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 744762 times)

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2300 on: July 30, 2019, 11:24:09 AM »
Does anyone know how long it takes to walk from the changing of the guard to the state rooms tour? and how much before the state rooms you need to show up? Trying to book state rooms for right after changing of the guard, but I don't know how much time to leave between (changing of the guards should be 11-11:45, so I was thinking a 12:15 or 12:30 state rooms tour).
I can't answer your question but the changing of the guards begins at 10:30 when the new guards leave their barracks. At 11:00 they are ready for the new shift at the palace. (If you do the fun London tour, it ends at around 11:10.) Then the new guards stare at the old guards for 30 minutes while music plays in the background.

Unless you have a front row spot at the palace (by arriving hours before) I don't think there's any reason to stay there past 11:10.

You should definitely be there by 10:00/10:15 if you want to be anywhere near the palace.
Alternatively you can join the fun London tour and see the whole process from the start but you won't get a front row seat at the palace. I was there a few months ago and strongly recommend.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2301 on: July 31, 2019, 01:10:36 AM »
I can't answer your question but the changing of the guards begins at 10:30 when the new guards leave their barracks. At 11:00 they are ready for the new shift at the palace. (If you do the fun London tour, it ends at around 11:10.) Then the new guards stare at the old guards for 30 minutes while music plays in the background.

Unless you have a front row spot at the palace (by arriving hours before) I don't think there's any reason to stay there past 11:10.

You should definitely be there by 10:00/10:15 if you want to be anywhere near the palace.
Alternatively you can join the fun London tour and see the whole process from the start but you won't get a front row seat at the palace. I was there a few months ago and strongly recommend.
ask Matt
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline Tzadik Nistar

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2302 on: July 31, 2019, 05:28:01 PM »
Have a one day stopover in London with kids ages 4-9
We land in LHR at 7:30 so thinking of heading right over to Changing of the Guards,
Wanted to do 1-2 other must do attractions before crashing
Any ideas of attractions not to far from changing of the guards and interesting for kids

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2303 on: July 31, 2019, 05:42:42 PM »
Have a one day stopover in London with kids ages 4-9
We land in LHR at 7:30 so thinking of heading right over to Changing of the Guards,
Wanted to do 1-2 other must do attractions before crashing
Any ideas of attractions not to far from changing of the guards and interesting for kids
When I was there, I left the changing of the palace guards shortly after 11 and I made it to the horse guards as they were finishing their 30 minutes stare contest and we got to watch the old guards leave and the new guards enter the stables.

Offline ad120

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2304 on: July 31, 2019, 06:35:29 PM »
from where? what does the plan include?
Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco, or anywhere SIM Cards are sold.

Lycamobile
https://www.lycamobile.co.uk/en/bundles/

Three
https://www.three.co.uk/Store/SIM/Pay_As_You_Go

Offline greatdeals

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2305 on: August 04, 2019, 09:56:03 AM »
thank you!

Offline Tzadik Nistar

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2306 on: August 05, 2019, 12:42:09 PM »
Have a one day stopover in London with kids ages 4-9
We land in LHR at 7:30 so thinking of heading right over to Changing of the Guards,
Wanted to do 1-2 other must do attractions before crashing
Any ideas of attractions not to far from changing of the guards and interesting for kids
What would be more interesting for kids
Buckingham Palace and The Royal Mews tour or Touring the Tower of London and crown Jewels

Offline Tzadik Nistar

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2307 on: August 05, 2019, 05:52:48 PM »
Is there any kosher sandwiches or food within walking distance of Buckingham Palace?

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2308 on: August 06, 2019, 04:12:59 PM »
Does Tesco carry any kosher bread?

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2309 on: August 07, 2019, 05:26:56 AM »
Is there any kosher sandwiches or food within walking distance of Buckingham Palace?

Tesco Express on Jermyn Street usually has a small selection of DD sandwiches

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2310 on: August 07, 2019, 05:27:24 AM »
Does Tesco carry any kosher bread?

Yes, all Hovis & Warburton are KLBD and Kingsmill is SKA.

All have logo's on.

