I Spy

At times, not much can beat the old classics. One player chooses something that they can see out of the car window. They then challenge the others in the game by telling them just the starting letter of their chosen object in the familiar phrase, “I spy with my little eye something beginning with…”. The others have to guess what the object is, based on the letter they have been given. The winner then takes their turn to challenge the other players.

Number plate game

Take inspiration from the car number plates all around you to invent all kinds of games. For instance, set people the task of coming up with phrases using the letters on the plates. Or see who can find the highest number. Can you spot every single letter of the alphabet in the right order on cars that you pass before you reach your destination? Or look for plates that spell out funny names or abbreviations.

20 Questions

Another perennial favourite. Choose a theme, such as movies, sports or famous people and take turns to think of something or someone. Everyone must ask up to twenty questions to trey and guess the identity. To make it harder, answers can only be in the form of ‘yes’ or ‘no. The person who figures it out is the winner and takes the next turn, or if no one guesses correctly the person being asked the questions has another go.

Name that tune

This game relies on having a radio to hand. Ask your driver to turn it to a random music station and see how long it takes you to identify the tune being played. Or you could take it in turns to whistle or sing a tune for others to guess. Yet another variation could be to speak the lyrics of a song and the others have to guess the tune – and then sing it!

Map my route

This one will take some prior planning, but if you make a list of towns, landmarks or counties before you travel that you will pass through on your journey this can be used for all kinds of fun games. See who can be first to spot each one and mark them off in a game of ‘travel bingo. Encourage maths practise by having them work out how many miles there are between each one and how long it will take to travel between them. Inspire budding geographers or researchers by giving them a phone or tablet and having them look up interesting facts about any intriguing place names or local attractions along the route.

The post Car games to play in a minicab this summer appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

Plan your paperwork

Leave yourself plenty of time to make sure all the paperwork is in order for your holiday. Most importantly, is your passport up to date if you are going abroad? Some countries won’t let you in if you have less than six months left until your passport expires, so check and then double check that you are covered for the entire period of time that you are going to be away. Have you arranged travel insurance and reserved your foreign currency? Do you need to sort out visas or print out any tickets, reservations or other items received electronically?

Travel arrangements

The plane, train or boat may be booked, but have you thought about how you will get from your home to the airport, station or port? It is a very good idea to book your airport taxi now, as these can also get snapped up very early in holiday season. Allow lots of time to get there, remembering that the roads can be subject to delays around airports and ports. You may also be able to negotiate a discount if you book in advance, as well as ensure you get a large enough taxi to fit you and your luggage inside.

House and home

Are you happy to leave your house unattended while you are away or do you prefer to book a house sitter for greater security? Sitters can also get booked up very fast, so early booking is recommended. Do you need to let your home insurance people know that you will be away? Inform your neighbours? You may also like to make a list now of anything that needs to be switched off at the mains or any windows and doors that will need to be checked when you leave.

Purrr-fect pets

Looking after your cherished pets while you are away can be done in many ways, from qualified pet sitters who come to your home to kennels and catteries and people dropping in to feed, walk and clean out your beloved animal in your absence. Make sure you book your chosen provider now and leave clear instructions about what you need them to do for your pet. If someone is coming to your house to look after them, it is a good idea to purchase extra supplies of food, bedding etc. now so that they don’t run out.

Pack smart

Finally, it is not too early to start making a list of what you need to take. Doing it early allows you enough time to replace anything that is broken, too small or past its best, and to make sure everything is washed and ready to go. If you have a spare room, you could start assembling your belongings, or this can wait until nearer the time if you are pressed for space at home.

The post Countdown to a happy summer holiday appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

The taxi or minicab has become a familiar sight around our streets, but how much do you actually know about these vehicles and their drivers? Here are ten top facts that may surprise you about taxis.

1. Abbreviation

The word ‘taxi’ comes from the term ‘taximetre, or ‘taximeter’, which is the name of the device inside the cab that shows the fare that is due. The word ‘taxicab’ entered the English language in 1907. ‘Cab’ derives from the French term, ‘cabriolet’, meaning a light, horse-drawn carriage.

2. Figure it out

There are around 21,000 black cabs in London with thousands more licensed minicabs. Many drivers own their own taxi and operate it as an independent business. You are, in effect, stepping into a shop when you use a taxi.

3. The Knowledge

Official London black cab drivers are still obliged to learn The Knowledge as part of their training – that’s 320 routes to learn off by heart, taking in 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks within England’s capital city.

