Topic Wiki

Trip Reports
A Week in London for 2 TR by Davidmal
100,000 Steps by Yuguy
6 Hours in London by Something Fishy
London + Scotland Trip Report by jshelton
London TR by Yehoshua
Mrs. Hvaces42's Surprise London Birthday Adventure by hvaces42
A Trip to See the Queen's Place: dpk4588 Takes on London by dpk4588


Suggested 1 Day Itineraries
1 Day In London by Davidmal
12 Hour Layover by Aaaron
11 Hour Layover by Mootkim

Drivers
Yitzchok: +44 (0) 20 7101 3535 - 8 Seater New VW Transporter (spacious).
Heathrow Drop-off 75GBP Pick up: 85GBP (plus 25GBP and he brings 8 Danishes to the airport too)
Hourly 65GBP
Daily 475GBP
Very Reliable, very nice and funny guy. Frum, professional and has taken very good care of my client - RCARentals (FlightBlitz).
Emmes Car Service (Stamford Hill) +44 20 8809 4444
Darkei Noam Car Share +44 20 8800 5566
Hotels
General Hotels
NameAreaWebsite          Review
Andaz Liverpool StreetCity               Link
Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill              West EndLinkmguy
Marriott - Grosvenor SquareWest End               Link
Marriott Marble ArchWest End               Link5 minute walk to Western Marble Arch Synagogue

Hotels in Jewish Areas
NameAreaWebsite          Review     Notes
Croft Court Hotel                                   Golders Green          Link
Holiday Inn Brent Cross                                  Golders Green          Link
Holiday Inn Express                                   Golders Green          LinkKosher breakfast, Shabbos meals. Contact hotel for more info.
King Solomon Hotel          Golders GreenLink
Nox HotelGolders GreenLinklocated near Shuls/kosher restaurants/underground station
KipAccomGolders GreenLinkrun by a frum guy. Individual rooms for rent.
Park Avenue HotelStamford HillLinkFormerly Kadimah
The Pillar HotelHendonLink

Restaurants
NameLocationTypeHechsher     Notes
86 BistroHendonMeatLBDCLOSED
AsadoStamford HillMeatKED'Mediterranean bistro'
AvivEdgwareMeatKF
Ayelets Catering and DelicatessenHendonDeli/Takeout/ShabbosLBDMoroccan Style
Balady AlaeshGolders Green+High BarnetFalafel/ShawarmaSKA
BalaganBorehamwoodMeatLBDMiddle Eastern
Bagel BarHendonCafèLBD
Bagel Bar GrillHendonMeatLBD
Beit CafeGolders GreenDairyLBDNEW
BooyaGolders GreenIce CreamNEW
Bread BakeryGolders GreenBakery/CaféLBDGreat salad selection!
Burger BarGolders GreenMeatLBD
Cafe AromeEdgwareDairyRESCLOSED
Dagim - Fish&ChipsStamford HillFresh fried fishKEDTake away only - No seating
DarnaGolders GreenMeatKFIsraeli inspired. Formerly Soyo Diner.
DelicatessenHampsteadMeatKFMediterranean & regular options
Deli98Stamford HillDeli/Takeout/ShabbosKEDGreat pulled beef sandwich
FlipsideGolders GreenCLOSED
Eli’s Pizza Borehamwood+EdgwarePizzaLBD
Habiba’s DeliGolders Green+HampsteadMeatLBD
Head RoomGolders GreenCaféKFsocial enterprise café by mental health charity Jami
Hot CutGolders GreenMeatKFMeat Sandwiches etc
Hummus BarGolders Green+HendonMeatLBDHighly reccomended - reserve well in advance.
Isola BellaGolders GreenDairy/Fish/ThaiLBDCLOSED
KaifengHendonChineseLBD
KanteenGolders Green/HendonDairy/FishKFInside Brent Cross Shopping Center
La FiestaGolders GreenMeatLBDArgentinian steakhouse.
MaximGolders GreenDairyKED
MazalCamden TownMiddle Eastern MeatKF NEW
Met-Su-YanGolders Green+EdgwareAsianKF
Mr BakerHendonCafé/BakeryLBDSame location as Mr Falafel and Mr Neapolitan
Mr FalafelHendonLBDNextdoor Mr Baker - uses their seating
Mr NeapolitanHendonPizza/PastaLBDInside Mr Baker. Best artisanal pizza in town!
NovellinoGolders GreenDairyLBD
Novellino BistroGolders GreenMeatLBD
One AshbourneGolders GreenMeatKF50% off steaks on Sundays & Tuesdays
PitaGolders GreenMiddle Eastern MeatKFShawarma/Falafel/Schnitzel etc
PizazaGolders GreenPizzaKFCool on screen ordering at table. Delicious foodSee inside the shop!
PizazaHendonPizzaKFNo screens, and smaller than GG.
PizazaEdgwarePizzaKFHas a playroom for kids
Pizza ShaiHendonPizzaSKA
PortoberryHendonHealth Food/DairyLBDAcai bowls, Poke bowls, Bubble tea, Frozen yogurt etcNEW
Reich'sGolders GreenDeli/Takeout/ShabbosKED
Reuben'sWest EndMeatSKADeli upstairs-Restaurant downstairs
SababaBorehamwoodDairyLBD
SliceGolders GreenPizzaLBDNew York style pizza
SoYoGolders Green+EdgwareDairy/FishKFGood breakfast selection
Sami'sGolders GreenSchwarmaLBDThere are Hendon & Edgware locations as well.
Satmar DeliStamford HillDeli/Takeout/ShabbosKED
Shefa MehadrinGolders GreenDeli/Takeout/ShabbosVarious
Sushi HavenGolders GreenSushiLBDAlso have counter inside Kosher Kingdom
TaboonGolders GreenFalafelLBD
The KitchenEdgwareMeatKFCLOSED
TishBelsize ParkMeatLBDOpen for Shabbos meals
Tony PageWesminsterMeatLBDFine Dining - near  Hyde Park
Tuk TukGolders GreenPan-AsianLBD
White FishHendonFishLBD CLOSED
White House ExpressHendonMeatLBD

