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 747371 times)

Offline moish

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2040 on: July 09, 2018, 02:53:51 PM »
So are you still the resident London expert?

Offline ChAiM'l

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2041 on: July 09, 2018, 02:57:18 PM »
Never claimed to be.
So are you still the resident London expert?

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2042 on: July 19, 2018, 08:54:34 AM »
Hermolis have just opened a huge new food counter in the Selfridges food hall. They have an open counter with fresh foods plus a separate fridge with pre-packed salads/sandwiches/sushi/dips etc.

This is definitely the best kosher offering that has ever been in Selfridges. KLBD/Kedassia.

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2043 on: July 19, 2018, 08:55:46 AM »
Hermolis have just opened a huge new food counter in the Selfridges food hall. They have an open counter with fresh foods plus a separate fridge with pre-packed salads/sandwiches/sushi/dips etc.

This is definitely the best kosher offering that has ever been in Selfridges. KLBD/Kedassia.
Nice!!!

Offline moish

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2044 on: July 20, 2018, 09:52:13 AM »
Seems like an upgrade of what was there previously

Offline Dan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2045 on: July 20, 2018, 11:30:05 AM »
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/
Selling up to £232 credit for 10% off.
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 Dave321

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2046 on: July 22, 2018, 01:24:13 PM »
Are there hechsharim on coke, potato chips etc? I'm looking to buy snacks and want to know what to look out for.

Offline ChAiM'l

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2047 on: July 22, 2018, 01:32:37 PM »
Are there hechsharim on coke, potato chips etc? I'm looking to buy snacks and want to know what to look out for.
Very few (non Jewish) brands have a hechsher on them. Kettle chips and Proper corn are the only snacks that you'll find with a hechsher in general stores. Coke and other soft drinks from major brands are generally accepted.

See the wiki for a link to the Kosher list, where you can verify if something is kosher.

Offline E R K

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2048 on: July 22, 2018, 03:30:10 PM »
Are there hechsharim on coke, potato chips etc? I'm looking to buy snacks and want to know what to look out for.

When I was there a few years ago, I guess I called the Vaad too often. They gave me a helpful website to input the food I wanted and it told me what was kosher. It was isitkosher.uk

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2049 on: July 22, 2018, 06:20:26 PM »
Hermolis have just opened a huge new food counter in the Selfridges food hall. They have an open counter with fresh foods plus a separate fridge with pre-packed salads/sandwiches/sushi/dips etc.

This is definitely the best kosher offering that has ever been in Selfridges. KLBD/Kedassia.
wow that’s awesome. Since we know how food they are with packing food to go.
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2050 on: July 23, 2018, 12:06:56 PM »
Are there hechsharim on coke, potato chips etc? I'm looking to buy snacks and want to know what to look out for.

Ready salted Walkers (red packet) are approved by KLBD. Most of the kettle crisps have KLBD logo on.

Your best bet is to go to the isitkosher website/app.

The KLBD also have a great Facebook page where they respond to queries, often within minutes (useful if time urgent)

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2051 on: July 23, 2018, 12:08:18 PM »
Hermolis have just opened a huge new food counter in the Selfridges food hall. They have an open counter with fresh foods plus a separate fridge with pre-packed salads/sandwiches/sushi/dips etc.

This is definitely the best kosher offering that has ever been in Selfridges. KLBD/Kedassia.

https://www.thejc.com/community/community-news/west-end-kosher-options-expand-with-selfridges-counter-1.467431

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2052 on: July 23, 2018, 04:07:52 PM »
WOW!!! It's not prepared sandwiches!
thats Awesome!

Someone post a TR soon!!!
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2053 on: July 25, 2018, 11:02:39 AM »
WOW!!! It's not prepared sandwiches!
thats Awesome!

Someone post a TR soon!!!


I have bought a couple of the pre-packaged salads recently and they've been excellent. As I live and work in London I'm not sure it's worthy of a TR!

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2054 on: July 26, 2018, 02:34:55 PM »
I have bought a couple of the pre-packaged salads recently and they've been excellent. As I live and work in London I'm not sure it's worthy of a TR!
maybe not a TR but post pics or menu I'm sure it will be alot of help for people who are traveling in
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline Dave321

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2055 on: August 04, 2018, 09:36:51 PM »
I was in London for a few days. Stayed at The Arch hotel which is on the block of the Marble Arch synagogue. Shacris daily 730am followed by a free breakfast. the cholov yisroel milk was definitely appreciated. mincha/mariv is 715. Just make sure you bring your passport the first time for security.

