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 747862 times)

Offline pharmdear

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2000 on: April 30, 2018, 12:11:31 AM »
I am reconsidering my trip from london to paris.
Is it worth it to kill a few hours, and 400$,  on such a short trip?

Should I better be focusing on London exclusively?

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2001 on: April 30, 2018, 10:26:46 AM »
I see 2.5 days in London. How many days would you have in Paris?

Offline pharmdear

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2002 on: May 01, 2018, 06:23:12 AM »
I see 2.5 days in London. How many days would you have in Paris?
About 24 hours

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2003 on: May 01, 2018, 11:09:46 AM »
About 24 hours
Stay in London the whole time.

Offline pharmdear

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2004 on: May 01, 2018, 11:41:33 AM »
Stay in London the whole time.
Thanks

Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2005 on: May 17, 2018, 04:13:41 PM »
Anyone know of a chauffeur service in London? Prefer non 613. Doesn't need to be a fancy car. Just someone to drive people around and wait for them outside wherever they go.

Offline itsyehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2006 on: May 21, 2018, 09:29:38 PM »
Okaay....  ::)

I live in London and many people I know don't eat there. Do you know who the owner is? Have you ever seen the mashgiach?



I typically don’t just rely on a hashgacha without asking questions, speaking to mashgiach to see what standards are, do they know what they are talking about etc.

When I ate at the defunct 1701 which was under the SKA I really liked the mashgiach, was knowledgable and (seemed) yerei shamayim.

Not being from London I can’t say whether that holds for the SKA as a whole.
I remember when a coke was a nickel, and you could buy VRs in OD.

Offline Kabrams1618

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2007 on: May 21, 2018, 11:47:58 PM »
Holiday inn brent cross is on breakpoints.  Anyone stay there.  Is it an okay location for touring and getting to the theater district.

Offline pharmdear

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2008 on: June 10, 2018, 03:46:01 PM »
I know this is bound to be for debate, but can anyone tell me the reliability of the Sephardi Kashrut Authority?
They supervise a lot restaurants now, including Reubens.

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2009 on: June 10, 2018, 03:47:25 PM »
I've spent many many years in London and this is to the best of my understanding.

SKA is a not accepted by most (Ashkenazim) who identify as ultra Orthodox.

As far as meat is concerned, I believe KLBD, KF and SKA are all part of the London Board of Shechita and are all kept to the same standards. (Kedassia is not part of the London Board of Shechita.)

That may explain why many would rely on SKA for Parve etc. and on the board of Shechita for meat. The question is what happens to everything in between. Maybe many would rather not think about that question.
I know this is bound to be for debate, but can anyone tell me the reliability of the Sephardi Kashrut Authority?
They supervise a lot restaurants now, including Reubens.
.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2010 on: June 12, 2018, 05:52:43 PM »
if there is hebrew anywhere in sight its kosher right?
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline itsyehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2011 on: June 12, 2018, 06:18:12 PM »
if there is hebrew anywhere in sight its kosher right?

I asked a friend whose brother is a major rabbi in London and he said it was reliable.

I am looking for a response from one more person, I will report back here BH.
I remember when a coke was a nickel, and you could buy VRs in OD.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2012 on: June 12, 2018, 06:19:10 PM »
I asked a friend whose brother is a major rabbi in London and he said it was reliable.

I am looking for a response from one more person, I will report back here BH.
I think you meant to quote reubens post
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline Dan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2013 on: June 12, 2018, 06:29:30 PM »
if there is hebrew anywhere in sight its kosher right?
How about when it says לא כשר
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 Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2014 on: June 12, 2018, 06:58:56 PM »
How about when it says לא כשר
If they are so honest to write that, it must be kosher ??? ??? :)

Offline Dan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2015 on: June 12, 2018, 07:01:29 PM »
If they are so honest to write that, it must be kosher ??? ??? :)
Maybe they just mean,
!לא לא לא ,כשר
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 Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2016 on: June 12, 2018, 07:03:23 PM »
Maybe they just mean,
!לא לא לא ,כשר
Happens to be, whilst growing up there was this restaurant in Finchley that said כשו in big bold letters. Proudly.

Offline pharmdear

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2017 on: June 13, 2018, 09:00:02 PM »
Are there any breakfast options in Mayfair area? What about delivery?

Offline pharmdear

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2018 on: June 26, 2018, 12:55:24 PM »
BTW Costco has the London Pass.
Its a 4 day instead of 3 for the same price.

https://www.costco.com/4-Day-London-Pass-with-Hop-on-Hop-off-Bus-Tour-eVoucher.product.100367825.html

Offline ganizzy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2019 on: June 26, 2018, 10:17:48 PM »
Anyone used go airports taxi.
Seems to be pretty cheap when i put in the drop off address from lhr.
Wondering if that's too good to be true or...