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 747312 times)

Offline mgoldhammer18

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2020 on: June 27, 2018, 08:50:16 AM »
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...

take the rate.  The Cabbies at the airport like to rip off the american tourists

Offline pharmdear

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2021 on: June 27, 2018, 10:32:35 AM »
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.

Any response?

Offline ganizzy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2022 on: June 28, 2018, 10:28:09 AM »
 Has anyone done the changing of the gaurds on their own as well as with matts tour?
Is it worth the money?  It would be 63 pounds for my family if there's no charge for the 2 year old.
Also,  can you take a stroller?
They tell you to meet at 9.40. What happens in that extra hour?
I emailed them,  but no response so far

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2023 on: June 28, 2018, 10:49:25 AM »
Has anyone done the changing of the gaurds on their own as well as with matts tour?
Is it worth the money?  It would be 63 pounds for my family if there's no charge for the 2 year old.
Also,  can you take a stroller?
They tell you to meet at 9.40. What happens in that extra hour?
I emailed them,  but no response so far
read any of the TR for an idea

http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=70097.msg1621712#msg1621712
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline ganizzy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2024 on: June 28, 2018, 11:10:50 AM »
 Thank you I read that,  which is why I'm thinking about it in the first place.  But it only kind of answers my first question. 

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2025 on: June 28, 2018, 11:37:27 AM »
Has anyone done the changing of the gaurds on their own as well as with matts tour?    YES
Is it worth the money?  It would be 63 pounds for my family if there's no charge for the 2 year old.   YES if you want to see the changing of the guards, it brings the details to life
Also,  can you take a stroller?  YES
They tell you to meet at 9.40. What happens in that extra hour?  See the TR
I emailed them,  but no response so far
See above
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline E R K

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2026 on: June 28, 2018, 11:44:05 AM »
It's the difference between waiting by a fence not knowing what's going on to an interactive tour and explaination. You arrive early because he gives you some background info. Definitely worth it. Not sure about stroller.

Offline nescafe

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2027 on: June 28, 2018, 01:33:04 PM »
Has anyone done the changing of the gaurds on their own as well as with matts tour?
Is it worth the money?  It would be 63 pounds for my family if there's no charge for the 2 year old.
Also,  can you take a stroller?
They tell you to meet at 9.40. What happens in that extra hour?
I emailed them,  but no response so far

Definitely worth the money.

They take you to the places where they get ready for the ceremony ect.

Offline ganizzy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2028 on: June 28, 2018, 10:34:43 PM »
Thank you.
I read the reviews on trip advisor.  It mentions that there were kids in strollers.
Kids under 5 are free.

Next question.
Seems like i should get an oyster card.  We Will be going from zone 3 (Hampstead Garden suburb) to the tourist area's for at least 2 days there and back.
We will be taking a taxi from the airport.  Where should we buy the card?  Every station sells?
Is the underground station in Heathrow out of the way if we're not going there anyways?  (Asking also for getting the 5 L back per card after - is that 24 hour?  Our flight is at 6am)
Thanks

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2029 on: June 28, 2018, 10:38:18 PM »
Thank you.
I read the reviews on trip advisor.  It mentions that there were kids in strollers.
Kids under 5 are free.

Next question.
Seems like i should get an oyster card.  We Will be going from zone 3 (Hampstead Garden suburb) to the tourist area's for at least 2 days there and back.
We will be taking a taxi from the airport.  Where should we buy the card?  Every station sells?
Is the underground station in Heathrow out of the way if we're not going there anyways?  (Asking also for getting the 5 L back per card after - is that 24 hour?  Our flight is at 6am)
Thanks
You can get an oyster card at any station and also at most news agents (near almost every main bus stop).
If you're near the center of the suburb, you can get them at the Market Place in the store which used to be called Rose.
If that sounds like giberish to you, I'm sure your host can make sense of it or PM me for more info.
I'm not sure if the ticket counter at the station at Heathrow will be open that early.

Offline ganizzy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2030 on: June 29, 2018, 07:09:18 PM »
thanks
were landing wed morning and will be in london till motzai shabbos.

does it make sense to do windsor castle on wed? worth battling the jet lag and post flight exhaustion? worth giving up that many hours of a short visit?

whats the best way to get back from there. seems like the train back would be around $10 a person. we are 5 so... (3 kids ages 11-14) besides taking over an hour

tip - i booked the changing of the guards tour and got a pop up for 25% off my next booking. if youre booking multiple people, it might be worth breaking it up

also, there's a place called the sky garden www.skygarden.london/sky-garden
its a garden on the top floors of a tall building with a great observation deck.
its free but limited booking. can only book the week before

Offline Dave321

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2031 on: July 03, 2018, 10:04:27 PM »
going to be in london for three days.
location Olympia London,
Hammersmith Road,
Kensington, London W14 8UX

should i stay closer to golders green so to be near the food or is their any kosher places in this area (according to google gg is half hour drive)

also what is the most reliable hechsher? (wow those last few pages....)

Offline gartm

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2032 on: July 05, 2018, 10:50:54 AM »
We will be staying in London, in the Mayfair, Marble Arch area for 6 nights included Shabbat. Is there any place to reserve dinner for Friday Night? It seems the Chabad in Bloomsbury is moving and they are not yet sure where they will be.

Offline ganizzy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2033 on: July 06, 2018, 07:12:52 AM »
Is anyone in London now or will be here Sunday?
We got 3 day hop on hop off tickets for wed thru Fri,  however we still haven't used them.  If we use it today,  it will be good thru Sunday or possibly Monday  (its 72 hrs from first use)

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2034 on: July 06, 2018, 09:51:21 AM »
We will be staying in London, in the Mayfair, Marble Arch area for 6 nights included Shabbat. Is there any place to reserve dinner for Friday Night? It seems the Chabad in Bloomsbury is moving and they are not yet sure where they will be.
I stayed in Marble Arch in 2014. We bough takeout from Rubin's and ate in our hotel Friday night. IIRC Shabbos we ate at the Kiddush in the Marble Arch Synagogue, but I'd have to check with DW to refresh my memory.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2035 on: July 06, 2018, 10:59:37 AM »
I stayed in Marble Arch in 2014. We bough takeout from Rubin's and ate in our hotel Friday night. IIRC Shabbos we ate at the Kiddush in the Marble Arch Synagogue, but I'd have to check with DW to refresh my memory.
What a kiddish they put out
very British

scones if i recall correctly

I think they had chulent also


But I don't think we partook in the meal
I'm going blank on what we did I have to re-read my own TR
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline Ergel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2036 on: July 06, 2018, 11:46:08 AM »
We ordered shabbos food from justkosher.co.uk, delivered to the hotel
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline JACKBLUE

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2037 on: July 09, 2018, 01:04:22 PM »
If anyone is going to London and wants to buy 1701 credit (takeout and delivery food in London) please send me a PM :)

http://1701kitchen.co.uk/
and I thought you really don’t answer PM’s!! Good to know!!

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2038 on: July 09, 2018, 01:45:40 PM »
and I thought you really don’t answer PM’s!! Good to know!!
He doesn't. Unless your paying.
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline ChAiM'l

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2039 on: July 09, 2018, 02:15:08 PM »
So Tish (tish.london) are finally opening after Tisha B'av.

They will be open all day, with a breakfast menu (non-dairy). They will also have Shabbos meals available to pre-book.

It looks nice and will hopefully last.

--

There are reports of the Kosher counter at Selfridges having reopened and being run by Hermolis. I wonder how it will work hashgacha-wise.