Offline tavster

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2311 on: August 08, 2019, 02:45:04 PM »
 :)

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2312 on: August 12, 2019, 09:30:13 AM »
Anyone ever do Legoland in Windsor? It looks good, but not sure if it's worth the trip from Golder's Green (by uber or trains). Also, is it possible to do on the same day as Windsor Castle? I'm thinking of going to Windsor for 1 day but not sure if 2 days is too much (time is a non-issue as I have 4 full days + Friday/Shabbos in London - my concern is just stamina to do a 4hr RT twice in 1 week).

I feel like Windsor Castle is a must-do if we're willing to travel that far out, and not sure if Legoland is good enough to warrant it.

We will have a 2 year old.

Offline mom

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2313 on: August 12, 2019, 02:57:05 PM »
Looking to stop over in london for two days in January on on the way back from israel
would arrive at 10:50 a.m. on a tuesday and leave either 3:50 p.m or 8:20 p.m. on Thursday.
two adults only
would welcome recommendations for a decent hotel as well as suggestions of where to go during those two days

Offline jose34

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2314 on: August 12, 2019, 07:26:42 PM »
Looking to stop over in london for two days in January on on the way back from israel
would arrive at 10:50 a.m. on a tuesday and leave either 3:50 p.m or 8:20 p.m. on Thursday.
two adults only
would welcome recommendations for a decent hotel as well as suggestions of where to go during those two days
As mentioned before - depending on the weather Matt Changing of the Guards Tour is a must do - https://funlondontours.com/tour-guides/
Also a scenic/ historic boat down the Thames is also a good idea.

Offline davidmal

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2315 on: August 12, 2019, 10:02:24 PM »
Looking to stop over in london for two days in January on on the way back from israel
would arrive at 10:50 a.m. on a tuesday and leave either 3:50 p.m or 8:20 p.m. on Thursday.
two adults only
would welcome recommendations for a decent hotel as well as suggestions of where to go during those two days
Read the wiki for one day trips.
-DMC
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it ~Ferris Bueller"

Offline Uri

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2316 on: August 13, 2019, 05:11:15 PM »
I'm flying from NYC to London tomorrow night and will be there for 1 week.  Is it better to get an Oyster card and refill it as needed or a weekly Travelcard?  I don't have any credit cards with Contactless payment so if I choose an Oyster card, I would have to pay a £5 activation fee.  And I'll need to buy it at the airport so that I can take the train to Golders Green where I'll be staying, so I'll be getting a "Visitor" Oyster card rather than a standard one (if I understand it correctly).

I suppose the most economical thing to do is buy an Oyster card for £15 (the minimum possible amount) and refill if I need to.  The weekly Travelcard starts at £41, depending on the zone.

Please help.  This is all quite confusing.

Offline greatdeals

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2317 on: August 18, 2019, 05:56:44 PM »
any place to get cheap tickets to harry potter they are all sold out?

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2318 on: August 18, 2019, 09:32:26 PM »
any place to get cheap tickets to harry potter they are all sold out?
There isn't  cheap resale market, I've been looking for weeks.

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2319 on: August 19, 2019, 08:06:04 AM »
I'm flying from NYC to London tomorrow night and will be there for 1 week.  Is it better to get an Oyster card and refill it as needed or a weekly Travelcard?  I don't have any credit cards with Contactless payment so if I choose an Oyster card, I would have to pay a £5 activation fee.  And I'll need to buy it at the airport so that I can take the train to Golders Green where I'll be staying, so I'll be getting a "Visitor" Oyster card rather than a standard one (if I understand it correctly).

I suppose the most economical thing to do is buy an Oyster card for £15 (the minimum possible amount) and refill if I need to.  The weekly Travelcard starts at £41, depending on the zone.

Please help.  This is all quite confusing.
There is an option to have the fare "capped" so if you use more than a certain amount per week in pay-as-you-go, it capped. Golders Green is zone 3, so I think the max is around £41. The cap goes from Monday - Sunday (which fits perfectly for my schedule).

If you're starting and ending in the middle of the week, you can buy the 7 day pass for the same price, but you can only load a 7 day pass once you pay the £5  for the oyster card.