The "12.5% service charge" you see all over London would beg to differ.

sacnoradhq · on Oct 10, 2023

Haven't been there in a while, but I was able to collect VAT refunds a LHR.

Is that on top of VAT?

heimidal · on Oct 10, 2023

Yes, it's on top of VAT. It's usually "discretionary", meaning you can ask to have it taken off the bill, but you must ask and it usually results in being glared at.

brewdad · on Oct 10, 2023

You can’t collect a VAT refund on services, only goods purchased and leaving the country. The VAT on your restaurant bill is non refundable.

t3rabytes · on Oct 10, 2023

The UK is an oddball now -- VAT-free shopping for non-UK citizens ended in 2021. You can still do it in (most?) EU member states though.