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 747367 times)

Offline joshtorah

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2420 on: October 06, 2021, 12:54:48 PM »
Anyone have experience renting a car at LHR? I'm landing at T3 and I've found a decent price with Sixt. The website I'm using says it's in-terminal, but I'm not convinced, and I can't find any details about car rentals on the Heathrow website.

Offline G11600

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2421 on: October 06, 2021, 01:49:30 PM »
Anyone have experience renting a car at LHR? I'm landing at T3 and I've found a decent price with Sixt. The website I'm using says it's in-terminal, but I'm not convinced, and I can't find any details about car rentals on the Heathrow website.
I've rented from Sixt at LHR many times. Main location is at Hatton Cross, which is offsite and further than all other companies. There is a free shuttle from all terminals every 10-15 minutes, or you can take the underground.
Check cars carefullly, they sometimes try to charge for scratches.
They used to have a location onsite in T5, which was actually in the Sofitel Hotel which is accessed directly from terminal via a walkway. That was very convenient. Not sure if it's open at the moment due to recent use of Sofitel for quarantine.
I have/had high status on LH, and was consistently upgraded to the best car in the lot from the cheapest.

Offline joshtorah

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2422 on: October 07, 2021, 10:27:15 AM »
I've rented from Sixt at LHR many times. Main location is at Hatton Cross, which is offsite and further than all other companies. There is a free shuttle from all terminals every 10-15 minutes, or you can take the underground.
Check cars carefullly, they sometimes try to charge for scratches.
They used to have a location onsite in T5, which was actually in the Sofitel Hotel which is accessed directly from terminal via a walkway. That was very convenient. Not sure if it's open at the moment due to recent use of Sofitel for quarantine.
I have/had high status on LH, and was consistently upgraded to the best car in the lot from the cheapest.

That's really helpful. Where are all the other companies located?

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2423 on: October 28, 2021, 09:21:41 PM »
I might have a layover at LHR from 9pm to 6am. What's the most practical way of getting some food and sleep?

There don't appear to be any lounges open overnight, so I guess hotel it is...

What about food? Makes sense to Uber Eats something to an airport hotel? Anything even open 10pm or even later?
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline PlatinumGuy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2424 on: October 29, 2021, 12:48:47 AM »
I might have a layover at LHR from 9pm to 6am. What's the most practical way of getting some food and sleep?

There don't appear to be any lounges open overnight, so I guess hotel it is...

What about food? Makes sense to Uber Eats something to an airport hotel? Anything even open 10pm or even later?
Check if One Ashebourne delivery system will make it, they have the largest delivery map.
There is a good Sofitel attached to T5 and another hotel (Hilton?) attached to T3. You need an uber to get from one to the other.
Best food option at that time is probably Hummus Bar if you can make it. I think it's ~30 min from airport.
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline tmendy226

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2425 on: December 02, 2021, 09:14:41 AM »
Are there any airside hotels at LHR?

Coming back from JNB was supposed to have a 3hr stopover but VS changed their flight schedule to 11 hours earlier because of the red country designation and it became a 15 hour layover…

(We are flying business with a toddler and also have priority pass)

Offline JlmBoi

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2426 on: February 08, 2022, 09:59:28 AM »
Any good milchik places in GG or close by?
The chiddush of DDF is the way Dan Deals with all us crazies 🤪

Offline Spoon

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2427 on: February 08, 2022, 11:45:45 AM »
Any good milchik places in GG or close by?

Soyo but it's more breakfast/lunch than dinner

Offline kopite1

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2428 on: February 21, 2022, 10:08:22 AM »
Any good milchik places in GG or close by?

