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 747480 times)

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2060 on: August 06, 2018, 09:46:01 AM »
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.

Not sure what app you were using but the official KLBD website to check food is http://isitkosher.uk/

It works offline too apparently

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2061 on: August 06, 2018, 09:47:29 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.

Depends what food you're looking for. Little by way of restaurants in SH whereas GG has lots. SH can take just as long to get to as well. Suggestion would be GG if you're looking for restaurants. They have as much, if not more, choice too in terms of kosher supermarkets, bakeries etc.

Hendon is a couple of stops before GG and has just as much in terms of options too.

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2062 on: August 06, 2018, 11:02:18 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.
Quicker/easier/closer really depends on where else you'll be.
Like the previous poster mentioned Hendon is a few stops closer but I think that's only if you're coming from the Edgware area or from North of London.

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2063 on: August 06, 2018, 11:41:50 AM »
Quicker/easier/closer really depends on where else you'll be.
Like the previous poster mentioned Hendon is a few stops closer but I think that's only if you're coming from the Edgware area or from North of London.

I was assuming they were coming from Central London but tbc

Offline DXD

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2064 on: August 06, 2018, 12:39:04 PM »
Thanks all!!

Offline fuzzyeddie

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2065 on: August 21, 2018, 11:57:51 AM »
Where are the best deals to use Hilton Rewards points in London? The options are pretty overwhelming and their site is confusing.

Offline Mplace

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2066 on: October 10, 2018, 01:08:51 AM »
Hey, can anyone help me with a car rental,
Any discount codes?
Or cheaper reliable rentals from LHR?
Ideally waved under age fee and free drivers :)
And automatic transmission
What's your plan for yud shvat?

Offline nafnaf12

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2067 on: October 20, 2018, 10:17:15 PM »
Any decent option for hotel/Airbnb
In Stamford hill? Other than Kadima
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline nafnaf12

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2068 on: October 28, 2018, 07:25:38 PM »
Landing in LTN tomorrow evening
Is Uber my best option?
Need to get from LTN to the park Abe hotel (KAdimah)
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline PlatinumGuy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2069 on: October 28, 2018, 07:37:37 PM »
I've heard the best restaurants are Reubens, Tisch, and Ashbourne
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2070 on: November 09, 2018, 10:57:42 AM »
These 3 I missed out on
Zest ?, 
Tisch, and Ashbourne


I would suggest
Pizaza for easy pizza
Isola Bella   for Dairy
Aviv for Middle Eastern cuisine
Reubens for Deli




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

Offline Mootkim

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2071 on: November 10, 2018, 11:08:41 PM »
Landing at LHR at 8:30 AM and flying out at 7 PM that same day.

Few questions:

Is it feasible to get to the changing of the guard by 11 AM? What would my best option for public transportation be?
If I want to see the main sights in London, should I be getting the Oyster card or is it worth getting the one day traveler card (will be for me and my wife). Does Samsung Pay work as a contactless option that I can just avoid all this?
What are the "must sees" that I should try to get to in that time?
Is there kosher food in the downtown area or do I need to go to the Jewish areas?

TIA



Offline nafnaf12

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2072 on: November 10, 2018, 11:50:46 PM »
Landing at LHR at 8:30 AM and flying out at 7 PM that same day.

Few questions:

Is it feasible to get to the changing of the guard by 11 AM? What would my best option for public transportation be?
If I want to see the main sights in London, should I be getting the Oyster card or is it worth getting the one day traveler card (will be for me and my wife). Does Samsung Pay work as a contactless option that I can just avoid all this?
What are the "must sees" that I should try to get to in that time?
Is there kosher food in the downtown area or do I need to go to the Jewish areas?

TIA
paging @davidmal

Read though this thread and most if not all of your questions will be answered.
Start with Wiki.

Definitely take the train it's extremely convenient although I don't think you can get to the changing of the guards at 11

Was just there last week, used my Samsung pay for the train and got a oyster car as well but no need for it.
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline ad120

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2073 on: November 11, 2018, 01:16:39 AM »
Landing in LTN tomorrow evening
Is Uber my best option?
Need to get from LTN to the park Abe hotel (KAdimah)
Depends on your budget?
Easybus to Golders Green
Northern Line to Euston Underground transfer to Victoria Line or London overground.

Easybus is very convenient when departing from LTN. May be worth it to bus to GG and then Uber to Kadimah.

Offline Zevi16

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2074 on: November 11, 2018, 03:48:13 AM »
Depends on your budget?
Easybus to Golders Green
Northern Line to Euston Underground transfer to Victoria Line or London overground.

Easybus is very convenient when departing from LTN. May be worth it to bus to GG and then Uber to Kadimah.
Sometimes Uber is also really cheap from ltn

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2075 on: November 11, 2018, 08:33:34 AM »
Landing at LHR at 8:30 AM and flying out at 7 PM that same day.

Few questions:

Is it feasible to get to the changing of the guard by 11 AM? What would my best option for public transportation be?
If I want to see the main sights in London, should I be getting the Oyster card or is it worth getting the one day traveler card (will be for me and my wife). Does Samsung Pay work as a contactless option that I can just avoid all this?
What are the "must sees" that I should try to get to in that time?
Is there kosher food in the downtown area or do I need to go to the Jewish areas?

TIA



http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=141.msg1697802#msg1697802

Short Day I agree 3-4 Hours
Maybe more if you don't have any bags with you to check out or check in.


I would suggest:
1. (Arrive at 11-11:30am) Tower of London
2. (12:30pm) Walk to the river and take photos of Tower bridge
3. (1pm) Then river cruise past London eye, shard and Shakespeare's globe to Big Ben and house of parliament (arrive at 1:45pm)
4. then from there I would do a Uber to Buckingham Palace (till 2:30)
Head to Airport
If you have time you could stop at Reubens


If you arrive early you can schedule more time at one of those things.

Skip Piccadilly

this above list will maximize the sites you see in the shortest time.

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

Offline nafnaf12

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2076 on: November 11, 2018, 07:17:03 PM »
Sometimes Uber is also really cheap from ltn
thanks, already back lol
I used Uber around town and the "tube"
To and from the the airport I got a driver.
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline Mootkim

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Offline Mootkim

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2078 on: November 15, 2018, 03:52:19 PM »
If I am flying JFK to LHR on AA but the next leg is on BA, however, was booked as one ticket on AAdvantage, will I need to pick up my luggage and recheck it in or does it go straight through? If need to pick up, how early before the flight can I check it in to BA?

Offline nescafe

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2079 on: November 15, 2018, 04:39:05 PM »
If I am flying JFK to LHR on AA but the next leg is on BA, however, was booked as one ticket on AAdvantage, will I need to pick up my luggage and recheck it in or does it go straight through? If need to pick up, how early before the flight can I check it in to BA?
No need to pickup luggage