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 747618 times)

Offline LoLo

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 3772
  • Total likes: 197
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1180 on: December 15, 2015, 08:01:32 PM »
in London now, free unlimited very slow data, included in my sprint plan
Wow, my sprint phone is completely dead in London, unable to pick up any network.

Offline Mplace

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2014
  • Posts: 2039
  • Total likes: 11
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
  • Programs: Kan tzivah
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1181 on: December 15, 2015, 08:05:31 PM »
Wow, my sprint phone is completely dead in London, unable to pick up any network.
you need to call them to 'activate the service' and switch to GSM
What's your plan for yud shvat?

Offline eliraps

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 889
  • Total likes: 16
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: ORD
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1182 on: December 17, 2015, 02:59:36 AM »
I'm asking more on the line of exchange rate (unless it's the same across all cards)
IMO I would say the CSP is probably your best bet.
Regarding exchange rates, most cards with an annual fee don't charge foreign exchange fees and the exchange rate is the same.
-1
Not IME
I guess I'll test it out, multiple transactions, in the same day, in different card's for the same amount and I'll find out
Definitely would like to hear results!!
Do you have any Barclay cards to try?
ye, upromise

I think this deserves a thread in the CC board. No?

Offline hvaces42

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 5588
  • Total likes: 1148
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 14
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1183 on: December 20, 2015, 07:02:50 PM »
So I'm completing my itinerary for next week and I have come to these realizations about the food scene in London: The most upscale restaurant has no service on Sunday's (Bevis Marks), the best steakhouse is hidden behind a cafe (LaFiesta); regular Shabbos food is considered restaurant quality food (too many places to name); "salt beef" is another name for a cold cut dish....and thats only the fleishig places.  >:(

When Milchig is a better choice than fleishig on my first night in town, i'm already not looking forward. Thank goodness its only 3 days. I guess i will subsist on the DD sandwiches during the day and maybe i'll be pleasantly surprised at dinner.

Fair warning - Any PMs sent in response to forum posts are fair game for ridicule in public.

Offline efflpetzel

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 2836
  • Total likes: 133
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1184 on: December 20, 2015, 09:29:28 PM »
So I'm completing my itinerary for next week and I have come to these realizations about the food scene in London: The most upscale restaurant has no service on Sunday's (Bevis Marks), the best steakhouse is hidden behind a cafe (LaFiesta); regular Shabbos food is considered restaurant quality food (too many places to name); "salt beef" is another name for a cold cut dish....and thats only the fleishig places.  >:(

When Milchig is a better choice than fleishig on my first night in town, i'm already not looking forward. Thank goodness its only 3 days. I guess i will subsist on the DD sandwiches during the day and maybe i'll be pleasantly surprised at dinner.
With that kind of outlook, you might wanna consider canceling your trip.

Offline hvaces42

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 5588
  • Total likes: 1148
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 14
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1185 on: December 20, 2015, 09:38:19 PM »
With that kind of outlook, you might wanna consider canceling your trip.
And throw away $900 plus 60k Avios +75k AA?? The food may suck but i still want to see the "old countries".
Fair warning - Any PMs sent in response to forum posts are fair game for ridicule in public.

Offline efflpetzel

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 2836
  • Total likes: 133
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1186 on: December 20, 2015, 10:01:43 PM »
And throw away $900 plus 60k Avios +75k AA?? The food may suck but i still want to see the "old countries".

Offline yitzy93

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2014
  • Posts: 946
  • Total likes: 56
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1187 on: December 21, 2015, 07:38:33 AM »
With that kind of outlook, you might wanna consider canceling your trip.
+1
Why don't you just stay home?? I'm sure the food scene is much better where you're at...

Offline hvaces42

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 5588
  • Total likes: 1148
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 14
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1188 on: December 21, 2015, 09:44:16 AM »
+1
Why don't you just stay home?? I'm sure the food scene is much better where you're at...
Probably is. Email from Bevis Marks this morning...The last day they are operating is December 24. For the year? Forever? Just gets better by the day. Gonna be a peanut butter and pringles vacation.  ;D
Fair warning - Any PMs sent in response to forum posts are fair game for ridicule in public.

