Ask a Cabbie: Edward’s Hidden Viewpoint & Sunday Roast Spot You’ll Want to Bookmark

Ask a Cabbie is a weekly series where I ask London’s black cab drivers to share their top local tips, from must-see views and hidden gems to their go-to spots for food, drink, and history.

These drivers spend every day crisscrossing the city. They've seen more of London than most of us ever will and they’ve got stories, strong opinions, and plenty of suggestions that don’t come from tourist guides.

This series is all about tapping into that lived knowledge and passing it along to you, whether you're visiting, new to London, or just looking for something different.

Meet Your Driver

Edward’s been driving a black cab in London for 16 years. He knows the city better than most, but even he admits he's still discovering new corners of it.

“I had no idea you could actually go to the top of The Monument to the Great Fire of London,” he told me, “until my son made me go on a school trip with him.”

Now it’s one of his go-to recommendations for people looking for a unique view of London.

His Top Pick: Climb to the Top of The Monument

“Everyone queues for the Shard or the London Eye. But at The Monument, you get a better view, it’s cheaper, and most people don’t even know it’s there.”

– Edward

Why Edward’s Tip Stands Out

• Cost: Just £6 for adults, £4.50 for students/seniors, and £3 for kids (under-5s go free). That’s way cheaper than the Shard.
• Experience: Climb 311 narrow spiral steps to reach a caged, panoramic viewing platform about 50m (160ft) high. The views of Tower Bridge, the Thames, and St Paul’s are well worth the leg workout.
• What You Get: A surprisingly quiet experience with space to take in the view—and you even get a certificate of achievement at the top. Not even the Eye gives you that!

Getting There & What to Know

• Location: Fish Street Hill, EC3R 8AH (Monument Station on the District/Circle Line)
• Tickets: Only sold on the day, first-come, first-served at the entrance. Expect a short wait.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 09:30–13:00 and 14:00–18:00 (last entry is 30 mins before each break)
• Busy Times: Avoid Mon–Thurs mornings around 10:00–11:30 when school groups often visit
• Accessibility: No lift or step-free access; bags over 40×25×15cm must be left at the base

Bonus Tip: The Best Sunday Roast in London? The Devonshire, According to Edward

After your climb (and assuming it's Sunday), Edward insists there’s only one place you need to go:

“The Devonshire in Soho does the best roast in London—no question.”

The Devonshire, 17 Denman St, W1D 7HW

He’s not alone in that opinion. The Devonshire has built a reputation for nailing the British roast, all in a classic pub setting.

Local Insight Score: “Worth the Trip”

Climbing The Monument might not be on your typical top 10 list but that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s local, it’s historical, it’s budget-friendly, and most importantly, it’s recommended by someone who’s spent over a decade watching this city from behind the wheel.

Final Note

Edward reminded me that sometimes the best views (and meals) aren’t where the tourists go, but where the cabbies point.

Got a favourite local spot a driver told you about? Let me know in the comments or message me to have