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 747412 times)

Offline ME17

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1880 on: January 02, 2018, 10:58:17 AM »
You could do 1-4 still if you move quickly.
ok- thanks,
do I need to reserve the river cruise in advance?
is public transportation easy enough to figure out between the items?

Offline jose34

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1881 on: January 02, 2018, 03:19:30 PM »
ok- thanks,
do I need to reserve the river cruise in advance?
is public transportation easy enough to figure out between the items?

NO to river cruise, might be cheaper
Yes, very easy with public transportation.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1882 on: January 02, 2018, 09:38:18 PM »
ok- thanks,
do I need to reserve the river cruise in advance?
is public transportation easy enough to figure out between the items?
No, yes but you’ll need a Oyster card. Get one from a friend. Top up ( add money)

Check the weather you might need a umbrella
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline ME17

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1883 on: January 02, 2018, 09:51:05 PM »
No, yes but you’ll need a Oyster card. Get one from a friend. Top up ( add money)

Check the weather you might need a umbrella
any recommendations for friends? don't know anyone living there

Offline jose34

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1884 on: January 03, 2018, 08:21:34 AM »
if you live in Israel, N'shei Ramat Eshkol.

Or you can have Oyster mail a you card. Will cost a little.

Offline ME17

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1885 on: January 03, 2018, 10:33:28 AM »
if you live in Israel, N'shei Ramat Eshkol.

Or you can have Oyster mail a you card. Will cost a little.
They will mail to US?

Offline shimino1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1886 on: January 03, 2018, 11:29:57 AM »
I have a couple of Oyster cards I would love to get rid of.
PM me.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1887 on: January 03, 2018, 02:16:07 PM »
any recommendations for friends? don't know anyone living there
I have a couple of Oyster cards I would love to get rid of.
PM me.
DDF is about bringing people together.
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline Yordai Dooma

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1888 on: January 03, 2018, 02:21:36 PM »
Just popping in here to say that i was in LHR for a few hours recently and went to Hummus Bar for lunch. Thought it was phenomenal.
I had the Dirty Hybrid Burger and would absolutely recommend it.

Offline jose34

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1889 on: January 03, 2018, 02:35:02 PM »
They will mail to US?

Could be but you have to be a Ramat Eshkol resident (or surrounding areas) to post. Get a someone you know to post for you.


Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1890 on: January 04, 2018, 05:48:05 AM »
Just popping in here to say that i was in LHR for a few hours recently and went to Hummus Bar for lunch. Thought it was phenomenal.
I had the Dirty Hybrid Burger and would absolutely recommend it.

You must have had more than a few hours given there is no Hummus Bar in LHR! They have branches in GG & Hendon (and soon Borehamwood).

Offline ME17

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1891 on: January 04, 2018, 10:19:07 AM »
I have a couple of Oyster cards I would love to get rid of.
PM me.
DDF is about bringing people together.
thanks guys- i have a new dilemma. my flight was done by a travel agent (don't judge-long story) with this stopover in mind to sight see. Yesterday I was told I can get on a flight arriving in TLV at 9pm instead of 3am, but on the route back I leave at 7 am instead of 10 am with a 4 hour stopover in London. I don't know what to do- should I skip seeing London to get in earlier? or is the trade off of a longer return not worth it? we're talking in 2 weeks so if weather is really bad in London maybe I should skip?

Any guidance is much appreciated.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1892 on: January 04, 2018, 12:12:07 PM »
For a few dollars maybe you can buy yourself 12 hours in london
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1893 on: January 04, 2018, 12:12:44 PM »
Sounds like the travel agent is flexible.

$100 or so to see London for a day sounds worth it.
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline ME17

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1894 on: January 04, 2018, 12:40:13 PM »
Sounds like the travel agent is flexible.

$100 or so to see London for a day sounds worth it.
so option 1: arrive in London 11:30 am depart 8:30pm to TLV arrives 3am
                  return is also a connection in London but 1 hour and arrives about 3pm to US

Option 2: arrive in London 11:30 am depart 2:30pm to TLV arrives 9pm- no sightseeing
                  return is also a connection in London but 4 hour and arrives about 3pm to US (leaves earlier)

from your post i understand its worth it to take Option #1 and see a little and travel through night vs an earlier connection on way out and a longer connection on way back?

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1895 on: January 04, 2018, 02:22:20 PM »
so option 1: arrive in London 11:30 am depart 8:30pm to TLV arrives 3am
                  return is also a connection in London but 1 hour and arrives about 3pm to US

Option 2: arrive in London 11:30 am depart 2:30pm to TLV arrives 9pm- no sightseeing
                  return is also a connection in London but 4 hour and arrives about 3pm to US (leaves earlier)

from your post i understand its worth it to take Option #1 and see a little and travel through night vs an earlier connection on way out and a longer connection on way back?

agreed
I wasn't clear
but yes Option 1 sounds like your best bet
get to see London for Free

ps. it makes the stopover on both ways SOOOO MUCH WORTH It

as appose to the other way your kicking yourself saying why did we do this
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1896 on: January 04, 2018, 02:23:25 PM »
Arrives in Israel at 3am is a killer but hopefully you'll be exhausted from London and you'll sleep well on the flight to tlv
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline ME17

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1897 on: January 04, 2018, 02:31:58 PM »
agreed
I wasn't clear
but yes Option 1 sounds like your best bet
get to see London for Free

ps. it makes the stopover on both ways SOOOO MUCH WORTH It

as appose to the other way your kicking yourself saying why did we do this


thank you for your help- aside from the cold- should I worry about the weather ruining it - as in cant tour in the rain?

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1898 on: January 04, 2018, 03:40:43 PM »
Rain or shine London is made to your. Bring a travel umbrella
And wear a good rain coat.

Great thing to be able to travel around without luggage
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline Yordai Dooma

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1899 on: January 04, 2018, 06:17:46 PM »
You must have had more than a few hours given there is no Hummus Bar in LHR! They have branches in GG & Hendon (and soon Borehamwood).
true enough. I went to the one in golders green on a 4 hour layover.
Generally people here refer to the city by the airport code. Such as i had a layover in ORD and had shallots or milts. Or had a layover in JFK and had some mikes bistro. Ive even had a layover in LAX and ran to Tierra Sur and back.