London's Iconic Black Taxi Cabs | Is this the most luxurious way to travel in London?!?

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  • Опубліковано 3 тра 2024
  • Explore the heart of London through the windows of one of its most enduring symbols: the black cab!
    In today’s video, Kirby takes you on an exciting journey with Tom Hutley, a renowned London black cab driver, who brings the history and traditions of these iconic vehicles to life. As we navigate the bustling streets, Tom shares insights into 'The Knowledge,' the rigorous training that London's cab drivers undertake to ensure every journey is as informative as it is comfortable. Dive into the world of black cabs with us, discovering how these vehicles and their drivers maintain an unparalleled standard of quality and tradition in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
    🔍 MORE ABOUT TOM HUTLEY
    🔸 Website: www.tom.taxi
    🔸 UA-cam: @tomthetaxidriver
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 158

  • @alunjones2550
    @alunjones2550 Місяць тому +93

    I think you should invite Tom to Davidoff for a cigar and continue the conversation. This has been a wonderful video to watch.

  • @glenajones
    @glenajones Місяць тому +78

    As a long time subscriber of both your channel and tomthetaxtdriver, it was great to watch a wonderful collaboration.

  • @MrYoohootuber
    @MrYoohootuber Місяць тому +37

    I drove across London using GPS and we were running late to a wedding due to traffic. We ended up flagging and tailing a black cab who managed to take us on time avoiding all the traffic using backroads.

  • @Kaitrader
    @Kaitrader Місяць тому +14

    Respect to everyone who has passed The Knowledge

  • @karlwatson1874
    @karlwatson1874 Місяць тому +25

    Been a sub for years. Met you at a trade show before you started this UA-cam channel.. I must say.. never thought you’d break into an international sensation! You were bright then.. you shine brighter now. Keep it up Mr. Allison

    • @TWWIW
      @TWWIW Місяць тому +2

      Ikr!? 🎉 You are lucky to known him since.

  • @nickbutcher8480
    @nickbutcher8480 Місяць тому +4

    Love Tom's channel, such a great example of the British gent!

  • @robperkins2085
    @robperkins2085 Місяць тому +5

    Great video Kirby! Back in the late 80's and early 90's I worked as a motorcycle courier for 5 years and had a pretty good working knowledge of London. However, my admiration for taxi drivers was off the charts! These folk earn every penny and I hope it's a skill and tradition that continues for centuries to come.

  • @TomosAvis
    @TomosAvis Місяць тому +6

    Two of my favourite UA-camrs together! What a gift.

  • @williamumbach592
    @williamumbach592 Місяць тому +3

    What a lovely chat with a gentleman black cab driver. Tom!

  • @alexanderjaques
    @alexanderjaques Місяць тому +18

    Kirky is brilliant as always. It takes an American to truly make us appreciate the things we, the British, take for granted. Kirby,, any plans to emigrate?

    • @MauricXe
      @MauricXe Місяць тому +2

      You can't have him!!

    • @Arthur-hg7ny
      @Arthur-hg7ny Місяць тому +5

      @@MauricXeyes, hands of Kirky

  • @azizbass
    @azizbass Місяць тому +1

    Wow 👌 Kirby. BIG THANKS for this amazing video. I'm a London black cab driver and I know Tom very well. You've probably used one the best drivers to be in your video. What an endorsement for our trade. Thank you again. I really enjoyed this video.

  • @octavianpopa1992
    @octavianpopa1992 Місяць тому +8

    love your videos Kirby and I'm also a longtime subscriber to Tom - great collaboration! I think it's truly great you promote the beauty of London, from tailored suits to cigars and shoemaking. London is truly a gentleman's city, and you portray that exquisitely. Keep up the good work - we really do appreciate all the hard work you put into all your videos!

  • @paulogama5782
    @paulogama5782 Місяць тому +2

    London is my fav city. Everything about it
    brings memories i
    gained since 1980.
    London taxis are
    truly iconic and a
    trade mark as well
    as bobbies were,
    i mean policemen
    with those fantastic
    hats, no need guns
    whatsoever back
    then. London still
    is wonderful thank
    god besides all the
    problems we are
    all aware. Good show
    Kirby.

  • @bonnitaylor6788
    @bonnitaylor6788 Місяць тому +7

    Such an enjoyable video; thank you so much for continuing to release such great content! It was such a pleasure learning more about the black cab taxis in London.

  • @_Timo1
    @_Timo1 Місяць тому +1

    Such a different video, but still just a couple gentlemen having a lovely conversation.

  • @domi7171
    @domi7171 Місяць тому +3

    Great video Kirby!! Manny thanks to Tom for the inspiration tour, and explanation. Thanks to all drivers in Londen with this kind of knowledge and commitment.