London food instagram account for pictures of the food click here!



CLICK HERE for many more bakeries, groceries etc.

Hechsherim Key - As always, AYLOR.

KF - Federation of Synagogues

KED - Kedassia - Local "Heimish" Hechsher

LBD - London Beth Din

SKA - Sephardi Kashrut Authority

RES - Rabbi Eliezer Schneebalg - Machzikei Hadas Edgware





Landmarks & Attractions
You can get 2 for 1 entrance on many of the top attractions by using a railway ticket for travel. (Or just by buying a cheap railway ticket and not traveling). See all the details here: http://www.toptiplondon.com/places-to-visit/2-for-1-offers
AttractionURLNotes
Abbey RoadLink     Famous Abbey Road crossing for Beatles fans.
British LibraryLinkBritain's national library, which houses some fascinating collections including these.
Buckingham PalaceLinkPalace tours only in Aug-Sep. Details for Changing of the Guard here. This tour walks along with the guards from the beginning of their march to the palace and then will get you a nice view of the actual ceremony. 10% off code: FUNGUARD10PC
City CruisesLinkSightseeing cruise on the River Thames.
Harrods of KnightsbridgeLinkLargest department store in Europe, with some really cool (expensive!) stuff on display.
HMS BelfastLinkMuseum on a former battleship.
Horse Guards ParadeLink
Imperial War MuseumLinkHighlights: Holocaust Exhibition, Trench Experience
London EyeLink
Old BaileyLinkWatch criminal trials taking place.
Shakespeare TheatreLink
The ShardLinkView London from the viewing gallery or have drinks at the bar on the 52nd floor. Best time to go is twilight/evening. Possibly a better alternative to the London Eye.
StonehengeLinkPrehistoric monument.
Thames RibLinkHigh-speed RIB boat tour.
Tower of London                             Link     Historic fortress where the Crown Jewels can be viewed.
WB Harry Potter Studio Tour      LinkSee Hogwarts, Diagon Alley etc. See here for a tip on finding last-minute availability
Windsor CastleLinkHistorical castle, and the Queen's weekend home.



General Information

Emergency Numbers
Police/Fire/Amb - 999
Hatzolah NW - 0300 999 4 999 (Golders Green/Hendon)
Shomrim - 0300-999-0123

-If you plan on using public transportation, get an Oyster card. They are much cheaper and easier to use than conventional travel cards, and never expire. They can be bought in many stores in London, or online. These days one can use contactless credit cards instead of Oyster.(Check here to see if your foreign contactless card will work.)

-Here is a handy planner for the public transport system.

-DD's Kosher Sandwiches can be bought in most major airports and stations and at some supermarkets around London.  Check here for a list of locations.

