Recommended minicabs in London, apps

Minicabs are often a bit hit and miss / have an element of pot luck. Using a hotel to call one is a good idea, as they are not likely to want to upset the hotel's clients. You can wander into a hotel (or pub, restaurant, etc., places serving alcohol are likely to have a name or two) and ask if they have a local minicab place they use, even if you are not staying there... get the number and book it yourself. Always ask the price and estimated wait before pickup, before booking, and you will get a close estimate... prices between firms can vary wildly, esp. according to the time you are travelling. Don't be shy to say "ok thank you, i'll call you back when i need the cab" and try somewhere else.

Even for a local, calling random minicab firms can be a pain, with quality varying dramatically. They can also be very localised, so it would be hard to recommend one without knowing exactly the area where you will be, and even then... difficult. Of course they will travel... but you will have to wait while they do, and could pay extra for the privilege. London is 600 sq. miles, so a minicab in the East, may not want to travel into the West... and it could take hours at the wrong time of day.

Nowhere is complicated by tube, by the way. I would use the tube over a minicab wherever I could.

Whenever you decide you want a cab, watch for a black cab with its light (on top of roof) on which means it's available, raise your arm so they can see you and they will stop and pick you up. Tell the cabbie where you want to go before getting in. Black cabs ate very safe and easy to use.

I think it's light on for available.

Agree with black cabs. Watch for one with the light ON and hold out your hand. Incredibly well-trained drivers, and there are loads of them around, particularly in central London. Note: they're not necessarily all black these days but have a very distinctive shape so they're unmistakable.

http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/taxis#lBDewz0oRTlHO7EL.97

Locals over on the TripAdvisor London Forum have recommended the Gett app for summoning a black cab if you can't find one on the street.

When I've stayed at Premier Inns outside of London, I've often asked them to give me the number of a local minicab service they recommend. It's always worked out well.

Light on for black cab available. Black cabs are shockingly expensive however, a complete rip off, minicabs are cheaper but cannot be hailed in the street. Uber is popular because it is so much cheaper than a black cab and often easier to get. I've sat in pubs, booked an Uber via the app and minutes later it's outside, no need to go out and try and locate a vacant black cab.

If you are passing a hotel and want a minicab, go in and ask if they will call one for you. Chances are they will.

First, they no longer have to call. Most have an app that calls one automatically. Second, many receive a small commission for calling. Don't worry about them calling a bad company as stated earlier, they don't want complaints.

Yesterday, in Liverpool, I asked my hotel for a cab to the rail station. She literally pressed a button at the reception desk and that was it. The cab arrived in five minutes and was half the cost of the black cab I hailed at the station when I arrived in town.

That being said, if you have never been in a black cab in London, take one at least once. Personally, with the training the drivers have to go through, and the cabs itself, it is part of the cultural experience.

I've had good luck with Green Tomato in London...easy to use app and I've found it to be reliable.

The app HAILO will get you a black cab painlessly - no looking for service lights on the roof.

Tagging on to Frank's comments about Black Cabs - London Cabbies must learn what is called " The Knowledge " . For a wonderful explanation and understanding of this English cultural icon , watch this marvelous screenplay about it , by the late English dramatist , Jack Rosenthal - you will be absolutely charmed - https://youtu.be/oSAAB1ZmudY