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A first for our “First Class” Mercedes Vito Taxi Service

blog — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:08:22 +0000

Book a Taxi Online or phone Tel: +44 (0)7779 336 612

London Black Taxis is pleased and very proud to announce that interest in our “First Class” Mercedes Vito taxi service has exceeded our wildest dreams.
We knew that there was a serious demand for a limosine style licensed London taxi service but we have been stunned by the impact that our new service has made to our forward bookings. Last week saw us provide two Mercedes Vito taxis to a wealthy Greek shipping magnate who wanted us to take his guests in climate controlled luxury to Arsenal’s game at the Emirates stadium, then wait for them while the game was playing and afterwards take them on a tour of central London and then back to their hotel..
We were also asked for several Mercedes Vito taxis to shuttle wedding guests from the church to the reception in Richmond.
Overall, we are finding that our luxury limosine licensed London taxi service is playing an enormous role in enabling our customers to request the Mercedes Vito taxi for their journeys, not only for corporate accounts but also the man/woman in the street.
Being a six seater has an enormous impact on bookings too.
On Saturday night we had a booking for twelve guests being picked up from Covent Garden and taken to Surbiton. Two Mercedes Vito taxis provided the transport instead of three conventional taxis thus saving the customer money as well as providing limosine comfort to the final part of their evening out.
All in all I am very happy to report a real success story.

Tel: +44 (0)7779 336 612

The Shawshank Redemption taking to the West End Stage

blog — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:34:38 +0000

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There are a few classic films we have come to expect to be amid the top five of many men’s favourite features, among which often sit the usual array of titles – the merits of The Godfather, Scarface, Star Wars and The Matrix having often been discussed over pints and the flipping of burgers on BBQs (we don’t wish to gender-stereotype you understand!) But there is one movie, that isn’t in the vein of these ball-busting action flicks, yet still holds a special place in the hearts of fellas (and plenty of women) the world over, and that’s the weepy tale of brotherhood-bonding The Shawshank Redemption. And we here at Boxwish HQ are very excited to let you know of the stage version’s move from Dublin to our nation’s capital this month. Yes, the Wyndam Theatre in London’s West End premieres its five month run of the popular prison story beginning on September 13th, with limited previews from this Friday, September 4th.

The tale of justice and friendship was adapted from Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption for the big screen in 1994 and starred the prolific portrayer of down-trodden martyrs Tim Robbins as wrongly convicted Andy Dufrense, alongside honey-voiced veteran Morgan Freeman as fellow-lifer Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding. The movie was a flop when it hit cinemas, but by the time it had reached our video shelves was winning critical acclaim and loyal fans everywhere. So perhaps it’s no surprise that the film favourite has moved to the footlights.

Written by die-hard lovers of the film, Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and directed by Peter Sheridan, the story is definitely adhering to the recent trend of hit films-turned-shows such as One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the promised adaptation of Sleepless in Seattle and even Shrek and Spiderman. It seems as though film-fans these days are hungry to see their beloved movie plots played out on the boards.

The stars of the play, film and stage actor Kevin Anderson in the part of Andy and The Wire actor Reg E. Cathey portraying Red, are even lookalikes of the film’s stars and it seems writer-director Sheridan was careful to keep it that way. Referring to the film’s tweeking of the book’s original white-Irish Red, he explains: “It was an inspired piece of casting to make him black in the film – so why buck with the trend?” Even Stephen King has claimed the filmic adaptation of his tale has more “heart” than the literature.

So, will you be heading over to the bright lights of London to see the upcoming play? And what other movie milestones would you like to see at the theatre? After an overwhelming response of standing ovations since it started at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre in May, we’re hoping for something pretty special.

Tel: +44 (0)7779 336 612

Big Ben hits the Big 1-5-0

blog — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:48:44 +0000

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Big Ben, the famous bell inside the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, celebrates its 150th anniversary on Saturday.

The Great Bell, which resides inside one of the country’s most famous and most photographed landmarks, first struck the hour on July 11 1859.

Although the nickname Big Ben is often used to describe the clock tower, the name was originally given to the bell itself.

The origin of the name is thought to come from Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works and Public Buildings, whose name is inscribed on the bell.

The anniversary will be marked with a night-time projection on the tower reading: “Happy Birthday Big Ben, 150 years, 1859 – 2009.”

Mike McCann, Keeper of the Great Clock, said: “After 150 years, Big Ben still holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners and the world as a magnificent example of engineering and building genius.”