-Kosher in the West End/City -
Selfridges food hall has a variety of kosher groceries and prepackaged ready food by 1701.
Hermolis  also have a deli counter there.  The range includes schnitzels, spring rolls, kebabs, breaded lamb chops, chicken wings, fish products and salads. Traditional Shabbat dishes will be on sale on Thursdays and Fridays. Supervision is provided by the Kashrut Division London Beth Din
In the City Munch'n'Crunch have a stand in Hatton Garden with kosher meals, sandwiches, sushi and coffee. It is located at 32 Hatton Garden, on the lower-ground floor of Jewellery Emporium. There is also Mincha there at 1:30.

-Kosher food at non-kosher hotels, restaurants etc. can be ordered from the following kosher caterers in London. They provide double-wrapped meals to any location and could also match the menu of your location.
Hermolis (KED/LBD)
Royal Cuisine (KED/LBD)
1701/Adafina (LBD)

Zmanim - MyZmanim London

Minyanim - There are many shuls all over London, however there are a couple of places that have more constant Minyanim throughout the day.

Golders Green
General Golders Green Mincha/Maariv times
Hagers (Beth Yisochor Dov Beth Hamedrash)
R' Chuna's (Beth Shmuel Synagogue)

Stamford Hill
Satmar 26 (Clapton Common)
Pinters
Biala Shul (47 Moundfield Rd, London N16 6DT, UK)
Here is a list of addresses and zmanim for the above, and other places.

-Minyan in the West End could be found at the Marble Arch Synagogue. Shacharis during the week is followed by breakfast, and a kiddush on Shabbos.

-Most food products in general stores do not have a hechsher on them. This does not necessarily mean they are not kosher. For example, Coca-Cola does not have a hechsher, but it is kosher. Here is an online kosher product search that could help. Link to Android app.

« Last edited by yitzy93 on December 27, 2023, 09:02:39 PM »

Author Topic: London Master Thread  (Read 747558 times)

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #400 on: November 07, 2014, 03:48:54 PM »
I think you're pushing it. You have to expect the tour to run long just "because" and then it depends where your hotel is but then you need to shower and get dressed and take a tube to Golder's Green/Hendon which supposedly is a 20-30 min ride + walking to the train and from the train to Shul. I think that's cutting it a little close.
Isn't there a tour option to just do Stonehenge?

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #401 on: November 07, 2014, 03:52:30 PM »
I think you're pushing it. You have to expect the tour to run long just "because" and then it depends where your hotel is but then you need to shower and get dressed and take a tube to Golder's Green/Hendon which supposedly is a 20-30 min ride + walking to the train and from the train to Shul. I think that's cutting it a little close.
Isn't there a tour option to just do Stonehenge?
There is, but what I really want is just Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. I don't care about Oxford that much. There is a tour that's just Stonehenge that gets back at 2:30, but it costs more than the other one which is on sale. Go figure.

Which company did you use?

ETA: Was Windsor Castle worth it?

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #402 on: November 08, 2014, 09:17:27 PM »
There is, but what I really want is just Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. I don't care about Oxford that much. There is a tour that's just Stonehenge that gets back at 2:30, but it costs more than the other one which is on sale. Go figure.

Which company did you use?

ETA: Was Windsor Castle worth it?
I used Golden, booked through Musement w/ that deal last summer.
Oxford was nice. But the truth is, you only get to go through one area of the place (the rest is not available to the public) and it was very crowded so we didn't spend much time in each room. I don't think you'd miss out much by skipping it. But yeah that's annoying that Stonehenge alone is more expensive.

Offline Ergel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #403 on: November 08, 2014, 10:04:52 PM »
Why not rent a car and go yourself?
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #404 on: November 08, 2014, 10:05:52 PM »
Why not rent a car and go yourself?
Is that cheaper or just quicker than a tour? I'd think renting a car in central London for a few hours would probably be really expensive.

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #405 on: November 08, 2014, 10:06:35 PM »
I used Golden, booked through Musement w/ that deal last summer.
Oxford was nice. But the truth is, you only get to go through one area of the place (the rest is not available to the public) and it was very crowded so we didn't spend much time in each room. I don't think you'd miss out much by skipping it. But yeah that's annoying that Stonehenge alone is more expensive.
I saw the Golden tours too. Maybe if I ask nicely they'll give me the Stonehenge only tour for cheaper.

