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 747895 times)

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #840 on: October 21, 2015, 06:26:45 PM »
a bunch of nonsensical politics, its been paskened time after time by the rabonnim who actually live there & aren't effected by politics that the eiruv is 100%  kosher
Is that so?
I beg to differ.
But how about we each leave our own opinions aside and allow each and every one to ask their respective LOR like I suggested.

Offline eliraps

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #841 on: October 21, 2015, 06:55:08 PM »
Is that so?
I beg to differ.
But how about we each leave our own opinions aside and allow each and every one to ask their respective LOR like I suggested.

MeirS, I hate to argue with you but I think you may be a little behind on many details of the GG eruv. Most of the Lubavitch community don't use it as they wouldn't use most city eruvin. However beyond that it has become extremely evident over the years that any Rov  who is against it, is against it solely for political reasons. I have spoken to numerous people and rabonim from various communities in NW London and this is the clear consensus of all of them. [This was not the case when the eruv was originally made, but since then many, many corrections have been made].

p.s. of course everyone should ask their rov.
« Last Edit: October 21, 2015, 07:01:55 PM by eliraps »

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #842 on: October 22, 2015, 07:52:06 PM »
So it turns out that Matt is unavailable on the one day i can do the Chamging of the Guard tour as its his birthday.  :( Any other changing of the guard tours that can be recommended?
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Offline zow

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #843 on: October 23, 2015, 10:40:29 AM »
So it turns out that Matt is unavailable on the one day i can do the Chamging of the Guard tour as its his birthday.  :( Any other changing of the guard tours that can be recommended?
We did the Fun London Changing of the Guard tour last summer -- IIRC, we had the other guy, not Matt. Maybe it was Jess? Regardless, he was and it was great.  He knew how to get us to the good spots to see stuff and not get caught behind masses. Interesting talking points, funny, engaging.  I would recommend it. (And if I ever get around to finishing my TR, you'll see some stuff!)

Offline 1050BU

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #844 on: October 23, 2015, 11:20:06 AM »
Recommendations for restaurants for Saturday night and Sunday brunch?

I'm staying at the HR Churchill.

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #845 on: October 23, 2015, 11:25:44 AM »
Some homework while your there
Supposedly all different underground stations.

Offline itsyehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #846 on: October 23, 2015, 11:39:50 AM »
Some homework while your there
Supposedly all different underground stations.

I can't figure out the last two
I remember when a coke was a nickel, and you could buy VRs in OD.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #847 on: October 23, 2015, 04:51:24 PM »
We did the Fun London Changing of the Guard tour last summer -- IIRC, we had the other guy, not Matt. Maybe it was Jess? Regardless, he was and it was great.  He knew how to get us to the good spots to see stuff and not get caught behind masses. Interesting talking points, funny, engaging.  I would recommend it. (And if I ever get around to finishing my TR, you'll see some stuff!)
Thanks, but his company doesnt offer tours on the one day that I can make it. Its his 40th Birthday and he's not working (i.e. getting hammered is what I got out of the email he sent me). The irony is that I'm treating my wife to this trip for HER 40th Birthday as a surprise.

So I guess my search continues... :( :( :( 
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Offline zow

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #848 on: October 23, 2015, 04:59:10 PM »
OH my. Another surprise-the-wife TR on the way!  There was another company doing tours (actually many companies), but our guy (Matt or Jess) seemed to be chummy with one of them. You could ask matt for a recommendation.

Offline zow

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #849 on: October 23, 2015, 05:00:41 PM »
Gotta say, too, IMHO changing of the guard was good and something you have to do once, but it is not over-the-top amazing.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #850 on: October 23, 2015, 05:06:18 PM »
Gotta say, too, IMHO changing of the guard was good and something you have to do once, but it is not over-the-top amazing.
Got to work out the details of the surprise yet. Have the tickets, have an idea what hotel, itinerary in the planning stages. Doing 3 full days and 2 nights. Sunday morning arrival to Tuesday evening departure. 

If I'm doing it, I want to do it right.

Look at that, first Boston, now London. You are now my official "go to" guy for trip planning.
Fair warning - Any PMs sent in response to forum posts are fair game for ridicule in public.

Offline jshelton

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #851 on: October 24, 2015, 09:08:57 PM »
hey does anyone know who gives the hashgacha for the shabbos meals for the holiday inn express at Golder's Green?

http://www.totallyjewishtravel.com/vacations/kosher_hotels_and_resorts/kosher-hotel-london-holiday-inn-express-london-golders-green-uk

Offline myb821

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #852 on: October 24, 2015, 09:18:27 PM »
hey does anyone know who gives the hashgacha for the shabbos meals for the holiday inn express at Golder's Green?

http://www.totallyjewishtravel.com/vacations/kosher_hotels_and_resorts/kosher-hotel-london-holiday-inn-express-london-golders-green-uk
where in that link does it mention shabbos meals?

Offline Dan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #853 on: October 24, 2015, 09:24:29 PM »
What's with the various hashgochas? Any of them allow non-glatt meat?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline jshelton

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #854 on: October 24, 2015, 09:25:15 PM »
in the bold right above where it says "hotel rooms and facilities" 

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #855 on: October 24, 2015, 09:26:23 PM »
What's with the various hashgochas? Any of them allow non-glatt meat?
Paging eliraps


Offline itsyehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #856 on: October 24, 2015, 09:30:12 PM »

Cool! Too bad it wasn't around this past summer.  Here's hoping it goes on tour in the US.

That's what Friday's AA availability glut is for! Summer trips...
I remember when a coke was a nickel, and you could buy VRs in OD.

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #857 on: October 24, 2015, 10:48:57 PM »
That's what Friday's AA availability glut is for! Summer trips...
True. Looking into it.

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #858 on: October 24, 2015, 10:53:44 PM »
What's with the various hashgochas? Any of them allow non-glatt meat?

Officially not, but charedim avoid sefardic kashrus authority. many Lubavitchers only eat kedassia for meat. but judging by your many trip reports, your not makpid on lubavitch scheitah, so basically stick to kedassia, federation, or bais din (KLBD)
if you do decide to eat at ruebens or bevis marks, ask to talk to the mashgiach first, the results may surprise you! 

Offline zow

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #859 on: October 24, 2015, 11:21:15 PM »

Got to work out the details of the surprise yet. Have the tickets, have an idea what hotel, itinerary in the planning stages. Doing 3 full days and 2 nights. Sunday morning arrival to Tuesday evening departure. 

If I'm doing it, I want to do it right.

Look at that, first Boston, now London. You are now my official "go to" guy for trip planning.

We absolutely loved Hyatt Regency Churchill. The Beatles show (Let It Be) was amazing, and I'm the kind of guy who generally can't stand any kind of show.  If you like history, Churchill War Room is a must. Could have spent hours there.  Do you want to borrow my Oyster cards? I had to pay $5 deposit on each and would have returned them for deposit, expert the Tube was (in)conveniently on strike our last day in London. PM me if you want to borrow and I can mail to you.