4. In good company

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers became the City of London’s 104th Livery Company in February 2004. There are now 110 Livery Companies with the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars being one of the newest, joining in 2014.

5. ‘Taxi!’

It is technically against the law to hail a taxi from the street by shouting ‘taxi!’ as this can distract the driver and cause an accident. You should instead hold out your arm to indicate that you need a ride. Or you can book your taxi or minicab in advance, of course.

6. Health and safety

Anyone who has notifiable diseases, such as rabies, tuberculosis or cholera may not travel in taxis or any other public conveyances, under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act of 1984.

7. Equal opportunities

New York is said to have the largest number of female taxi drivers in the world. Just one percent of London’s black cabs are driven by women.

8. Lovely day!

The most common conversation to take place between the driver and their customer in a British taxi is about the weather. Although the state of the roads and UK politics must come as fairly close runners-up!

9. Internationally speaking

The word for taxi is the same in English, French, German, Swedish, Portuguese and Dutch.

 10. Keeping in touch

Two-way radios first appeared in taxis in the 1940s, allowing drivers and dispatchers to stay in touch more easily and serve customers most effectively. The rise of mobile communications continues to help these vital communications improve and evolve.

The post Ten Facts You Didn’t Know About Taxies (Number 4 will surprise you!) appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

1.) Coffee shops and restaurants

Kilburn is richly blessed with coffee shops and not just chain brands. Gail’s artisan bakery on Salusbury Road specialises in home-baked pieces of bread and pastries to accompany their freshly ground coffee. For more substantial meals, you might like to go Italian at Fratelli, located in the London Marriott Hotel, Maida Vale or enjoy some tasty British food at The Salt House on Abbey Road. You can sample Georgian cooking at Tamada, on Boundary Road near Kilburn Park tube station, or tuck into Persian fare at Kish on Kilburn High Road.

2.) Tricycle Community Theatre

Talking of community facilities, Kilburn is home to popular community arts centre, the Tricycle Theatre. Home to live theatre, cinema, music, cafe and a gallery, it is situated on Kilburn High Road and is a great place to while away a lazy Saturday. Tricycle theatre is also an enthusiastic supporter of new talents, on the writing, directing and acting side of things, so it is well worth keeping an eye out to see if you can spot some of the A-list celebrities of the future.

3.) Abbey Road crossing

Seek out the famous zebra crossing, where Paul, John, George and Ringo of The Beatles had their iconic photo taken for the cover of their 1969 album, Abbey Road. The crossing is close to the famous Abbey Road Studios, where the band recorded many albums. Hundreds of people stop on the zebra crossing every day to take photos – watch out for the traffic whizzing past if you choose to do this. When you get back home, you can watch other people take snaps by going online to view live footage from the Abbey Road Crossing cam. It’s oddly compelling!

4.) West End Lane Books

Lovers of literature will find themselves perfectly at home in this fascinating independent bookshop on West End Lane. Selling rare editions and new releases for all ages, and covering all subjects, this shop also runs a number of events for its customers. These include after-hours readings, author talks, children’s fun and meditation sessions.

5.) Theatre magic

Close to Kilburn, in the well-to-do St John’s Wood area, is Lord’s Cricket Ground. Founded more than 200 years ago, it is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club and home to Middlesex County Cricket Club. Together with its sporting museum and shop, the attractive ground is a must-see venue for all cricket enthusiasts. The 2016 cricket season starts in April, so check online for fixture details and how to buy tickets for matches.

Call Minicabs London to book taxi service in Kilburn. Call: 020 3002 9190

The post 5 Reasons You Should Visit Kilburn (Number 3 is very Tempting!) appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

Then, there are security and passport control areas to negotiate. What’s more, if your flight involves several separate legs, you will also have to allocate time for airport transfers and check-ins for a second, or even third onward flight. When your time is costing you and your company money, this can be especially frustrating. Particularly when deadlines are looming and the work is piling up.

When travelling abroad on business, you are likely to have meetings to prepare for when you reach your destination, as well as presentations to practise and emails to answer. However, with mobile working becoming easier and easier, there is no reason why you can’t put all that travelling time and hours waiting at the airport to good use.

For instance, it is worth investing in a pass into the VIP or business lounge if you are going to have a long time to wait and can plug in your laptop and catch up with some work. Or you could look for a quiet corner in the main lounge and settle down with a hot drink for a couple of hours’ work. Most airports offer a range of business services now, from phone charging points and free wifi to photocopying, faxing and messaging services.