Offline Ergel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #406 on: November 08, 2014, 10:10:06 PM »
Is that cheaper or just quicker than a tour? I'd think renting a car in central London for a few hours would probably be really expensive.
How much is the tour? How long will you be on London for? Where are you staying?
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #407 on: November 08, 2014, 10:33:17 PM »
How much is the tour? How long will you be on London for? Where are you staying?
The tour is £71.40 on sale (~$116) and includes Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Oxford. It includes all admission tickets.

We'll be in London from Thursday around noon until Sunday evening.

I've stayed at the Le Meridien Piccadilly before. I was thinking of trying the W London. Have you heard anything about it? For shabbos we hope to be with my wife's friend.

Offline Ergel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #408 on: November 08, 2014, 10:40:33 PM »
I would consider renting a car for your while trip. Pay for one night parking. Save money on public transport into and out of London. And to/from Harry Potter. And can go straight from Potter to airport

How much is admission to Stonehenge/Windsor?
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #409 on: November 08, 2014, 10:52:17 PM »
I would consider renting a car for your while trip. Pay for one night parking. Save money on public transport into and out of London. And to/from Harry Potter. And can go straight from Potter to airport

How much is admission to Stonehenge/Windsor?
Thanks for the suggestions.  Stonehenge is £13.90 and Windsor Castle is £18.50 (~$52 total). The tour is $68.58 for 10 hours. Just Stonehenge is $71.72. For the Harry Potter tour, there's an afternoon tour (that saves £13 off the day tours) on Thursday which we are thinking of doing. It's £50 including transportation and tickets. Just tickets are £33! The tours are way cheaper.

Also, if we did rent a car, wouldn't the one way fee + gas be more expensive than the tours? I have no problem driving on the left (I did it in Australia), it just seems expensive.

I assume you heard nothing about the W London?

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #410 on: November 08, 2014, 10:56:28 PM »
Which is the better flight LON-MAD?:

EasyJet from LGW for $103
BA from LCY for $145

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #411 on: November 08, 2014, 10:59:22 PM »
Which is the better flight LON-MAD?:

EasyJet from LGW for $103
BA from LCY for $145
A taxi to LGW will be more than $42 in excess of a subway to LCY

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #412 on: November 08, 2014, 11:01:19 PM »
A taxi to LGW will be more than $42 in excess of a subway to LCY
That's what I though. Also, the BA fare is carry ons only. Is their carry one policy within Europe the same as their US policy? Their website seems to say so...

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #413 on: November 08, 2014, 11:03:04 PM »
That's what I though. Also, the BA fare is carry ons only. Is their carry one policy within Europe the same as their US policy? Their website seems to say so...
I may be biased, I'm very excited about LCY, I would like to try out BA1, 2, 3 or 4 one day.

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #414 on: November 08, 2014, 11:04:01 PM »
I may be biased, I'm very excited about LCY, I would like to try out BA1, 2, 3 or 4 one day.
I'd also like to try LCY. It looks a lot more convenient than the other options.

Offline smart brit

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #415 on: November 08, 2014, 11:45:33 PM »
I may be biased, I'm very excited about LCY, I would like to try out BA1, 2, 3 or 4 one day.
are you referring to ba 001?lcy jfk?

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #416 on: November 08, 2014, 11:47:35 PM »
are you referring to ba 001?lcy jfk?
Yup, there are 2 flights a day in each direction with the 4 above mentioned flight numbers.

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #417 on: November 08, 2014, 11:56:31 PM »
How would you rate the following hotels in order of nicest to least nice:

W Leicester Square
Le Meridien Piccadilly
The Park Lane Hotel
The Park Tower Knightsbridge

The PTK seems the nicest from TA reviews and reflects the highest price on spg.com. Is that true?

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #418 on: November 09, 2014, 12:10:00 AM »
Is this just for the weekday and Shabbos you'd technically be by DW's friend in GG? Because if Shabbos ends up in London proper, you'll want to be near the Western Marble Arch Synagogue.

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #419 on: November 09, 2014, 12:13:44 AM »
Is this just for the weekday and Shabbos you'd technically be by DW's friend in GG? Because if Shabbos ends up in London proper, you'll want to be near the Western Marble Arch Synagogue.
I assume it'll just be Thu and Sat nights. I hope that we'll be with DW's friend for shabbos, although I just learned she doesn't live in GG anymore. Still getting more info on that. The Park Tower Knightsbridge is a 20 min walk from the shul through Hyde Park (exactly 1km) which doesn't seem that bad. How was shabbos there? You ate in the hotel? Where did the food come from?