Green and Very Tasty

Fine food and a touch of London history in a green shed

Location: St George's Square, Pimlico, SW1V

Description: This is the place for a proper breakfast...a cracking Cabman's shelter. But can you spot it?

Looking like overgrown garden sheds, these distinctive buildings can still be found on the streets of London, offering shelter for the drivers of hansom cabs and hackney carriages (taxis) since 1875.

Because cab drivers weren't allowed to leave their vehicles when parked at a stand, it was difficult for them to get a hot meal while at work, so The Earl of Shaftesbury (God bless 'im) and a few philanthropic chums decided to create a cabbie's charity in 1874.

Entitled the Cabmen's Shelter Fund, the charity set out to construct and run shelters to provide cabbies with 'good and wholesome refreshments at moderate prices.'

Between 1875 and 1914, a total of 61 shelters were built at cost of around £200 each.

Because the shelters stood on a public highway, the police stipulated that they weren't allowed to be any larger than a horse and cart.

Even with those restrictions, the huts still managed to wedge in a working kitchen and accommodate between ten and thirteen men.