For even greater efficiency, consider using your travel time to the airport to get even further ahead of your workload. To do this, you obviously cannot drive yourself there, plus you need a quiet environment with as few distractions or changes as possible. So, if you are travelling a long way from your home to the airport, or need to travel between different airports to catch your next flight, a great way to work on the way is to choose a reliable taxi firm that offers airport transfers that will get you to your flight on time.

The quiet, comfortable backseat of a pre-booked London airport taxi is the perfect place to set up a temporary office. You can use your smart phone to catch up on emails, browse online, make phone calls and return messages. Or you can get some work done on your laptop while the miles pass peacefully by. Unlike public transport, a taxi offers discretion and privacy too for any sensitive commercial tasks you need to arrange.

Finally, booking a taxi means that all the details of your journey are handled for you, such as working out the route, handling heavy traffic or road diversions, parking when you arrive and sorting out how to store your luggage en route. Your mind can concentrate fully on your work, not the finer details of how to get to where you need to be.

The post Making The Most of your ‘Airport Working Time’ appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

1.) Going to the prom

More and more schools are laying on luxurious prom nights for pupils who are moving on after the summer. Doting parents are having to splash out on outfits, corsages and transport. Many parents opt for limos, however, a well-presented taxi can offer a cheaper, yet still stylish mode of transport for young prom kings and queens. Most taxi firms have a range of cars to offer, going right up to the top end of vehicle quality. Don’t forget to book a taxi home at the end of the night as well, as there will be a mad rush to find transport at the end of the night, and you want your children to be delivered back to your doorstep with no dramas.

2.) Flying the nest

Students across London will be getting ready to fly the nest as they leave school and look towards their next adventure. Whether that is university, college, gap year or a summer job, many families will be helping their student members get ready to move out of the house and start a new, more independent life. Booking a taxi to transport them and their belongings to their new residence may seem like an indulgence if you have a perfectly serviceable family car. However, a larger taxi can fit more stuff inside it, and hopefully, leave room for everyone to travel comfortably. You also won’t have the issue of finding long-term parking when you get to the other end.

3.) Get me to the church on time!

While most brides and grooms hire bespoke transport to get them to their nuptials on time, guests are less likely to have such a luxury. Once again, booking a taxi is the perfect option. You will be dressed in your finery, so will appreciate a reliable, clean car picking you up and dropping you at the venue with no bother or delay. Parking at weddings can also be problematic, so the ushers and groomsmen will doubtless appreciate having one less car to find room for before the ceremony. You might also like to book a taxi to the reception and even double up with fellow guests to split the cost.

4.) Sporting glory

London in the summer is a wonderful place for sports lovers to be. Prominent sporting events around the London area include tennis at Wimbledon, horseracing at Epsom Derby, Test matches at Lord’s cricket ground and athletics at the Olympic Park. Beat the queues going in and out of the car park – not to mention the exorbitant cost of parking – and travel there by taxi. That way, you can enjoy the match, race or tournament, catch up with friends and even have a drink or two without worrying about how to get back home.

Call Minicabs London to book a minicab for all your travelling needs – Call 020 3002 9190

The post 4 Reasons to Hire a Minicab this Summer appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

Step 1 – Learn

Before doing anything, learn about London. Taxi drivers in London are famously knowledgeable. If you are not, you are not going to cut it as a driver here. Learn as much as you can about the city, the routes, and the area that you place to service. Some people spend years learning all of this so it might take a while. If you have not started yet, you have to make sure that you put in the time and dedication. There is no way that you will become a driver here without this knowledge. You can use the Blue Book to learn all of the routes. It is the easiest way to educate yourself about driving a taxi around London.

Step 2 – The Application

You need the application if you are going to apply. You can send an application by going online or you can complete one online. If you choose to send for it, you will have to register and wait for the pack to arrive. Once it does arrive, you will have to answer all questions and fill out the form as accurately as possible. When applying online using the online form, you will have to do just the same, but making sure that you complete and submit the form. Make sure that, if receiving the application packet by mail, you drop it off or send it to the appropriate location in a timely manner.

Step 3 – Information

When filling out the application, make sure that you have all information necessary. This includes personal identification, medical history, and other important personal details. Becoming a London taxi driver requires details and information that you may not realize. Make sure that you know where all of your paperwork is so that you can fill out the application accurately. Upon completion, submit or send the form and await a response.

