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By night, London takes on a completely different look, with bright lights and buzzing streets and there are literally hundreds of restaurants, theatres, museums, bars, cafes and clubs, [...]]]>

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London is a vibrant city by day, but at night it truly comes alive

By night, London takes on a completely different look, with bright lights and buzzing streets and there are literally hundreds of restaurants, theatres, museums, bars, cafes and clubs, all vying for your business.

Museums

One great option, in which you can combine a sociable night out with a little bit of culture, would be to visit a late-night museum. You will be able to take in an exhibition, visit a new gallery or join a guided tour. There are plenty of museums open late at night, including Sir John Soane`s Museum, which on its monthly late openings is completely lit by candles, giving it a uniquely atmospheric aesthetic appeal. The Science Museum is also open late (until 10pm), once a month and generally on a Wednesday and the National Portrait Gallery is open weekly until 9 p.m.

Cinema

For film lovers, London offers the best in cinemas. All of the latest films are shown in cinemas in every part of London, so you just need to find your nearest cinema. If you are anywhere near the Portobello Road, the Electric has rather luxurious leather armchairs for seating and each one has its own footstool and a table.

Tours

There is no better way to see the nighttime splendor of London than in the comfort of an iconic London Black Taxi. Our London By Night Taxi Tour is, in a word, dazzling. You will be treated to live commentary by your London cabbie, who is a specially trained London tour guide. See the historic London landmarks and learn about the deeds of the great people who shaped English History.

Clubs

Another obvious but great choice is to go late-night clubbing and the options here are vast. There are some clubs which are particularly renowned for playing certain types of music. You can choose what type of music you want to dance the night away to, ranging from indie, house, hard dance and rave, hip hop, pop, retro, freestyle and many more. Also, some of the more famous clubs will have specific DJs or special events at certain times of the year, such as Valentine`s Day. It`s worth keeping your eyes out for these.

Of course, what you choose to do in London at night depends greatly on who is in your group. If you are with children or pensioners, neither would be particularly pleased with a rave at the Star of Bethnal Green, London E2. But you might!

Theatre

However, no matter how old or young your group, everyone loves a good show. If it`s shows you are looking for, London is definitely the place to be, day or night! There are a vast range of them on at all times of the year and some do not require advance booking. Despite this, sometimes a bit of forward planning on these occasions does help and there are plenty of tickets available online. When it comes to choosing the best show or play, Boxoffice have some really great options, including pre-theatre restaurant deals that help you to really make a night of it.

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 www.london-taxi-cabs.com

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If you would like an informed commentary as you tour around London in comfort, there is no one better than a London black cab driver. Equally eloquent on solving the international financial crisis, unemployment and all politics, black cab drivers know every [...]]]>

Book a taxi or contact us on-line or phone +44(0)203 00 44 953

If you would like an informed commentary as you tour around London in comfort, there is no one better than a London black cab driver. Equally eloquent on solving the international financial crisis, unemployment and all politics, black cab drivers know every inch of London and how best to avoid the city’s frequent traffic snarl-ups.

Visit all of London`s famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye and from Westminster Abbey to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Not only is your driver a qualified tour guide, but black taxis are comfortable for those who need wheelchair and other disabled access. You will have lots of opportunities to stop and take photos.

Enjoy the trip down the Mall from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square, past the Admiralty Arch. This stretch of central London road is closed to all tourist transport except black cabs.

Try arranging a trip on the London Eye to see London from the world`s highest wheel. A trip in one of the 32 glass capsules takes just 30 minutes. Parking spaces for black cab tours around the Eye and neighbouring County Hall are plentiful so there is no need to worry about walking too far.

Take a black cab for a day out of London to visit 900 years of history at Windsor Castle. You are able to visit the Castle`s state apartments and St. George’s Chapel, finishing off with lunch at one of Windsor`s historic pubs or restaurants. After lunch, drive down from Windsor by the riverside to Runnymede where, in 1215, King John signed the Magna Carta, the document that founded much of English law.

