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 747379 times)

Offline tavster

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2320 on: August 20, 2019, 06:21:54 AM »
:)
Looks like the upstairs Deli part is reopening this week, while the downstairs fine dinning will reopen in September

https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/restaurants/reubens-baker-street-reopen-jewish-deli-a4216151.html

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2321 on: August 20, 2019, 07:16:27 AM »
Looks like the upstairs Deli part is reopening this week, while the downstairs fine dinning will reopen in September

https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/restaurants/reubens-baker-street-reopen-jewish-deli-a4216151.html
I'm you g to be in London next week. That's some timing!

Offline tavster

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2322 on: August 20, 2019, 07:28:22 AM »
I'm you g to be in London next week. That's some timing!
Keep us posted

Offline Dan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2323 on: August 22, 2019, 11:28:57 AM »
Looks like the upstairs Deli part is reopening this week, while the downstairs fine dinning will reopen in September

https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/restaurants/reubens-baker-street-reopen-jewish-deli-a4216151.html

"kosher restaurant certified by the Federation of Synagogues"
Is this a good hechsher?
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 tavster

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2324 on: August 22, 2019, 11:52:01 AM »
"kosher restaurant certified by the Federation of Synagogues"
Is this a good hechsher?
Works for me  ;)
More seriously it's run by a group of well respected dayonim, I know a few and can connect you for follow up questions

Offline ad120

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2325 on: August 23, 2019, 12:58:06 AM »
"kosher restaurant certified by the Federation of Synagogues"
Is this a good hechsher?
Not in the Heimishe circles.

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2326 on: August 23, 2019, 08:32:32 AM »
"kosher restaurant certified by the Federation of Synagogues"
Is this a good hechsher?
Commonly known as KF, Most would use it for most things, I wouldn't use them for meat and I don't know what their standards are for CY and BY, but I think they would be fine for most Parve stuff. JMHO.

Offline Dan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2327 on: August 23, 2019, 09:16:06 AM »
Looks like they're listed on KosherQuest
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 Dawie

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2328 on: August 29, 2019, 04:21:15 PM »
Works for me  ;)
More seriously it's run by a group of well respected dayonim, I know a few and can connect you for follow up questions
They now hired the Gateshead Rov, politics aside this should make them much better
https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/federation-hires-rabbi-shraga-feivel-zimmerman-the-gateshead-rov-to-be-new-av-beth-din-1.485944

Offline moish

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2329 on: August 31, 2019, 06:41:00 PM »
They now hired the Gateshead Rov, politics aside this should make them much better
https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/federation-hires-rabbi-shraga-feivel-zimmerman-the-gateshead-rov-to-be-new-av-beth-din-1.485944
They were headed by a pretty big rov the whole time

Offline Emkay

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2330 on: September 01, 2019, 10:42:45 PM »
Anyone know the average price to flag down a taxi and hire him for the day? Not prebooked.

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2331 on: September 02, 2019, 10:30:38 AM »
Just a couple  points on my recent trip that I saw discussed here:

- Reubens is reopened. The front is counter service, the back is casual waiter service. They are still renovating the full restaurant downstairs. It's a bit off the beaten track for most touristy things (and a 10 minute walk from the underground).

- KF is generally assumed to be on par with KLBD from what I gathered.

- Our American visa cards worked fine on the underground for tap and pay. If you have a card that supports it, you just tap in and out, and you are eligible for daily and weekly fare capping.

- In general having a tap and pay card is very helpful in London. Every card reader has tap, and you can use it for everything up to £30 per transaction. I called chase and had them overnight me a new Sapphire Reserve before I left and it was a big help. Chip cards are really slow and msot places are strict about also signing since American cards don't have PINs. Official places will also require them looking at the card as well. Tapping is much better.

Offline yls2011

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2332 on: October 20, 2019, 12:30:08 AM »
Planning a trip in April with a toddler, Wednesday-Monday.
In terms of where to stay- we have IHG certs, Radisson points (actually quite a few options in london), and marriott points/nights. Would prefer to stay in the same place.
Stay in GG/Hendon near kosher food? This way we will be close to breakfast and dinner, and can spend most of the day in the city. Points options are lackluster though, would prob stay at the HI express (meh).
Or stay in the city? Lots of nice options, we would be in the center of everything but seems like only Reubens in the vicinity?
Not really interested in selfridges counters etc....

What has worked for most?

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2333 on: October 23, 2019, 08:01:24 AM »
Planning a trip in April with a toddler, Wednesday-Monday.
In terms of where to stay- we have IHG certs, Radisson points (actually quite a few options in london), and marriott points/nights. Would prefer to stay in the same place.
Stay in GG/Hendon near kosher food? This way we will be close to breakfast and dinner, and can spend most of the day in the city. Points options are lackluster though, would prob stay at the HI express (meh).
Or stay in the city? Lots of nice options, we would be in the center of everything but seems like only Reubens in the vicinity?
Not really interested in selfridges counters etc....

What has worked for most?
I did an airbnb with a toddler in GG. Found a great 3br in the eruv. GG tube station has an elevator so it worked well.

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2334 on: October 23, 2019, 10:47:54 AM »
Is there Eruv in Kensington?

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2335 on: October 23, 2019, 11:37:25 AM »
Is there Eruv in Kensington?

No. These are all the current eruvin in London: https://www.eruv.co.uk/

Offline Ploni3

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2336 on: October 23, 2019, 09:35:56 PM »
Planning a trip in April with a toddler, Wednesday-Monday.
In terms of where to stay- we have IHG certs, Radisson points (actually quite a few options in london), and marriott points/nights. Would prefer to stay in the same place.
Stay in GG/Hendon near kosher food? This way we will be close to breakfast and dinner, and can spend most of the day in the city. Points options are lackluster though, would prob stay at the HI express (meh).
Or stay in the city? Lots of nice options, we would be in the center of everything but seems like only Reubens in the vicinity?
Not really interested in selfridges counters etc....

What has worked for most?
I've done both, though with kids, not toddlers. Both worked for me. It really depends on what's most important to you. If you want restaurants and don't mind spending on uber's to move around more quickly - or don't want to cover that much in terms of attractions (which may very well be the case if you have a toddler) - or have lots of time, staying north in the frum areas makes sense.  If you want the convenience of not wasting time traveling then staying downtown is good. We stayed at the Hilton Paddington which was very convenient, with the Heathrow Express right there.

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2337 on: October 23, 2019, 10:07:46 PM »
I've done both, though with kids, not toddlers. Both worked for me. It really depends on what's most important to you. If you want restaurants and don't mind spending on uber's to move around more quickly - or don't want to cover that much in terms of attractions (which may very well be the case if you have a toddler) - or have lots of time, staying north in the frum areas makes sense.  If you want the convenience of not wasting time traveling then staying downtown is good. We stayed at the Hilton Paddington which was very convenient, with the Heathrow Express right there.
Golders green is really a short tube ride away from the city center - took 20 minutes. It adds 49 minutes a day maximum.
Unfortunately, the hotel options are lacking, which was aprt of the decision to stay in an Airbnb for us.

Offline shwarmabob

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2338 on: October 24, 2019, 02:10:11 PM »
Does American Express contactless work instead of Oyster card or does it have to be Visa or Mastercard?

Offline ad120

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2339 on: December 31, 2019, 12:44:47 AM »
Anyone going to London from  NY within the next week that can take a small item?
Namely this aerator:
http://tiny.cc/kpp6hz