The selfriedge counter was a huge help. The food was fresh and prices were fine. They didnt have a microwave or anyway to heat it up but the guy working there told me they plan on getting one soon. I also ate at Rubens upstairs (which is cheaper the down}. the salt beef (corn beef) was good as wells as their fries, soups etc. Prices were what you would expect for the area being the only place. think dougies in NYC prices.

the most annoying thing was no hechsers on items. i was using the UK kosher app but it didnt have alot of products on there. O and glass water bottles arent as good as plastic.

Uber was very quick to get around the city.  big ben is currently closed with scafolding all around. I also did this free walking tour which was 2 hours and took to the main parts of seeing the castle etc. tipped $20.

https://freetoursbyfoot.com/london-tours/

The United business meal was bleh. wish their would have been kosher snacks etc.

Offline ludmila

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2056 on: August 04, 2018, 10:15:48 PM »
I was in London for a few days. Stayed at The Arch hotel which is on the block of the Marble Arch synagogue. Shacris daily 730am followed by a free breakfast. the cholov yisroel milk was definitely appreciated. mincha/mariv is 715. Just make sure you bring your passport the first time for security.

The selfriedge counter was a huge help. The food was fresh and prices were fine. They didnt have a microwave or anyway to heat it up but the guy working there told me they plan on getting one soon. I also ate at Rubens upstairs (which is cheaper the down}. the salt beef (corn beef) was good as wells as their fries, soups etc. Prices were what you would expect for the area being the only place. think dougies in NYC prices.

the most annoying thing was no hechsers on items. i was using the UK kosher app but it didnt have alot of products on there. O and glass water bottles arent as good as plastic.

Uber was very quick to get around the city.  big ben is currently closed with scafolding all around. I also did this free walking tour which was 2 hours and took to the main parts of seeing the castle etc. tipped $20.

https://freetoursbyfoot.com/london-tours/

The United business meal was bleh. wish their would have been kosher snacks etc.
Thanks.
I was the Best,still the Best, and will always be the Best.
Pele Good,Maradona Better, George Best.

Offline ganizzy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2057 on: August 05, 2018, 03:36:16 PM »
  Trip report July 18
Day 1
Landed at 6.30am, customs took a while but got to our driver at 8. Lots of traffic,  got to host close to 9:30. Paid driver $100 US.  (He had waited by parking for a while - we were quoted 60-70 pounds)
Brent cross taxis would have been cheaper.  Your able to order in advance online.

Brought the luggage in and everyone crashed till about 2.30
By the time we got up and davened and ate,  was too late to go to the acermittol slide which we had prepaid for.  We headed to central London - put money on the oyster cards.
We tried heading to Westminster to take the ferry,  but the next one was in 45 minutes and would have cost a lot,  so skipped it and walked to Trafalgar square, chilled a bit,   then headed back. 

Day 2
Got out about 11 to go to Windsor castle.  Somehow it took a long time to get to Paddington station and then had to wait 40 minutes for the train to Windsor.  We bought round trip tickets but nobody came to collect them on either trip.
The castle was ok.  Not as malchusdik as expected. Line seemed long for doll house, so went to shorter state rooms line.  Took about a half hour to walk thru.  No strollers.  Then we went to the doll house. line was short at that point .  While trying to find the bathroom we went to the end of the walk way and there was a soldier standing there.  While the kids were taking pictures,  they did a mini changing of the gaurds.  The doll house was nice,  pretty detailed but not something I'd stand in line for an hour to see. We then went to the other section,  past the chapel,  there was a soldier standing there right in the open.  We were able to take a picture standing right next to him.
We then left the castle and walked for about 5 minutes to take pictures where the iconic pictures are taken.  It was crazy hot and we were shvitzing and starving.  Found a place to wash and stop and eat.  We then headed to walk along the thames river till we would catch the next train -6pm which is when the castle closes and the city starts shutting down. On the way we saw a souvenir shop with good prices on key chains.  Right by the water there was a ton of geese and ducks.  They sold feed for 50 pence a bag.  The kids had a blast feeding them and even got pigeons to eat straight from their hands.  Had a bit more time to stop in the park and eat a bit more.  Then took the train back.   Stopped in moshes in golders green for some ice cream.