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1189 on: December 21, 2015, 10:56:48 AM »
Probably is. Email from Bevis Marks this morning...The last day they are operating is December 24. For the year? Forever? Just gets better by the day. Gonna be a peanut butter and pringles vacation.  ;D
i really hope you are kidding. I am getting to london on the 24th and staying in the andaz was couting on it being open.

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1190 on: December 21, 2015, 11:25:18 AM »
i really hope you are kidding. I am getting to london on the 24th and staying in the andaz was couting on it being open.
I am extremely annoyed, that is one of the main reasons I chose the andaz

Offline hvaces42

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 5588
  • Total likes: 1148
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 14
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1191 on: December 21, 2015, 11:27:55 AM »
i really hope you are kidding. I am getting to london on the 24th and staying in the andaz was couting on it being open.
Why would i kid? Im at the Andaz on the 27th and 28th. These guys upthread think its all a joke too. I have the email to back it up. Call/check before you go.
Fair warning - Any PMs sent in response to forum posts are fair game for ridicule in public.

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1192 on: December 21, 2015, 11:53:40 AM »
Why would i kid? Im at the Andaz on the 27th and 28th. These guys upthread think its all a joke too. I have the email to back it up. Call/check before you go.
right now im booked in the andaz from 24-30

Offline ChAiM'l

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 1823
  • Total likes: 51
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1193 on: December 21, 2015, 11:53:50 AM »
So I'm completing my itinerary for next week and I have come to these realizations about the food scene in London: The most upscale restaurant has no service on Sunday's (Bevis Marks), the best steakhouse is hidden behind a cafe (LaFiesta); regular Shabbos food is considered restaurant quality food (too many places to name); "salt beef" is another name for a cold cut dish....and thats only the fleishig places.  >:(

When Milchig is a better choice than fleishig on my first night in town, i'm already not looking forward. Thank goodness its only 3 days. I guess i will subsist on the DD sandwiches during the day and maybe i'll be pleasantly surprised at dinner.
If you're coming for the food - don't bother.

I'm not sure what you mean regarding La Fiesta.

Offline hvaces42

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 5588
  • Total likes: 1148
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 14
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1194 on: December 21, 2015, 12:12:20 PM »
If you're coming for the food - don't bother.

I'm not sure what you mean regarding La Fiesta.
Maybe i was mistaken and mixed it up with another restaurant. Definitely was warned about the food but we still need to eat. And when i booked Andaz one of the considerations was that Bevis Marks was within walking distance. So its disappointing that the most high end restaurant (per the wiki) is closed. 
Fair warning - Any PMs sent in response to forum posts are fair game for ridicule in public.

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1611
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1195 on: December 21, 2015, 03:08:55 PM »
If you're coming for the food - don't bother.

+1000

1/2 hour tube ride from the Moorgate station to GG

Offline hvaces42

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 5588
  • Total likes: 1148
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 14
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1196 on: December 21, 2015, 03:32:00 PM »
+1000

1/2 hour tube ride from the Moorgate station to GG
In other words an hour and a half round trip.
Fair warning - Any PMs sent in response to forum posts are fair game for ridicule in public.

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1197 on: December 21, 2015, 03:41:16 PM »
I'm not going to london for the food but i did book the andaz because it is close to some food for when I dont want to do that 40 minute trip to hendon or GG.

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1611
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1198 on: December 21, 2015, 05:44:50 PM »
In other words an hour and a half round trip.
30+30 would equal an hour, the train is every 6? minutes
there are some good restaurants one minute from the GG Station (isola Bella for example... milky i know)

Offline mochada

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 1164
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1199 on: December 21, 2015, 05:55:37 PM »
there are some good restaurants one minute from the GG Station (isola Bella for example... milky i know)

More like 5-10 min walk