dining to pubs and cafes all were so accommodating and enjoyable. And yes, I over tipped🙂

[@SallyISTJ]

Thanks. That was helpful. I haven't been to the UK yet and now I know what to expect.

[@hollydavis8326]

As a former waitress I can tell you, yes, we are EXHAUSTED after a shift. I would get home around 1 am and I knew not to sit down until I was where I wanted to be for at least the next 2 hours. Cause once I sat down there was no getting back up for awhile.

[@garycamara9955]

Its hard work!

[@debbiejohnson2789]

In the US our servings are so big In Restaurants & that’s why we take it home & is also another reason many of us are overweight.