    • @kirbyallison
      @kirbyallison  Місяць тому +4

      Black cabs are a part of the unique cultural fabric here in London and should be celebrated!

  • @stebo-pv2hq
    @stebo-pv2hq Місяць тому +4

    I remember riding in them in the 1980's.The cars were a bit different then.One driver was a WW2 veteran,he had some wonderful stories

  • @mklelito74
    @mklelito74 Місяць тому +2

    I just have to say that this video is nothing short of brilliant. Not only have you managed to once again deliver exceptional content, cinematography and clever conversation, but it's also taken me on a journey (pun intended 😄) of knowledge and complete new perspective of cabs and their drivers. Great work once again!

  • @Blisken81
    @Blisken81 Місяць тому +5

    Thank you Kirby for making my day. Again.

  • @kevinsenior8155
    @kevinsenior8155 Місяць тому +2

    HI Kirby... another great episode, thanks. Apologies if it's already somewhere in the comments, but I heard the reason they are called "Black Cabs" is that from Prince Albert's death in 1861, till Victoria's death in 1901, the Queen was in mourning, and hence would only allow black coloured cabs to pull up outside Buckingham Palace. From then on, it just became traditional that they'd be black. Of course, that could just be folklore, and the reason they are black is because that makes it easier to repair small dings. But it's a nice thought.

    • @kirbyallison
      @kirbyallison  Місяць тому +2

      Interesting fact! Thanks for sharing!

  • @parmaman8551
    @parmaman8551 Місяць тому +1

    The collab I never expected!

  • @alehal3
    @alehal3 Місяць тому +5

    The collab I’ve been waiting for!

  • @idrismansoor7993
    @idrismansoor7993 Місяць тому +4

    Dear Kirby, great to see you again.

  • @TheLycan238
    @TheLycan238 Місяць тому

    An excellent collaboration and view into a staple of London's streets for many decades. Excellent work Kirby and Tom

  • @Manu.YouTube
    @Manu.YouTube Місяць тому +4

    Excellent videos, thank you!

  • @tsibren
    @tsibren Місяць тому

    Amazing information and knowledge! I never realized this about London cab drivers. Thank you for this great video, Kirby.

  • @brutusoftroy2810
    @brutusoftroy2810 Місяць тому +6

    That's your best suit. It fits better than the others and it's timelessly a perfect blend of elegance and celebratory of masculinity.

    • @teakcore5261
      @teakcore5261 Місяць тому +4

      I agree, the cut is inspired by Terry Haste’s time at Huntsman, there is a reason why it’s one of most well regarded cuts in english tailoring and in the whole world!

    • @brutusoftroy2810
      @brutusoftroy2810 Місяць тому +2

      @@teakcore5261 I didn't realise it was Haste. I find huntsman a bit too much of an equestrian fit, loose and not flattering, this is a sleeker more elegantly masculine fit than the huntsmam in my opinion.

  • @surinderjitsingh8954
    @surinderjitsingh8954 Місяць тому +1

    I remember when I was a taxi driver in Melbourne, people always talked about the professionalism of the London black cab drivers

  • @mic-wh3le
    @mic-wh3le Місяць тому +3

    This was very wholesome!

  • @lordcharfield4529
    @lordcharfield4529 Місяць тому

    What a great video! Many thanks Kirby (and Tom!) 👏

  • @OG_Rider
    @OG_Rider Місяць тому +1

    Knowledge is power.

  • @brynwatson6645
    @brynwatson6645 Місяць тому +9

    Awesome video Kirby, the main thing is, when are you coming back up to Scotland?

  • @Mooooooof
    @Mooooooof Місяць тому

    I’ve loved watching his channel for quite a while, glad you linked up with him

  • @philipklink5406
    @philipklink5406 Місяць тому

    That was a brilliant insight. Thanks Kirby and Tom.

  • @Chris_UES
    @Chris_UES Місяць тому

    Love arriving at Paddington Station and getting into a black cab “RAF club please”… “right you are guv” no app, no gps, no Siri … brilliant!

  • @senatorlainez
    @senatorlainez 25 днів тому

    I appreciate Black cab drivers here in the U.S., Kirby.

  • @Vwall007ST
    @Vwall007ST Місяць тому +3

    Damn, it's Tom!!!!!!

  • @jamesfranklin4939
    @jamesfranklin4939 Місяць тому

    What a great video !! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

  • @Simonverse
    @Simonverse Місяць тому

    I don't know much about London and the black cabs. Thank you so much for this informative and entertaining video. Watched it from beginning to end.