Step 4 – Testing

There are several tests that you must complete before driving a London taxi. Self-assessments, written exams, and appearance tests are all part of this. You will want to do these as soon as possible after receiving a response about your application. Waiting may result in losing your chance to test for the license.

Step 5 – Finish

After completing all of the tests, you will have a talk and you will receive your license. At this point, you can go out and start driving your London taxi.

The post How to Become a London Taxi Driver (Step by Step Guide) appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

Plan ahead

Summertime can be especially busy for taxis, thanks to extra tourists, airport runs and the sunshine encouraging more people to come out to play. So planning ahead will cut down on any frustrations. Book your taxis in advance, so that you know when it will arrive, and where. Make sure you choose a vehicle that is large enough to take your party and any luggage comfortably. You may also be able to agree on a fixed price on booking, especially for airport runs, or trips to other well known, or regularly booked destinations.

Keep healthy on the road

Always carry a bottle of water with you on hotter days, in case you feel dehydrated or faint. A small snack is also a good idea, in case you become delayed and are unable to stop for food at your normal lunch or break times. A brimmed hat and fan will also help keep the sun off you and the heat at bay, both of which can cause sunstroke if temperatures become too hot, or if the sun streams in, directly at you through the window. Carry your phone to call for medical help or to contact other members of your party if required.

Be flexible

People can slow down in the summer heat, so be prepared for the journey to take a little longer, or for there to be delays on the way. Schedule in extra time for disruptions and take a book with you to keep yourself entertained if things go awry and you need to wait for any reason. Tourist crowds may also result in queues and even in places, you had planned to visit being shut to new visitors. Check online, or consult your guidebook for alternative things to see and do in the area.

Happy talk

Chat with your driver as you go along, as he or she may have valuable local knowledge that will enhance your day. Or they may know shortcuts that will stand you in good stead for future journeys. If the taxi is hot and you feel bothered by the temperatures, don’t forget that the driver will be feeling just as uncomfortable and keep the windows down and the mood pleasant. If you don’t feel like talking, then, of course, you don’t have to, but remember that your driver is only human and is doing their best to get you to your destination in good time.

The post Using a Taxi Services This Spring? Read Our Essential Safety Tips appeared first on Mini Cabz London.

Safety first

Endless trials have been carried out to test the safety of self-driving cars and the jury is still most definitely out. Statistics do show that most accidents on the road are caused by driver error rather than a mechanical fault. However, despite sophisticated computer algorithms, driverless vehicles are still falling foul of being unable to anticipate and react to every single type of unusual or incongruous behaviour from other road users in a way that fully simulates a human reaction. Even the most advanced ‘driverless car’ will still require an element of human contribution, so driver error cannot be 100% eradicated.

Opting in

Driverless cars will only be able to work to their full potential if everyone opts in to the idea, meaning that every single vehicle on the road is controlled by a computer and everyone is happy to relinquish their driving duties. This is a state of mind that is very far from becoming reality. Driving is a pleasure for many people, as well as a profession for many more. These people will not want to give it up too soon. Other concerns lie around the possibility of the technology being hacked or farmed for personal data. These worries will also put people off from adopting driverless cars.

Loss of jobs

As mentioned above, driving provides a living for a large number of people, from taxi drivers to freight transport and couriers. Driverless vehicles will do away with the need for these jobs, creating money worries for lots of people, adding to the unemployment figures and removing a key element of humanity from society. Many communities evolve around professional drivers, and a taxi journey can be made far more pleasurable with a friendly, informative driver to help pass the time while you are driven to your destination. Taxi drivers have also been known to go above and beyond to help older or vulnerable passengers, e.g. by helping them to their door, staying with them if the person they are meeting is late or carrying heavy shopping.

Difficult conditions

Driverless cars are as susceptible to coming up against tougher driving conditions human drivers are, including flooding on the roads, high winds, storms and poor light. Some weather, such as heavy rain can also cause damage to essential sensors, impacting even more negatively on the vehicle’s performance. While a human driver can react quickly to a harder condition on the roads, can a computer do the same? Traffic signals can and do fail and people can run out in front of cars for whatever reasons. Roadblocks and diversions cause chaos even for human drivers. Contraflows and one-way systems can be put in place temporarily to ease congestion round roadworks and police officers sometimes have to step into the road to direct traffic. How can a driverless car interpret such unexpected scenarios?

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