For a fascinating experience of ghoulish London, take a cab to Whitechapel in East London where Jack the Ripper committed his murders. On the way, pass the Old Bailey court that stands alongside the site of Newgate Prison with its debtor`s gate set within the old walls of London.

Hunt for bargains at Brick Lane and Spitalfields Markets before seeing the Olympic site at Stratford. Finish the day at Maritime Greenwich, a World Heritage Site with beautiful riverside buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

For both fun and education, there is no better place than South Kensington in south west London. The Natural History, Science and Victoria & Albert Museums are located in a convenient location around Exhibition Road. Take in dinosaurs, inter-galactic travel and Medieval tapestries before stopping off for afternoon tea at Harrods department store.

It is only 100 miles from London to Bath, a city of Georgian beauty in the county of Somerset. The London taxi can take you to see the Roman Baths, Assembly Rooms and the iconic Royal Crescent with plenty of photo opportunities. The return trip takes in Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and the Neolithic stones at Stonehenge. If you have time, you can even drive into Salisbury and see Britain`s most magnificent cathedral, or drive through Oxford instead and see this ancient city’s Dreaming Spires.

You will be back in London in time to collect Boxoffice tickets for the theatre in the evening. After the theatre, arrange a trip around London at night and see the riverside lit up in glorious splendour.

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 www.london-taxi-cabs.com

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With Valentines Day approaching, nothing says “I Love You” better than a special evening out or even a wedding proposal!

Celebrate in style. Imagine their surprise when an iconic London Taxi arrives to escort your loved one to that romantic rendezvous.

Give [...]]]>

Book a taxi or contact us on-line or phone +44(0)203 00 44 953

With Valentines Day approaching, nothing says “I Love You” better than a special evening out or even a wedding proposal!

Celebrate in style. Imagine their surprise when an iconic London Taxi arrives to escort your loved one to that romantic rendezvous.

Give us a call, and we’ll help make that all-important date even more special.

Book a taxi or contact us on-line or phone +44(0)203 00 44 953

 www.london-taxi-cabs.com

Book a taxi or contact us on-line or phone +44(0)203 00 44 953

Britain loves arts & crafts! Celebrate the end of winter. Join up with some friends for an artsy-craftsy day out.

Stitch & Craft is the big, big show in London [...]]]>

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Britain loves arts & crafts! Celebrate the end of winter. Join up with some friends for an artsy-craftsy day out.

London

Stitch & Craft Show, 15 – 18th March 2012, Olympia, London

Stitch & Craft is the big, big show in London that ushers in the Spring and offers so many new, fresh ideas.

Cake International, 27 – 29 April 2012, Excel, London

Spend three days in cake heaven exploring the latest ideas, supplies, competitions, demonstrations and workshops from the industry’s experts.

London Quilters Exhibition, 1 – 31 March 2012, Swiss Cottage Library, London, NW8 3HA

Lots of quilts to see, handmade items for sale, and a charity raffle quilt.

Dulwich Craft Fair, 23 June 2012, St Barnabas Church Hall, Dulwich Village, London SE21

Exhibitors from every discipline, from toymakers to glass blowers, from potters to jewellers.

Kent

Weald of Kent Craft Show, 5 – 7 May 2012, Penshurst Place, Kent

Set in the grounds of beautiful and historic Penshurst Place, this show brings you the very best in unusual and inspiring crafts such as handmade jewellery, ceramics, wood, glass, textiles, stoneware and much more.

Borough Green Arts & Crafts Cafe, 10th March 2012 and then every 2nd Saturday of the month, Village Hall, Borough Green TN15 8BJ

An Arts & Crafts Club, Fair, Workshop, & Café … all rolled into one ~ with a little Vintage Charm to add some sweetness!