  • @WildWest144
    @WildWest144 Місяць тому

    Well I rather enjoyed this presentation. You asked wonderful questions on Tom The Taxi Driver did an amazing job giving informative responses and driving you around. Great job guys.

  • @ThePauloEmo
    @ThePauloEmo Місяць тому +1

    Thank God you got Tom's cab. I can't begin to imagine if got into John's.

  • @GymBodyAtlanta
    @GymBodyAtlanta Місяць тому +2

    Well-done gents! I have always loved the London taxis. Gone are the days here in the US when the Checker Cabs had their own big and tall cars with the folding jump seats, extra tall rooflines and interiors. Uber has been an abomination to the taxi industry here in the US--as we used to refer to someone driiving their own personal cars as taxis--known as gypsy cabs (meaning a taxi that wasn't licensed and/or represented by a real taxi service company). By the way, the Peninsula London has now added an elecrtric Metro Cab car (same maker as the black cab) to their fleet of Rolls-Royces painted in the Peninsula "Brewster Green" color and designed by the famous Clive Sutton--which is brilliant! If you want a good reference to what Tom was calling the cabiolet horse cabs--watch the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies "Top Hat" where Fred drives one--a great scene indeed. Time for a return trip to London soon. London Calling!

  • @gerryaustin8687
    @gerryaustin8687 Місяць тому +1

    This is great! Two channels I watch getting together.

  • @Bushes1701
    @Bushes1701 Місяць тому +1

    Excellent Kirby! Great content and good to see you not advertising products for a change! This kind of content is your best work!! Love it and hope to see Edward and Eddie for this visit to London!

  • @supersonique001
    @supersonique001 Місяць тому

    Excellent primer on using black cab service in London!

  • @KENICUSONE
    @KENICUSONE Місяць тому +4

    Kirby is such a name dropper lol

    • @goggo9
      @goggo9 Місяць тому

      😂

  • @manifernandez6300
    @manifernandez6300 Місяць тому +3

    Taxidrivers are great!

  • @JLBodhran
    @JLBodhran 10 днів тому

    12:33 Genuinely amazed that for a guy who seems to spend so much time in London, he didn't recognise the Houses of Parliament, and then thought it was Westminster Abbey... I mean come on.

  • @MichaelWilde.pushbikegraddad
    @MichaelWilde.pushbikegraddad Місяць тому +12

    Two legend meet! excellent

  • @goggo9
    @goggo9 Місяць тому

    Thanks Kirby, such a cool video. Neapolitan who lives in central London here and I feel very lucky. It's definitely a capitol that can stand the competition with the most revered european cities.

  • @douglasgreen437
    @douglasgreen437 Місяць тому +3

    Amazing..

  • @keithwodarski7081
    @keithwodarski7081 Місяць тому

    Great video, Kirby. This video provided a current, interesting, and informative update of the tradition and institution of the London Black Cab. My wife and I travel to London at least once every year. We prefer to travel about town using a London black cab or in some cases the tube. 👍

  • @morrisdoug6497
    @morrisdoug6497 Місяць тому +2

    New York city used to have a special vehicle for taxis, it was the Checker Marathon.

  • @alfiesharpe907
    @alfiesharpe907 Місяць тому +1

    Black cab drivers are the best in the world

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth9673 Місяць тому +1

    London's professional cab drivers have always provided intelligent and comfortable transport. A wealthy gentlemen might find a personal limousine to be the most luxurious way to navigate London.

  • @watchhunter
    @watchhunter Місяць тому +1

    I didn't think that such a video could be so interesting.

  • @GonzoJamie
    @GonzoJamie Місяць тому

    Cool Collaboration!! Like it

  • @etow8034
    @etow8034 Місяць тому +2

    Geely owns the iconic London Cab Company which are now all EVs !

    • @kirbyallison
      @kirbyallison  Місяць тому +3

      I have to say, I really enjoy the EV black cabs. They are smoother and quieter and there is even more room inside. I can't speak to maintenance and range, but I love using them.

    • @etow8034
      @etow8034 Місяць тому

      @@kirbyallison ...but you still can't smoke a cigar in one of them or can you ? ...LoL

    • @Create-n-fix-with-Nick
      @Create-n-fix-with-Nick Місяць тому

      @@kirbyallisonA lot of cabbies I’ve talked to are a bit on the fence though, because they need recharging (takes time) and don’t quite get an entire day per charge.

  • @williamumbach592
    @williamumbach592 Місяць тому

    Black cabs in London are the best of any city I’m aware of. And the price is reasonable. Every one I’ve had is like a very knowledgeable Limo driver.

