TAKE A BREAK: Cab shelters remain a cherished part of London’s transport heritage
- Perry Richardson
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
The small green cab shelters dotted across London are more than just rest stops – they’re a part of the capital’s working history. Built originally in the late 19th century to provide shelter and refreshments for cab drivers, these huts continue to serve a vital role even today.
According to TAXI Newspaper columnist Phil Brown, one such shelter in St John’s Wood recently reopened under new management. Sarah, the new franchisee, has created a fresh menu aimed at attracting hungry drivers back through the doors. Her efforts have already made an impression, with early reviews from cabbies describing the food as excellent and the service welcoming.
These cabmen’s shelters are unique to London. They’re operated by the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund and are open only to licensed drivers, though members of the public can buy food through a hatch. There are fewer than a dozen still in use, each protected by Grade II listed status.
With rising costs, fewer drivers on the road post-pandemic, and increased pressures on small traders, many shelters have struggled. Support from the trade remains essential to their survival. “If we don’t use them, we lose them,” said one driver.
The idea behind the shelters came from a concern for driver welfare. In Victorian London, cabbies waiting for fares often had no warm or dry place to wait, and pub visits were common. The shelters offered an alternative, providing food, seating, and some basic comforts – all within a space no larger than a horse and cart.
Today, their charm remains. Inside, the atmosphere is informal. Conversations range from traffic updates to football results. The food is simple and reasonably priced. Bacon rolls, tea, curries and homemade pies feature on many menus. They also offer a sense of community in a profession that often involves long hours alone on the road.
The shelters may be small, but their place in London’s transport network is anything but. They represent a continuity between the old and new. Even in an age of apps, electric vehicles and contactless fares, the shelters remind drivers, and the public, that cabbies are part of the city’s living heritage.
Some drivers now make a point of choosing routes that take them near a shelter. “It’s not just about the food,” said one veteran of 30 years. “It’s about sitting down for five minutes, having a chat, and being treated like a human being.”
The Cabmen’s Shelter Fund continues to manage the upkeep of the huts. Donations and local support help pay for repairs, cleaning, and licensing. With limited space and planning restrictions, expansion is unlikely. What matters most is preserving what’s already there.
