The capital's cabbies may chat too much and some might take the "scenic" route, but London taxis have been voted the world's best.

The UK capital's cabs came comfortably top in a poll of world travellers by Hotels.com.

Second were New York cabs, followed by taxis in Tokyo, Shanghai and Bangkok.

Based on responses from 1,600 travellers in 28 countries, the survey showed that UK cab passengers were more than twice as likely to "become amorous" in a taxi than travellers worldwide, with 26% of global travellers having kissed in the back seat.

More than half (56%) of travellers have nodded off in a cab, while 19% use a journey to touch up their hair or apply make-up.

The poll also revealed that 15% never tip a cabbie and 39% are fairly stingy with their gratuities.

London was top in five of the seven categories used to determine the city with the best cabs, only failing to be the pick of the taxis for availability (with New York chosen) and for value (Bangkok).

The world's biggest spenders on taxis are Australians, while Italians splash out the least.

Hotels.com senior communications director Alison Couper said: "It is great news for London to be the home of the best taxis.

"London's iconic black cabs are recognised around the world as being the highest quality and it's due to the impressive expertise of London taxi drivers that they're seen to have the best local knowledge compared to any other city in the world."