  • @Maitreya0208
    @Maitreya0208 Місяць тому +4

    Thanks for this video. I completely agree on the value of black cabs. The price is only marginally more than an Uber of Lyft (partly due to the fact that black cabs are exempted from the congestion zone charge, while ride share drivers are not), and the experience is far superior. When I’m in London now, I mostly travel by black cab. I’ll always love the tube. I’ve loved it all my life. But cabs are the best way to see London. And cab drivers are often hilarious and charming. It’s definitely worth the cost.

    • @timdavies3060
      @timdavies3060 Місяць тому +1

      So very true, in both respects.

  • @kennybraithwaite
    @kennybraithwaite Місяць тому

    Love your conversations tom. Still havent seen u around west end yet. I'm always looking out to say hello

  • @jkilarski
    @jkilarski Місяць тому +2

    Great video Kirby. I met you at Heathrow in baggage claim.

    • @kirbyallison
      @kirbyallison  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks again for saying hello!

  • @flower4915
    @flower4915 Місяць тому

    Как же в Лондоне круто!

  • @robwood8331
    @robwood8331 5 днів тому

    The black taxi IS the best

  • @gavindadds4414
    @gavindadds4414 Місяць тому

    Black Cabs and the Tube, essential for getting around London. Imagine having to learn 25 000 streets. I lost all faith in cabs in my city when I copped a couple of drivers who didn't know how to get to one of our major metropolitan hospitals. From my house it's basically do a u-turn and drive 3-4 minutes up the road and they were asking me to direct them.

  • @moleahy6880
    @moleahy6880 Місяць тому

    I just returned from a trip to London two days ago. And here's the thing - London's Black cabs are comfortable, roomy, and a fun way to get around. But like everything else in London they are extremely expensive. You will pay a substantial premium to ride in one of these versus an Uber or the other local rideshare companies. How much is the premium? It depends on the distance you are going and time of day but I'd say it's anywhere from 25% extra to double the fare. Whether or not it's worth that premium is completely up to you.

  • @Cherokie89
    @Cherokie89 28 днів тому +1

    I had no idea

  • @fidelemoko5036
    @fidelemoko5036 Місяць тому +2

    What are you wearing Kirby ? You have on a beautiful jacket

  • @CatsAreRubbish
    @CatsAreRubbish Місяць тому +1

    I think it's kinda funny how, at 38:50 when Tom is talking about adverts on black cabs, a taxi slowly drives past in the background featuring a huge De Beers advert on the side!

  • @aliceplaysroblox3265
    @aliceplaysroblox3265 Місяць тому +1

    Invite Tom to a Davidoff number 2

  • @christiankirkenes5922
    @christiankirkenes5922 Місяць тому +2

    I got a London cab once. A two mile trip cost me 40 quid. I think next time I'll walk and smoke a cigar instead.

    • @kirbyallison
      @kirbyallison  Місяць тому +1

      Well, in bad London traffic, you can often get places faster walking... for sure.

  • @jeffreyking279
    @jeffreyking279 Місяць тому

    Right up there with Chicago and NYC! LOL....

  • @joemacaluso4627
    @joemacaluso4627 Місяць тому +2

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @shill700
    @shill700 Місяць тому +1

    Can someone teach Kirby how to walk with an umbrella - holding the handle and swinging the umbrella with a flourish every few steps.

  • @AronRuttner
    @AronRuttner Місяць тому +2

  • @smfarzaneh
    @smfarzaneh Місяць тому +2

    could you say that one more time please? I did not catch it. quality, craftsman....

    • @dacuQ
      @dacuQ Місяць тому

      lmao

  • @mark7035
    @mark7035 Місяць тому +2

    Fun video, but come on, Kirby! The cab is going down Whitehall and you don’t recognize Horse Guards? Or was that supposed to be a leading question? Black Cabs are great transportation in London.

  • @h.l.malazan5782
    @h.l.malazan5782 Місяць тому +1

    Who else thought it was Nick Bertke (Pogo) in the thumbnail with Allison?

  • @downingbethune8758
    @downingbethune8758 Місяць тому

    Black Cabs is a truly wonderful British institution. I first learned about them through a documentary on UA-cam several years ago. The time, effort and dedication that one has to put in to become a Black Cab driver is just so impressive. Personally, I think the British should better protect its Black Cab Industry and not allow Uber to operate in London.
    We'll be back in London in a just a few weeks to catch Eric Clapton at the Royal Albert Hall. We're taking the Heathrow Express from the airport since it takes only 15 minutes to get to Paddington Station but it will be Black Cabs the rest of the way.