Puddleducks / Quercus Quilt Show, 3 – 4 March, 2012, Walthamstow Hall School, Sevenoaks TN13 3UL

Sevenoaks Quilters present their lovely quilts. Proceeds to the NSPCC.

Essex

Essex Craft Guild Fair at Hylands House, 10 – 11 March 2012, Hylands House, London Road, Chelmsford

Find that unique or unusual gift or addition to your home. Some craft demonstrations are also taking place throughout the day.

May Day Craft Fair, 5 – 7 May 2012, RHS Garden, Rettendon, Chelmsford

A variety of craft displays by approximately 50 Essex Craft Guild members, with many demonstrating or working their craft.

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Last night, we completed a filming job for Toby Lockerbie Films, as they filmed the newest music video for Rizzle Kicks.

We can’t divulge the details of the filming, except to say that the location used will lend some very funky atmosphere [...]]]>

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Last night, we completed a filming job for Toby Lockerbie Films, as they filmed the newest music video for Rizzle Kicks.

We can’t divulge the details of the filming, except to say that the location used will lend some very funky atmosphere to whatever antics the duo get up to.

Their debut album Stereo Typical is a mixture of pop and hip hop incorporating the fun elements of the old school hip-hop era circa 1988-92. Watch while Rizzle and Sylvester make us a cuppa and walk us through it.

Mama Do The Hump seems to be favoured track on the album. Here’s the official version:

Mama Do the Hump is acquiring a cult following, with Rizzle fans producing their own Mama Do the Hump videos and posting them to You Tube. Here’s a particularly brilliant one done by Sophie and Jess.

We provide licensed London Black Taxis and drivers for use in all types of production and film work, TV work, photo shoots, advertising, music videos, and promotional videos, including the safe transport of equipment.

For more information and a portfolio of our work, see our Film & Production Work page.

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 www.london-taxi-cabs.com

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Grayson Perry’s “Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman” at the British Museum has been extended until 26 February, 2012.

In this exhibition, Grayson Perry displays some of his new works alongside objects from the British Museum’s collection that were made by unknown men [...]]]>

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Grayson Perry’s “Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman” at the British Museum has been extended until 26 February, 2012.

In this exhibition, Grayson Perry displays some of his new works alongside objects from the British Museum’s collection that were made by unknown men and women throughout history.

He takes you to an afterlife conjured from his imaginary world, exploring a range of themes connected with notions of craftsmanship and sacred journeys – from shamanism, magic and holy relics to motorbikes, identity and contemporary culture.

Vases covered in witty captions, elaborate tapestries and the centrepiece, a richly decorated cast iron coffin-ship, will be displayed alongside objects from the past two million years of culture and civilisation.

From the first great invention, the hand axe, to a Hello Kitty pilgrim hand-towel, you will discover a reality that is old and new, poetic and factual, and funny as well as grim.

Contact the British Museum to book tickets for the exhibition.

‘This is a memorial to all the anonymous craftsmen that over the centuries have fashioned the manmade wonders of the world… The craftsman’s anonymity I find especially resonant in an age of the celebrity artist.’
–Grayson Perry RA, Turner Prize winner

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The first black taxi in London was the hackney coach in the 17th Century. The name comes from hacquenée, the French term for a general-purpose horse. It literally means “ambling nag”.

Hackney carriage, from the French word hacquenee, meaning ambling nag

In 1625 [...]]]>

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The Hackney Carriage

The first black taxi in London was the hackney coach in the 17th Century. The name comes from hacquenée, the French term for a general-purpose horse. It literally means “ambling nag”.

Hackney carriage, from the French word hacquenee, meaning ambling nag

In 1625 there were as few as 20 available for hire, operating out of inn yards. In 1636, the owner of four hackney coaches brought them into the Strand outside the Maypole Inn, and the first taxi rank had appeared. A tariff was established for various parts of London, and his drivers wore a livery, so they would be easily recognisable. ‘Hackney Carriage’ is still the official term used to describe taxis.

