Tom Hutley, Taxi Driver

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What’s your name and what do you do?

Tom Hutley. London taxi driver and YouTuber

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How did you first get into the taxi world?

My friend’s dad had qualified as a cabbie, and spoke of the mandatory learning of the ‘Blue Book’ – effectively routes of London that every would-be cabbie has to remember, a bit like a phrase book. I had no interest in becoming a cabbie; I had no idea about The Knowledge. I just thought doing these routes would help me understand London a bit more.  As time progressed I realised that being a cabbie could be a sweet gig and would be a huge upgrade from my graduate sales job.

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What’s your favourite part of the job?

I love getting into the flow, anticipating every part of the route, and driving as smoothly as possible. What lane to be in; timing when a light is likely to turn green; thinking on my feet when an unexpected jam occurs. It’s comparable to sitting down with a sudoku puzzle, but you get to gaze out the window and watch the world go by at the same time.

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If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?

Access to roads. We are losing more optionality due to low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and various borough restrictions. It removes that creative problem solving. It means I’m more likely to get stuck in traffic – which contrary to popular belief, means that I earn less – while being more tedious for the customer.

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What’s your go-to pub order?

Fish and chips and a soda water. While it’s not the same as a proper chippy, there’s a huge charm to eating this inside a beautiful Victorian boozer.

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Who would be on your ultimate pub quiz team?

Tom Scott without a shadow of a doubt. And anyone from the sports realm, as that’s an area I know nothing about.

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Favourite item of clothing you own?

My tan Baracuta G9. What other jacket can boast being worn by Steve McQueen, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra? Even the most famous cabbie ever – Fred Housego – wore one.

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If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?

I’d love to have my own small coffee shop. Getting stuck into the flow of pulling espresso shots, whilst jamming to some downtempo classics under warm lighting.

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What does your typical Saturday look like?

Saturday is the least predictable day in my week. I’ll generally leave it open for social plans, but if nothing comes up, I’m equally as happy at work or out exploring the streets of London on foot.

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What’s your favourite film?

Bloodsport. Jean-Claude Van Damme at his finest, an epic 80s soundtrack, and plenty of montages. It’s as inspiring as it is cheesy, so they balance each other out.

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