On Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, 10 London taxi drivers will run 16 miles across the capital, visiting all 13 of the city’s historic green taxi shelters in one go.
They’re calling themselves, predictably, the Green Hut Run Club, and yes, expect cab bags, flat caps, and plenty of tea stops along the way.
Setting off from Warwick Avenue at 8:00 am, they’re aiming to reach St John’s Wood — home to the original shelter and its newly appointed shelter keeper — by late morning.
These iconic green huts aren’t just quirky street furniture — they’re part of London’s living history. All 13 are Grade II listed, and each one provides vital rest, warmth, and community for working cabbies. But maintaining them is no easy task. Repairs are costly; as they’re listed buildings, even simple works can become expensive conservation projects.
One example is the shelter at Cromwell Gardens, also known as the ‘Bell and Horns’. A few years ago, it was hit by a car, suffering significant damage. It had to be moved onto the pavement for safety, where it was painstakingly repaired — but despite all that effort, it still hasn’t been able to reopen. Without proper funding, more shelters could face the same fate.
That’s why they’re fundraising to support the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund, the small but vital charity that oversees the preservation and upkeep of the shelters.
An ambitious fundraising target of £10,000 has been set, all of which will go directly towards keeping these unique parts of London life in good shape for future generations.
They’ll be taking photos at each stop, sharing the journey online, to raise public awareness about these little green gems, helping to keep the shelters standing.
If you love London, history, or just a good old-fashioned cabbie story, please consider donating to the JustGiving page. Every pound helps preserve something truly special.
As a postscript in a blatant piece of self-promotion, my novels featuring the Shelter Sleuths Investigators are based around the finishing line at the St. John’s Wood Shelter.
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