Hackney carriage no 4539 and a long line of hanson cabs awaiting customers in Lower Regent Street

After the Civil War , in 1654 Oliver Cromwell set up the Fellowship of Master Hackney Carriages by Act of Parliament, and taxi driving became a profession. This makes the licensed taxi trade the oldest regulated public transport system in the world.

The Hansom Cab

The Hansom Cab was a two-wheeled cart that combined speed with safety

In 1834, Joseph Hanson designed and patented the hansom cab.  It was a two-wheeled horse-drawn cart that was designed to combine speed with safety, with a low centre of gravity for safe cornering. It replaced the four-wheeled hackney carriage as a vehicle for hire.

Taximeters

There are two versions of the taximeter story.  One story is that the taximeter was invented by a German aristocrat, the Baron von Thurn und Taxis.  There actually is a German aristocratic family by the name of Thurn und Taxis, and they set up the first postal system in Europe.

The other version of the taximeter story (and the more documented one) is that it was invented by Wilhelm Bruhn (not a Baron) in 1891, and that the word comes from the German word taxe meaning charge or levy.

Taximeters were originally mechanical.  With the introduction of this clockwork mechanism to measure fares, the name of the vehicles became taxicab. Taximeters were originally mounted outside the cab, above the driver’s side front wheel. Meters were soon relocated inside the taxi, and in the 1980s electronic meters were introduced, doing away with the once-familiar ticking sound of the meter’s timing mechanism.

London’s Motorised Cabs

London’s first motor cabs were electrically powered. They were called Berseys after Walter C. Bersey, the manager of the London Electrical Cab Company who designed them, but were nicknamed ‘Hummingbirds’ from the sound that they made.  They were introduced in 1897.

The first petrol powered cab in London was a French-built Prunel, introduced in 1903. Early British makes included Rational, Simplex and Herald but these appeared in small numbers.

In 1929 Mann and Overton, the biggest taxi dealership, sponsored Austin to create a new and much more cost-effective cab which immediately dominated the market.

The first petrol taxis were made by Austin

In 1947 a new Austin, the FX3, appeared on the market. The design of the FX3 is still considered to be the look of the traditional London taxi.

Austin FX3 Taxi

In 1958, the FX4 appeared. It became the best-known taxi in history over its long life. It remained in continuous production with various modifications, with five different engines, for 39 years.

The FX4, the best-known taxi in history over its long life

In 1972, a prototype, called the Metrocab, was introduced. However, it failed to go into production until 1987.

The Metrocab

Next came the Fairway. In 1989, the FX4 was revised to create the Fairway, including a fully wheelchair-accessible interior.  Sadly, the last Fairways will be taken out of service in 2012.  In spite of being upgraded to Euro 3 emission standards, the Fairway will disappear from London streets as a hire vehicle.  Happily, many will still be kept by vintage taxi enthusiasts.  You can even buy and run a Fairway as a family car!

Our beloved Fairway, very popular as a Wedding Taxi

From the mid 1990s, Mercedes broke into the London taxi market with the Mercedes Vito.  With room for 6 passengers and two 12v power points, the Vito is popular for executive travel.

The luxurious Mercedes Vito Taxi

In 1997, the  TX1 was possibly the biggest single step forward in the history of London Taxis. The design combined the unmistakable silhouette of the traditional taxi with huge advances in usability and refinement.

TX1

In 2002, the TXII emerged onto London streets.

TX11

And finally, in 2006, the TX4 is the latest taxi model to be approved for use as a Licensed London Taxi Cab.

TX4

Zero Emissions Taxis

Intelligent Energy has unveiled a full performance, zero-emissions Fuel Cell Hybrid London taxi.

While the taxi looks and drives like an iconic London black cab, the Fuel Cell Black Cab is powered by an Intelligent Energy hydrogen fuel cell system hybridised with lithium polymer batteries; allowing the vehicle to operate for a full day without the need for refuelling. Capable of achieving a top speed of over 80 mph, it has a range of more than 250 miles on a full tank of hydrogen, refuels in about 5 minutes and produces no emissions other than water vapour.