Day 3 Friday
Got up early to meet at leicester square for the walking of the gaurds with fun London tours. They meet at 9:40 am.
There was a lot of people and they split us up to 3 groups.  We were with Amber. We then walked down the blocks towards Buckingham palace,  stopping every once in a while to hear some story or info about the statues or the royal family.
At 10.30 we were in front of st. James castle where the changing of the gaurds start.  The soldiers start off in the courtyard and then with a band march towards the palace.  We watched for a few minutes, and then headed to the corner to watch from there. Again watched for a few minutes then walked down the mall (getting out of the barricades) and cut thru the park to stand in front of the Wellington barracks to see the soldiers come out of there to change with the gaurds at the palace.  We then walked down the street where we could see the palace from across the street and just barely see the changing of the gaurds that the crowds in front of Buckingham palace were waiting to see.  Amber them talked for a few more minutes,  and we finished the tour.

My thoughts on the tour. First of all it seemed that each guide would stand in different places so the 3 groups wouldn't all be together and get mixed up. The main guy, Matt got the best spots to stand. If you take the tour try to go with him.  If you know where to go and where to stand,  there is no need to spend money.  They have it down pat that they know exactly when to leave to get to the next spot,  but seeing the crowds doing pretty much the exact same thing,  this isn't London's best kept secret.

We took some pictures and then headed to the park to eat lunch.  We heard the band and ran back in front of Wellington barracks to watch the old soldiers go back to the barracks.  This was about 11.35ish. About 20-25 minutes after the changing of the gaurds tour ended.

After eating lunch,  we walked to the royal mews. The carriages were nice.  They had 4 horses in their stable but no interaction allowed.
Was ok, but not something I'd push into a short stay (planned it originally as i thought were have 3 days in central London)
We then waited for the hop on hop off bus,  our mazal that on our side of the street,  the bus didn't come while on the other side,  one after the next. Finally a bus came but said no space.  We decided to go across the street which actually is the direction we needed to go.  Again we were standing in the sun for a long time.  We saw a bus coming to the stop across the street and ran to catch it.  Of course half a minute later a bus came to where we just were.  So we got to spend an extra half hour on the bus.
We took the London eye stop to take the ferry,  on the way,  the kids saw a souvenir penny machine and were so excited to get one.  We got to the ferry to find out that it doesn't leave for a while,  so we went back to catch the next bus to the London tower.  It took almost an hour to get there and when we arrived we found out that it closes at 5 and we wouldn't have time to see anything.
 So we walked around till it was time for our ferry.  Crazy long line,  but we got on and took it to Westminster,  from where we took the subway back. 
We got back around 7, ate a pre shabbos meal and then got ready for shabbos which started at 9pm.

Shabbos ended at 10.30 and we started doing laundry and packing for Switzerland.  Flight at 6:30 am

Some general thoughts,  the weather was really hot - in the high 80s to low 90s. They're not used to this weather,  so no air conditioning most places.  That def slowed us down.
We miscalculated how long it would take to get everywhere by subway (switching trains and platforms with a stroller didn't help) and by the hop on hop odd bus. so we over planned our itinerary and didn't get to do some stuff i had prepaid for using chase points (i know its not the best redemption option but we were trying to keep our expenses as low as possible)
We should have looked up the times that the longer trains and the ferries leave so we wouldn't have wasted time.
Lastly,  i was able to get 2 oyster cards before our trip and our host had another 2. My youngest 2 went free.
The worker at one of the stations,  entered a code on 2 of the cards to make it half price for kids. 

Offline ludmila

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2058 on: August 05, 2018, 08:15:06 PM »
Thank you for the TR, any pictures coming?
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Offline DXD

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2059 on: August 06, 2018, 03:44:43 AM »
We have one day (literally 24 hours in London).

For food, is it quicker / easier to go to Stamford hill? I remember that going to Golders Green is 45 min / 1 hr one way. And yes, Reubens can be an option too, just want to try something else.