Hailing from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, Ian studied English at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2000. After a variety of jobs including pizza delivery driver, restaurant pianist, nightclub reviewer and baker's assistant he set about learning the Knowledge in 2008 while working as an administrator at the Guardian. Ian received his Green Badge - the All London taxi driver's licence - in 2012, after more than four years of intensive study. Now a licensed London taxi driver, he also contributes to the Guardian, writes a blog called Words on the Street, and performs regularly as lead singer, pianist and songwriter with London-based band Ian Beetlestone & the Drowning Rats.