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

[@alunjones2550]

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

[@glenajones]

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

[@Kaitrader]

Respect to everyone who has passed The Knowledge

[@MrYoohootuber]

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.

[@azizbassman]

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.

[@TomosAvis]

Two of my favourite KZbinrs together! What a gift.

[@Chris_UES]

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!

[@robperkins2085]

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.

[@nickbutcher8480]

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

[@williamumbach592]

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

[@karlwatson1874]

Been a sub for years. Met you at a trade show before you started this KZbin 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]

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

[@markojanji8730]

Mr. Kirby, thank you for this outstanding, educational program. Being a foreigner in England I have learned a lot about the traditions of the country where I am staying. I respectfully thank you for all your efforts.

[@Blisken81]

Thank you Kirby for making my day. Again.

[@stebo-pv2hq]

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

[@bonnitaylor6788]

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.

[@paulogama5782]

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.

[@parmaman8551]

The collab I never expected!

[@octavianpopa1992]

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!

[@alexanderjaques]

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]

You can't have him!!

[@Arthur-hg7ny]

@@MauricXeyes, hands of Kirky

[@_Timo1]

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

[@idrismansoor7993]

Dear Kirby, great to see you again.

[@alehal3]

The collab I’ve been waiting for!

[@domi7171]

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]

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

[@surinderjitsingh8954]

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

[@mklelito74]

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!

[@senatorlainez]

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

[@Manu.YouTube]

Excellent videos, thank you!

[@MichaelWilde.pushbikegraddad]

Two legend meet! excellent

[@bobmcdermott9535]

I remember back in the 1980’s going to a Ball in London, eight of us arrived at Euston all dressed up to the nines, we got into two cabs, and the one who knew where we were going was in the first cab, we got in the second and said follow that cab! The diver who was a seasoned driver said “that’s the first time I have been asked to do that! “ He stuck to that front cab like glue, we got out at Grays Inn ,gave him a tip and he replied. “That was fun!”

[@kevinsenior8155]

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]

Interesting fact! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheLycan238]

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

[@gerryaustin8687]

This is great! Two channels I watch getting together.

[@Maitreya0208]

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]

So very true, in both respects.

[@brynwatson6645]

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

[@mic-wh3le]

This was very wholesome!

[@OG_Rider]

Knowledge is power.

[@brutusoftroy2810]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@Bushes1701]

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!

[@Mooooooof]

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

[@manifernandez6300]

Taxidrivers are great!

[@GymBodyAtlanta]

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!

[@lordcharfield]

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

[@debraawe1968]

such a beautiful conversation

[@duncanbhome]

I did my gardening apprenticeship in St. James Park outside Buckingham Palace and would regularly see Prince Philip drive out in his black cab.

[@tsibren]

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

[@philipklink5406]

That was a brilliant insight. Thanks Kirby and Tom.

[@williamumbach592]

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.

[@goggo9]

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.

[@richardrichardw9520]

What a lovely man You are Kirby well done Sir

[@Vwall007ST]

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

[@alfiesharpe907]

Black cab drivers are the best in the world

[@watchhunter]

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

[@Simonverse]

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.

[@morrisdoug6497]

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

[@KENICUSONE]

Kirby is such a name dropper lol

[@goggo9]

😂

[@WildWest144]

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.

[@keithwodarski7081]

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. 👍

[@jamesellsworth9673]

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.

[@supersonique001]

Excellent primer on using black cab service in London!

[@CatsAreRubbish]

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!

[@kirbyallison]

Ha. Well, I'm sure they pay well...

[@Create-n-fix-with-Nick]

@@kirbyallison for the ads, for the miners? Not so much.

[@jamesfranklin4939]

What a great video !! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@gavindadds4414]

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.

[@jkilarski]

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

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks again for saying hello!

[@moleahy6880]

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.

[@surinderjitsingh8954]

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

[@robwood8331]

The black taxi IS the best

[@etow8034]

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

[@kirbyallison]

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]

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

[@Create-n-fix-with-Nick]

@@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.

[@douglasgreen437]

Amazing..

[@Cherokie89]

I had no idea

[@fidelemoko5036]

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

[@kennybraithwaite]

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

[@christiankirkenes5922]

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]

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

[@shill700]

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

[@h.l.malazan5782]

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

[@downingbethune8758]

Black Cabs is a truly wonderful British institution. I first learned about them through a documentary on KZbin 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.

[@kirbyallison]

couldn't agree more!

[@Tekketey]

Как же в Лондоне круто!

[@mark7035]

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.

[@aliceplaysroblox3265]

Invite Tom to a Davidoff number 2

[@dmdunn]

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.

[@apexjailor9349]

Search it, Tom has done it!

[@jeffreyking279]

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

[@JLBodhran]

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.

[@downingbethune8758]

I was surprised at that, also. I think probably what happened is that Kirby was so deep in conversation that he didn't pay much attention to where they were going and was surprised to suddenly see the Palace of Westminster and the first thing that came to mind was Westminster Abbey, which is just across the park. He was certainly familiar with the Royal Albert Hall and the Prince Albert Memorial, so he apparently doesn't spend *all* his time walking up and down Savile Row, getting haircuts at Truefitt & Hill and tossing back martinis at Dukes, lol. That's just a guess.

[@Ron-p6g]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@dj.mk4]

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

[@jamieopulence]

Cool Collaboration!! Like it

[@harvey455]

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

[@countalma9800]

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.

[@timdavies3060]

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

[@AronRuttner]

❤

[@taxi134-y1q]

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.

[@davidlauder-qi5zv]

Tom Hutley, not Hurley...

[@joshmoonman6224]

Toms gone all posh😂.

[@davidlauder-qi5zv]

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

[@bart170]

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]

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

[@smfarzaneh]

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

[@dacuQ]

lmao

[@theroaringnoodle]

Good video but the audio is a bit iffy

[@grahamfuller1749]

is the audio at the start poor quality for everyone?

[@wesleyb1119]

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

[@shill700]

used to

[@FoCoBuzz]

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.

[@I_like_YT_lots]

As a Londoner, I hardly catch a black cab as they are just far too expensive. If you are in a hurry, you can't fault them as they do know the back roads and can drive on the bus lanes, but you are paying around 2-3 times more than an Uber and other riding apps (Uber had gone up in price). But besides that, black cabs doesn't really add much value to your journey except you can have your luggage with you and is wheelchair friendly. With technology improving I see no point in having them around as much as their exam is grueling, but you don't need to remember everything and every road. They are protective of their trade (rightly so) but their skill set are being overshadow by technology. For example if I forgot something in a black cab, is almost no way I can get it back, but with ride sharing at least you have the contact details of the driver. I guess one aspect of black cab going strong is "Fake Taxi" *wink wink*🤣

[@alexandermikhailov2481]

"Quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. Besides, quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. On the other hand, quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. Anyway, quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. That's incredible." 😂

[@russ9921]

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

[@TheTerryE]

The most luxurious way to travel in London is in my chauffeur-driven Bentley.