What’s Next?

A satellite navigated, driverless taxi? Paul Piliste has conceptualized the OPTI, an ecofriendly driverless taxi for London, which could hit the street with sheer style and smartness in 2025.

The future of London taxis: the OPTI

Would you feel safe in one of these driverless taxis? Or would you still prefer the sound of that Cockney voice asking “Where to, mate?”

Book or contact us on-line or phone +44(0)203 00 44 953 www.london-black-taxis.com

Book a London taxi, tour, or treasure hunt online or phone +44 (0)203 00 44 953

Walking around London is the best way to get to know the city.  Along the way, you can stop at many famous places that offer free admission.

We have put together a list of links for you to the various [...]]]>

Book a London taxi, tour, or treasure hunt online or phone +44 (0)203 00 44 953

Walking around London is the best way to get to know the city.  Along the way, you can stop at many famous places that offer free admission.

We have put together a list of links for you to the various websites that offer free self-guided walks of London and some free led walks as well:

London Walks offers free, downloadable walking tours for your iPod, iPad, iPhone smartphone or other MP3 device. You can hear the sounds of London as you walk. Directions, walking routes, and the history of London and the buildings and sights you pass are all featured as the walks progress.  The downloads are free, but you can donate $25 to receive a disk containing all walks.

South Bank London has five guides in the “Walk This Way” series that explore intriguing pockets of architecture and history along the River Thames.

Walk London has worked with the local authorities to develop an impressive network of quality walking routes. This site has something to offer whether you are looking for a place to feed the ducks, a short stroll in your lunch hour, or an energetic walk to pep you up.

Walk4Life has free led walks all over London on the weekend of Saturday January 28 2011 and Sunday January 29 2011

The Magician offers a free Harry Potter Walk of London.  They will email you a booklet that you can download and print off.  You can then follow the Harry Potter London walk step by step.

London For Free has information and maps for various free self-guided walking tours. Each one covers a different part of London. Simply choose the area you want to explore, print the walk, and go London sightseeing for free.

Walking for Health has all the latest news, events, and other useful information to get you walking in the capital.

Time Out – London Walks offers printable PDF walking guides for north, east, south, and west London.

London Gardens Trust offers a way to explore the lesser-known gardens and green spaces in the capital.  Using their guides, you will discover a range of garden squares, small parks, churchyards and community gardens, which together reflect the history of London from Roman times to the present day.

Walks of London is the website of Richard Jones who has been a pioneering figure on the London walking tour scene for the last 25 years.  His website is a great resource for information about free London walks.

London Tool Kit offers free self-guided walking tours of London. Their four walks cover the main areas of Central London that a first-time visitor will want to cover.

So take a walk around London, and see what the Capital has to offer. There are some fabulous places to explore and some great walks connecting them. You’ll be surprised just how much you can cover and just how much more you will see by walking.

And don’t forget to look up! The best part of London’s architecture is not at street level!

Alternative Tours

If walking London is not for you, maybe a tour of London in a comfortable and iconic London taxi would be just the thing.

We offer several Taxi Tours of London, as well as tours of the surrounding countryside:

• LONDON HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
• HARRY POTTER TOUR
• JACK THE RIPPER TOUR
• HAUNTED LONDON TOUR
• LONDON BY NIGHT TOUR
• LONDON ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TOUR
• CUSTOMISED LONDON TOUR
• LONDON LAYOVER TOUR
• STONEHENGE TOUR
• WINDSOR TOUR
• CUSTOMISED COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

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If you would like to contact us, you can:

• Book a taxi, tour, or treasure hunt online 
• or phone +44 (0)203 00 44 953
• or send us a message with any questions you might have

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www.londonblacktaxis.net

www. londonblacktaxitours.net

+44 (0)203 00 44 953