Architect Charles Barry designed the new Palace of Westminster after a fire destroyed the old Houses of Parliament in 1834.

The clock tower was completed in 1859 and the clock first started on May 31 of that year, with the bell sounding for the first time just over a month later.

The first bell was cast in 1856 but cracked the following year under testing.

The second bell, weighing 13.7 tonnes, was cast on April 10 1858. It took 30 hours to winch into the belfry.

But its success was short-lived and in September 1859 it also cracked.

It was silent for four years until, in 1863, it was turned so the hammer struck a different spot.

A lighter hammer was also put to use and a small square cut in the bell to prevent the crack from spreading.

The clock tower stands 315ft tall, with each of the four dials measuring 23ft in diameter.

The original cast-iron minute hands proved too heavy and were replaced with 14 feet long copper hands which travel a distance equal to 118 miles every year.

The hour hands are 9ft long and are made of gun metal while 312 separate pieces of glass in each clock face.

Over the years the clock has been stopped accidentally on several occasions, by weather, workmen, breakages and birds.

In 1976 the Great Clock was shut down for a total of 26 days over nine months when part of the chiming mechanism disintegrated through metal fatigue.

You can see Big Ben and other fabulous London sights on one of our famous Taxi Tours.

+44 (0)7779 336 612

London Eye capsules to be floated down the Thames for refurbishment

blog — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:49:59 +0000

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Each of the London Eye’s 32 capsules will be taken in turn by barge down the Thames for refurbishment between now and the 2012 Olympic Games, it was announced on Monday.

Merlin Entertainments – who also own the London Dungeon – bought the London Eye just over two years ago and have now announced plans to invest approximately £12.5 million to upgrade the UK’s number one paid-for visitor attraction.

The observation wheel on the South Bank has received more than 33 million visitors since it opened to the public in 2000.

The programme to remove and upgrade each of the 32 capsules starts this summer and is scheduled be completed in time for the London 2012 Olympics. Normal operation of the wheel will be unaffected.

As each capsule is removed it will travel down the Thames to Silvertown where it will be loaded onto a truck and transported to a workshop in Worcester. A non-operational capsule will take its place on the London Eye until the refurbished capsule is returned.

“This will ensure the London Eye operates at maximum efficiency and is cutting down its carbon footprint well into the future,” says David Sharpe of Merlin Entertainments.

“Merlin believes that investment is more important than ever in the current economic climate when both local and international visitors to attractions like the London Eye are looking for real value for their leisure pound.

“Investments like these are also very important in the leisure and tourism industry in the UK as a whole, especially with the Olympics coming to London in 2012.”

In 2005 one of the Eye’s capsules was removed to assess the effects of the first five years of operation and to explore what could be done to improve the experience for visitors, the structure’s longevity and environmental sustainability.

Merlin Entertainments claim that this latest project will ensure that no major maintenance works will be necessary on the capsules for the next 15 to 20 years.

The heating and ventilation system will be upgraded to a more efficient, environmentally friendly one.

One of the upgraded capsules will include four ceiling-mounted screens and enhanced multimedia and wi-fi capabilities enabling the capsule to provide music and on-screen visuals.

Merlin Entertainments has recently completed a revamp of the nearby Sea Life London Aquariam at County Hall.

+44 (0)7779 336

East London: Quirky Fashion, Contemporary Art, & Unique Nosh

blog — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:00:15 +0000

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There are still some corners of London where quirky fashion, contemporary art, & cultural food thrives.

Go East to find areas that thrive with items crafted by young British designers. Brick Lane is one of those areas.

An old building that used to be the Truman Brewery stands out from the rest of the street and is packed with independent shops. The Truman Brewery has been an important creative and cultural hub.

One shop at the old brewery sells clothing made out recycled material. You can make a one-of-a-kind item from one of your old garments; just bring it to the shop and the designer will make it into a new item for you. Other shops sell vintage clothing. You can get an East London Quirky Shopping guide from visitlondon.com

Many shops in the area encourage young designers to display their collections by offering affordable rental rates, allowing talent scouts from major chains to find budding designers.

Besides Brick Lane and the Truman Brewery, East London has several neighborhoods boasting dozens of independent shops. Socially aware shoppers can buy a wedge card from www.wedgecard.co.uk for 10 pounds, of which 5 goes to a local charity. The card allows you to support local shops while obtaining special offers and discounts from over 150 businesses in the East End.