  • @surinderjitsingh8954
    @surinderjitsingh8954 Місяць тому

    It's very essential for a taxi driver to be talkative

  • @dj.mk4
    @dj.mk4 Місяць тому +1

    Personally I think the most luxurious way to travel in London is using a limo service called Wheely or Uber Luxury

  • @timdavies3060
    @timdavies3060 Місяць тому

    Are you going to this year’s Grand Flaneur, Sunday 5th May, Kirby?
    The meeting point and time are the same as before - Midday by the statue of Beau Brummell on Jermyn Street, London W1.
    #grandflaneurwalk

  • @dmdunn
    @dmdunn Місяць тому

    I'd love to see a video of Black Cab driver versus Google Maps to see who comes out on top as far as navigation goes.

  • @harvey455
    @harvey455 Місяць тому

    Please put us on your to do list ! For your trip around London

  • @bart170
    @bart170 Місяць тому +2

    I payed 46 pounds from manchester airport to city center using a black cab in the evening on a friday. On the way he was on the phone all the time and swearing and cussing to other cars, driving agressively.
    To contrast I payed 28 pounds to a another white taxi that my hotel called for me in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT sat-sunday 03:30 from center to airport.
    Weird how the difference in price. Note: always make the hotel call a cab.

    • @EastUpperGooner
      @EastUpperGooner Місяць тому

      Black Cab's around the country aren't the same as London Black Cab's. :)

  • @wesleyb1119
    @wesleyb1119 Місяць тому

    So cool you meat up with this guy I youst to see him in me locol town

  • @frankynonos3793
    @frankynonos3793 Місяць тому

    Oh boy Kirby must be a kid in a candy store with all those buggering puffers

    • @kirbyallison
      @kirbyallison  Місяць тому +1

      Ah, Franky, great to see you back. Just wouldn’t be the same without you here.

    • @frankynonos3793
      @frankynonos3793 Місяць тому

      @@kirbyallison It’s not a treat?

  • @user-pl2th5wj2h
    @user-pl2th5wj2h Місяць тому

    Tom Hurley??Well done Thomas you came across extremely well, did the profession proud...not a fan of the elevator music in the background however.

  • @adamc.7795
    @adamc.7795 Місяць тому

    What if Father Brown was in a cab as well? 😀

  • @joshmoonman6224
    @joshmoonman6224 Місяць тому +1

    Toms gone all posh😂.

    • @davidlauder-qi5zv
      @davidlauder-qi5zv Місяць тому

      Nonsense. He talks with a typical working class London accent. What makes you think he sounds posh?

  • @FoCoBuzz
    @FoCoBuzz Місяць тому

    I’ve watched enough travel videos to have learned that London black cabs are ridiculously overpriced. The Underground goes nearly everywhere so it’s my preferred choice. The double decker buses are fun too, especially if you can get the front seat upstairs. I should note that I’m a rail geek. I’m supposed to be in London for a night this summer. I booked a room near the Elizabeth Line because I want to take Purple Train to and from Heathrow.

  • @theroaringnoodle
    @theroaringnoodle Місяць тому

    Good video but the audio is a bit iffy

  • @grahamfuller1749
    @grahamfuller1749 Місяць тому

    is the audio at the start poor quality for everyone?

  • @JapanDaleCarnegie
    @JapanDaleCarnegie Місяць тому

    Tokyo cabs all have doors that open and close for you, so seeing you have to open the door by yourself reminded me that when I am overseas, I find myself standing in front of of the door waiting and then remembering I have to do this myself. Sadly taxi driver standards have crashed here. Once upon a time your cabbie knew where to go, but today they have little idea, including the locations of major Hotels. They are slaves to the Navigation tech, which can be a clumsy solution.
    I wish we had The Knowledge here in Tokyo but with our declining population we will be lucky to have enough people to do the job at all, so standards will never improve.

  • @countalma9800
    @countalma9800 Місяць тому +1

    New York cab drivers mostly can’t speak English and can’t go anywhere without a GPS. This is the sad new reality. Glad to learn London standards are still so remarkably high.

  • @clivejohnson9515
    @clivejohnson9515 Місяць тому

    I hope you paid, Kirby! lol. :-)

  • @markblackwell9486
    @markblackwell9486 Місяць тому

    It's definitely the most expensive way.

  • @russ9921
    @russ9921 Місяць тому +1

    Even the factory that makes black cabs is now Chinese owned.

  • @swissgator6312
    @swissgator6312 Місяць тому +2

    Well, you mispronounced his last name within the first few seconds of getting into the taxi, so that must have been awkward! 😂

  • @craigbryant9999
    @craigbryant9999 Місяць тому

    Great content and conversation... But the music on this one was particularly awful...