“It’s an experience, the walks of life and the things you see while you are at work, it is an eye-opener, and London as a city is a fantastic city.” I love taxi drivers. They’re talkative and are an essential service to the traveller. Often, they are the first friendly face I meet in a new country and have provided me with beneficial information about the places I’m visiting. However, I feel I’m on safe ground in saying London’s black cab drivers are the best in the business. Not only do these cabbies know the quickest routes around London, but they are also a pool of information about the city. Mitch Cohen is a London cabbie and is originally from Bermondsey, South London. He’s been cabbing for more than five years but is also a former builder. However, given the pandemic and its effects on movement, Mitch has temporarily switched back to the building trade to make a living. I met Mitch on a Saturday afternoon for a couple of beers. We chatted about becoming a taxi driver; the ‘Knowledge’ – anyone who wants to drive an iconic London cab (or Hackney Carriage) must memorise the Knowledge of London; cabbies favourite food hangouts; black cabs vs Uber; weirdest passengers; adapting during the pandemic and its mental health effects; Arsenal football club; and Spain. Join us for some plain-speaking and an insider's knowledge about London. SOME OF THE TOPICS/LANDMARKS MENTIONED: History of London Hackney cabs: https://lvta.co.uk/menu/lvta-taxi-history The Knowledge of London: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/learn-the-knowledge-of-london Historical cabbies green café huts: https//:bbc.com/travel/story/20180430-the-secret-green-shelters-that-feed-londons-cabbies Superfish fish and chips restaurant: https://masterssuperfish.business.site Uber’s London licensing history: https://bbc.co.uk/news/business-54322579 Bermondsey: https://hidden-london.com/gazetteer/bermondsey ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPS An overview and further information on Stephen Marriott can be found at the show's website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com A quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcast Marriott shares images and videos from his travels, but rarely sunset shots, at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriott Sign up for the newsletter and grab a Free checklist, Essential Checklist for the Modern Day Traveller here: http://eepurl.com/hxsQf1 If you have any questions or comments, Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him at: [email protected] Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts The theme music is by Hanna and Julius; thank you! Thanks to Mitch for pouring the beer and hosting the podcast on 20.03.2021.