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 747383 times)

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2260 on: June 27, 2019, 02:03:07 PM »
If anyone has experience with transferring from lhr to lgw and could advise me I would appreciate. I'm arriving at 10:10 pm and I see last national express bus is at 10:45. If I don't make it what are my best options? Leaving lgw in morning. Uber? Overnight in lhr?
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2261 on: June 27, 2019, 02:04:51 PM »
:o
sorry I'm not sure what the emoji refers to. Not very seasoned traveler internationally
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2262 on: June 27, 2019, 02:07:25 PM »
sorry I'm not sure what the emoji refers to. Not very seasoned traveler internationally
so let's take a domestic example if you arrive in JFK and then leave from LaGuardia on one itinerary who takes your luggage from JFK to Laguardia?
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Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2263 on: June 27, 2019, 02:11:29 PM »
so let's take a domestic example if you arrive in JFK and then leave from LaGuardia on one itinerary who takes your luggage from JFK to Laguardia?
I generally travel direct but I know in the us u need to collect luggage upon arrival even when connecting. Is it that way in UK too? I guess I shouldn't have assumed otherwise
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline Mootkim

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2264 on: June 27, 2019, 02:12:05 PM »
was that due to collecting checked luggage? I have a connecting flight out of lgw so I believe they'll be checked thru to final destination
Nope I had a long stopover for the day and wanted to go out. Didn't take luggage.

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2265 on: June 27, 2019, 02:14:06 PM »
Nope I had a long stopover for the day and wanted to go out. Didn't take luggage.
so the airline tagged ur bags to final destination at original departure or u just left ur luggage unclaimed?
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2266 on: June 27, 2019, 02:39:04 PM »
Nope I had a long stopover for the day and wanted to go out. Didn't take luggage.
LHR arrival and departure? Bottom line is they're not taking your luggage from Heathrow to Gatwick for you. My son just arrived at Heathrow this week and connected in London City  all on one itinerary with an overnight stay. He had to take his luggage with him
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Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2267 on: June 27, 2019, 02:46:29 PM »
LHR arrival and departure? Bottom line is they're not taking your luggage from Heathrow to Gatwick for you. My son just arrived at Heathrow this week and connected in London City  all on one itinerary with an overnight stay. He had to take his luggage with him
ok Tx for the heads up
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline davidrotts63

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2268 on: June 27, 2019, 02:57:16 PM »
How much time do I need to account for customs and the like after arriving in lhr?
Took us nearly 2 hours at 8 in the morning.
Wow. Took me a few minutes yesterday around 3PM.
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline Dawie

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2269 on: June 27, 2019, 02:58:00 PM »
Wow. Took me a few minutes yesterday around 3PM.
thats the exception rather than the rule

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2270 on: June 27, 2019, 02:59:16 PM »
Wow. Took me a few minutes yesterday around 3PM.
T3 not T5
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Offline davidrotts63

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2271 on: June 27, 2019, 03:41:03 PM »
T3 not T5
He didn't specify, but makes sense its different.
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2272 on: June 27, 2019, 03:53:35 PM »
T3 not T5
arriving to t 3. Is that the shorter processing time of the two?
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline davidrotts63

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2273 on: June 27, 2019, 04:00:37 PM »
arriving to t 3. Is that the shorter processing time of the two?
My experience was in T3.
Wow. Took me a few minutes yesterday around 3PM.
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline Mootkim

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2274 on: June 27, 2019, 04:46:27 PM »
so the airline tagged ur bags to final destination at original departure or u just left ur luggage unclaimed?
Yes because it was JFK to VCE with stopover in LHR. Even though it was AA and BA, luggage will go straight (the layover was from morning until that night. I think if it was overnight I would have needed to get my luggage). Even so, customs took nearly 2 hours. If you are transferring to another airport idk about picking up luggage.

Offline Minyan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2275 on: June 30, 2019, 01:52:03 AM »
Any recommendations for a reasonable driver to take us from Heathrow Airport to Golders Green by car?  Approximately what should it cost for two people?

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2276 on: July 01, 2019, 09:34:30 AM »
With the customs e-gates now working from US passports, I heard the time was cut down dramatically.

Offline Minyan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2277 on: July 01, 2019, 09:37:34 AM »
Which American Credit Cards work for the tube that you don’t need an Oyster Card?

Offline davidrotts63

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2278 on: July 01, 2019, 09:44:02 AM »
Which American Credit Cards work for the tube that you don’t need an Oyster Card?
I used a CSR.
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2279 on: July 01, 2019, 09:46:19 AM »