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 747430 times)

Offline Jkhein

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1340 on: March 06, 2016, 12:43:52 AM »

Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1341 on: March 06, 2016, 01:12:36 AM »
If it takes you an hour to get out of LGW and 45 minutes to get to LHR, you'll be left with 1:45 to your flight. Should make it.
Sunday afternoon..? What date and time? If there is a football game on around London it can get hectic

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1342 on: March 06, 2016, 01:28:51 AM »
Checking bags and non-EU citizen.
Yeah, it's doable, but it could be tight if everything doesn't go well.

Offline Menachem613

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1343 on: March 06, 2016, 07:08:26 AM »

Sunday afternoon..? What date and time? If there is a football game on around London it can get hectic

Sunday May 1 landing 4:00pm.

Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1344 on: March 06, 2016, 07:20:13 AM »
Sunday May 1 landing 4:00pm.
Looks clear as of now

Offline Mech

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London Master Thread
« Reply #1345 on: March 06, 2016, 08:08:32 AM »
I am stopping in London in 2 weeks for 23 1/2 hrs. Arriving 2pm leaving 1:30pm the next day. I was never in London before so I was hoping to do a few basic stuff. I have a plan but would love to hear any other ideas or tips.
-I'm staying in the Hyatt Regency- Churchill. I picked that location because it is in walking distance to Reuben's, close the Buckingham Palace, and pretty much central. I am also Hyatt Diamond and I'm hoping for a good upgrade and kosher breakfast.
-I'm hoping to arrive in the hotel at 3:30ish and go straight to the London eye before it gets dark.
I'm not sure how I should plan the rest of the day and next morning. I would like to see the Tower of London Bridge, which I'm assuming that I will see that when I go to the London Eye..?? Also the Palace, Harrods, maybe the Crown Jewels (if there is time).
I probably have to leave at 11am to the airport. I'm hoping to get an hr and a half to 2 hrs in the morning. 
Where's the closest minyan?
Would love some tips!
Thanx!

Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1346 on: March 06, 2016, 08:12:15 AM »
I am stopping in London in 2 weeks for 23 1/2 hrs. Arriving 2pm leaving 1:30pm the next day. I was never in London before so I was hoping to do a few basic stuff. I have a plan but would love to hear any other ideas or tips.
-I'm staying in the Hyatt Regency- Churchill. I picked that location because it is in walking distance to Reuben's, close the Buckingham Palace, and pretty much central. I am also Hyatt Diamond and I'm hoping for a good upgrade and kosher breakfast.
-I'm hoping to arrive in the hotel at 3:30ish and go straight to the London eye before it gets dark.
I'm not sure how I should plan the rest of the day and next morning. I would like to see the Tower of London Bridge, which I'm assuming that I will see that when I go to the London Eye..?? Also the Palace, Harrods, maybe the Crown Jewels (if there is time).
I probably have to leave at 11am to the airport. I'm hoping to get an hr and a half to 2 hrs in the morning. 
Where's the closest minyan?
Would love some tips!
Thanx!
London Eye is right next to the palace but it would probably be closed at night. Also if you want to see changing of the guards it is by day only and on alternate days. But I find London Eye area very nice at night.

Offline Mech

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London Master Thread
« Reply #1347 on: March 06, 2016, 08:16:45 AM »
London Eye is right next to the palace but it would probably be closed at night. Also if you want to see changing of the guards it is by day only and on alternate days. But I find London Eye area very nice at night.
Isn't the London Eye across the bay from the Palace? So are you saying it's better to go on the London Eye at night and not by day? I would assume the view is better by day..?? I would like to see the changing of the guard but I don't think I have time or the will to push a bunch of Chinese people with selfie sticks, to get to the front.

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1348 on: March 06, 2016, 08:58:29 AM »
The only minyan in town IINM is the Western Marble Arch Synagogue.
Really want to spend the money on the eye? I don't get it - London's skyline isn't so exciting...

Read the thread, there's a Changing of the Guards tour with someone named Matt who supposedly gets a great view, but I just realized your flight is at 11AM. Changing of the Guards is after that time.

Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1349 on: March 06, 2016, 09:02:17 AM »
The only minyan in town IINM is the Western Marble Arch Synagogue.
Really want to spend the money on the eye? I don't get it - London's skyline isn't so exciting...

Read the thread, there's a Changing of the Guards tour with someone named Matt who supposedly gets a great view, but I just realized your flight is at 11AM. Changing of the Guards is after that time.
Doing the London Eye isn't for the view. It's a thing. I'm from London and I've never done it. Americans that come for a day do it.

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1350 on: March 06, 2016, 09:07:03 AM »
Doing the London Eye isn't for the view. It's a thing. I'm from London and I've never done it. Americans that come for a day do it.
Which is why it's a waste of money. I didn't do it on my trip bc of that. #touristtrap

Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1351 on: March 06, 2016, 09:16:36 AM »
Which is why it's a waste of money. I didn't do it on my trip bc of that. #touristtrap
But everything is a tourist trap. If it were up to me I would suggest golders green and Hendon the whole day for food. Maybe Westfield for shopping.

Offline Der Deutsche Jude

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1352 on: March 06, 2016, 09:50:38 AM »
Really want to spend the money on the eye? I don't get it - London's skyline isn't so exciting...
Which is why it's a waste of money. I didn't do it on my trip bc of that. #touristtrap
Agreed.  There are better things to do with $30.

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1353 on: March 06, 2016, 09:52:51 AM »

Agreed.  There are better things to do with $30.
I actually thought it was more expensive than that. But nonetheless, it doesn't seem too exciting. I'd rather go to the London Dungeon (next door) which was great.

Offline Der Deutsche Jude

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1354 on: March 06, 2016, 10:03:14 AM »
I actually thought it was more expensive than that.
It was always $40, but with the better exchange rate, and the ability to get an online discount, you can save $10.  whatever.

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1355 on: March 06, 2016, 10:04:02 AM »
But everything is a tourist trap. If it were up to me I would suggest golders green and Hendon the whole day for food. Maybe Westfield for shopping.
I disagree. I find some things interesting and worth the money. I didn't think getting a view of London from the eye was worth it. Anyway, whatever, clearly people like to go.

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1356 on: March 06, 2016, 10:33:18 AM »
Having done the London Eye, I didn't think it was too exciting compared to the Tower of London (crown jewels). Go first to the Tower of London and the if you really want, so the Eye at night.

Offline G11600

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1357 on: March 06, 2016, 11:37:32 AM »
The only minyan in town IINM is the Western Marble Arch Synagogue.


Also Central Synagaogue in Great Portland Street has daily Shacharit and Mincha

http://www.centralsynagogue.org.uk/services/


Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1358 on: March 06, 2016, 12:25:45 PM »
Doesn't anyone think that it may be worth it to stay in GG / Hendon. Plenty minyanim. Plenty food. And it's only a half hour away from town

Online Yehoshua

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1359 on: March 06, 2016, 12:42:50 PM »
Doesn't anyone think that it may be worth it to stay in GG / Hendon. Plenty minyanim. Plenty food. And it's only a half hour away from town
Not with such a limited time in London. I think it's different if you live in London and you are familiar with how to get places and how long it will take, as opposed to if you are a visitor and after a long day of touring you just want to go to your hotel without having the "daunting" task of trying to get back to GG.