How does a salesclerk in England welcome a customer and ask what they want?

Question

When you go to a bakery in England in the afternoon, and you are not a familiar customer, how does the salesperson greet you, and how do they ask what you would like? “Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?” seems overly formal, but “Hello. What would you like?” doesn't seem ‘English’ to me, either. What is a common way for a salesclerk in a shop where things are sold over a counter (such as a bakery) in England to welcome a customer and ask for their whishes?

Answer 1

"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" is very common in England. Nobody would use "Sir" or "Ma'am" though! However, depending on region, age, and personality, you might as well hear "Good afternoon, dear" or "Hello, love", and instead of "How may I help you?", you might also hear "What could I get you?" or "What would you like?". In Britain, "would", "could", and "may" are used a lot more commonly than in the United States, and this is not considered overly formal but normal politeness.