SURVIVING KIPPER SEASON: A London taxi driver's perspective on how cabbies negotiate the quiet times
January and February are notoriously slow months for the taxi trade. In his latest video, London cabbie and YouTube influencer Tom Hutley takes viewers on a first-hand journey through what he calls the ‘worst time of year’ for the industry.
Known as ‘Kipper Season’, this period sees a sharp drop in demand as passengers tighten their belts after the festive season.
Hutley begins his shift with a clear mission: to make the best of a tough day on the road. Starting in Hampstead, he works his way through Camden, picking up his first fare outside the Stables Market. From there, he navigates a more empty feeling London, explaining the challenges of securing jobs when footfall is low and stations are overcrowded with waiting cabs.
One of the main hurdles of Kipper Season is the unpredictability. Hutley highlights how quiet ranks and empty streets lead to longer gaps between jobs. Even well-frequented spots like Euston Station and the West End fail to generate steady work. As he drives through the capital, he reflects on the difficulty of choosing between waiting at a rank or gambling on a street hail.
Despite the struggle, Hutley manages to pick up a series of passengers, and points out the benefit of light traffic, allowing for quicker journeys, but notes that it rarely translates into higher earnings.
Throughout the video, Hutley shares insights into the seasonal trends that impact the trade. January brings fewer events, less corporate demand, and a general reluctance from the public to spend on taxis. He acknowledges that, on average, drivers need to work an extra day per week to match their December earnings.
To keep morale up, he keeps busy with strategic driving. He targets areas with medical professionals, such as Harley Street, where he picks up a passenger heading towards St James’s. However, gaps between jobs remain long, with over an hour passing before he secures another fare in Mayfair. He also highlights the role of app-based bookings in filling gaps when street work is slow, a tactic he turns to later in his shift.
For those considering heading out during this period, Hutley’s advice is simple: accept that it will be slow, focus on the hours rather than the immediate takings, and take every opportunity as it comes. In an industry where resilience is key, Kipper Season is that test that every London cabbie must navigate year after year.