Apart from shopping, East London is also increasingly known for contemporary art, with many galleries, museums and shops. With more than 80 art galleries, there’s something for everyone’s taste in the East End. Don’t miss the famous WhiteCube and Whitechapel Art Gallery, but also look out for hidden gems scattered all around this area waiting to be discovered. Dozens of the area’s galleries host cultural events and contemporary art exhibitions.

And talk about food! If you’re after comfort food, Brick Lane is THE place for bagels and baltis. If you are craving a curry or just need a quick bite, head for the famous Brick Lane Beigel Bake, which is ALWAYS open–24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (You are sure to see one or two London Black Taxi drivers in there at any time of the day or night!)

At visitlondon.com, you can download a guide called DIY East that will show you where to find East London’s quirky fashion, comtemporary art, and posh (and not so posh) nosh.

+44 (0)7779 336 612

Children Love London, too

blog — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:24:21 +0000

London has an amazing number of things for kids to do. There are plenty of fun activities in London that will keep the whole family amused or make for interesting birthday party festivities.

Museums and Exhibitions

The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most popular attractions, and it has dozens of Interactive Learning events specially designed to keep children entertained and informed.

The Museum of Childhood is renowned for its brilliant programme of exhibitions and events that give kids a chance to explore their creativity. The Museum is widely praised for their daily activities, which feature arts and crafts or games that educate children about the exhibits.

Outside of central London you will find the riveting Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, the village where the late author wrote his most popular tales.

Theatre

The Unicorn Theatre has a grand tradition in children’s entertainment that will appeal to the accompanying adults as well as kids.

Polka Children’s Theatre, which offers a full programme of events and repeat performances of the most popular shows on a Saturday so whole families can attend.

The Puppet Theatre Barge, moored on the Thames, specialises in innovative Marionette theatre projects.

In the West End theatres, classics such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat or Lion King will enrapture the whole family.

Entertainment and Attractions

Some of the larger London tourist attractions such as the London Dungeons and the Mirror Maze at Ripley’s Believe it or Not are very popular with kids.

When it comes time to relax, visit the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Hyde Park. This playground is home to a gigantic pirate ship complete with ropes and pulleys that will tire out even the most energetic of your brood.

Perhaps choose from one of London’s many day workshops, which will give you a little break as well as teaching your kids some valuable new skills. Among the best ones available are The Kid’s Cookery School where they’ll learn how to make healthy food and The Circus Space where children as young as eight can pick up some nifty juggling or acrobatic skills.

Tours

Ride the Big Bus. Or better yet, treat the kids to a ride in one of London’s famous black taxis.

So take the kids to London and have a lovely day together!

+44 (0)7779 336 612

Boris Johnson launches ‘Only in London’ tourism campaign

blog — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:18:38 +0000

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today announced a new £2 million international marketing campaign to boost overseas visitors to London.

The Mayor launched the campaign on The London Eye, one of the capital’s most popular attractions, on the first day of British Tourism Week. The campaign is expected to deliver an additional £60 million worth of benefits to the whole London economy by the end of the year.

Funded by the London Development Agency, the global campaign will be called “Only in London” and focus on the unique and exceptional experiences, sights and attractions that make this city such a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. It will also encourage Londoners to enjoy the distinctive and rich diversity of their own city.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Only in London can you visit the historic Houses of Parliament in the morning, ride the London Eye in the afternoon, and see a wonderful West End Show before deciding which of the world’s cuisines to sample in its many restaurants.

“As well as the massive choice of things to do and see, our overseas visitors will find London even greater value for money today. They’ll see that their travel budget buys so much more in London and the only limit to their enjoyment will be not having enough hours in the day to fit it all in.”

Visit London’s Interim Chief Executive, Sally Chatterjee, said: “It’s a great way of reminding the world and ourselves of the sheer range and depth of attractions, events and history that make our wonderful city unique.”

To celebrate the campaign announcement, Visit London has also launched “Only in London 100” – one hundred examples of what makes the capital a unique place in the world to visit.

These include:
- Ride the world’s largest observation wheel, the London Eye.
- See the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum.
- Enjoy strawberries and cream at Wimbledon Centre Court.
- Drink at Europe’s longest champagne bar at St Pancras International
- Discover where Hugh Grant met Julia Roberts in the movie Notting Hill.
- Shop at the Queen’s grocer, Fortnum & Mason’s.
- Watch the 2009 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the 02 Arena.