Novellino is excellent

Offline Abebee

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2429 on: February 21, 2022, 11:31:31 AM »
Flying to UK (london) one is required to book a test prior to flying. Can someone please direct me one which one is the best to book? If I am on the ground for 50 hours, can I get away without actually taking the test? Any info is greatly appreciated. TIA

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2430 on: February 22, 2022, 10:49:15 AM »
Flying to UK (london) one is required to book a test prior to flying. Can someone please direct me one which one is the best to book? If I am on the ground for 50 hours, can I get away without actually taking the test? Any info is greatly appreciated. TIA
No one checks if you're actually taking the test. You just need to pay for it.
Even if you're there for less then 2 days you need to pay for a day 2 test if you're unvaccinated.
You should probably just go to the website linked to when you fill out the record locator form and buy the cheapest one that is available for the date you need.

10 days ago, there wan one for £14.

I don't think you need any test if you're fully vaccinated.

Offline BobbyB

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2431 on: March 16, 2022, 01:40:24 PM »
Looking into the London 5 star hotels. Can anyone help me narrow down the best place to stay? I would appreciate if folks can share negative experiences as well as positive.

Luxurious, decent sized rooms are the priority since I probably wont use most of the amenities. Walking distance to kosher restaurants is a plus.

Offline BobbyB

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2432 on: March 22, 2022, 04:55:27 PM »
Trying again  ;). Looking into London 5 star hotels. Can anyone help me narrow down the best place to stay? I would appreciate if folks can share negative experiences as well as positive.

Luxurious, decent sized rooms are the priority since I probably wont use most of the amenities. Walking distance to kosher restaurants is a plus.

Offline Happyguy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2433 on: March 22, 2022, 05:37:35 PM »
Trying again  ;). Looking into London 5 star hotels. Can anyone help me narrow down the best place to stay? I would appreciate if folks can share negative experiences as well as positive.

Luxurious, decent sized rooms are the priority since I probably wont use most of the amenities. Walking distance to kosher restaurants is a plus.

Can't tell you much about London 5 star hotels. AFAIK there are no such hotels in the Jewish area only in Central London which is around 30-45min metro (Underground) away. There is no kosher food/restaurants/shuls etc. in Central London except maybe some Kosher sandwiches which you can pick up somewhere.

These are not 5* by any means but they are in the Jewish area. I don't know the area so well it could be that there are nicer ones then that.

Croft Court Hotel http://croftcourthotel.co.uk/
Holiday Inn Express London - Golders Green (A406)

Offline joshtorah

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2434 on: March 23, 2022, 10:01:14 AM »
Can't tell you much about London 5 star hotels. AFAIK there are no such hotels in the Jewish area only in Central London which is around 30-45min metro (Underground) away. There is no kosher food/restaurants/shuls etc. in Central London except maybe some Kosher sandwiches which you can pick up somewhere.

These are not 5* by any means but they are in the Jewish area. I don't know the area so well it could be that there are nicer ones then that.

Croft Court Hotel http://croftcourthotel.co.uk/
Holiday Inn Express London - Golders Green (A406)

This is very nice, frum-owned hotel in Hendon, minutes walk from multiple kosher restaurants: https://thepillarhotel.com/

Offline BobbyB

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2435 on: March 23, 2022, 03:01:59 PM »
Thanks! I've stayed at the Pillar, its very comfortable. I was thinking of staying in the city for this trip. Perhaps something that's walking distance to Reubens. There are many hotels around Mayfair/west end but in my experience European hotels can be very hit or miss.

Offline jose34

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2436 on: April 03, 2022, 01:28:02 AM »
In case anyone is bored on a stopover through LHR there is place called Airport Bowl Airport Bowl, Bath Rd, Harlington, Hayes UB3 5AL, United Kingdom
Around 10 min by car to LHR T5

Offline PlatinumGuy

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2437 on: April 03, 2022, 07:50:14 AM »
Trying again  ;). Looking into London 5 star hotels. Can anyone help me narrow down the best place to stay? I would appreciate if folks can share negative experiences as well as positive.

Luxurious, decent sized rooms are the priority since I probably wont use most of the amenities. Walking distance to kosher restaurants is a plus.
There is an excellent Kosher restaurant in the center called Island Grill by Tony Page. It is in a hotel called Royal Lancaster which is overpriced, has tiny rooms & horrible service.

When I am in London I just eat there, Reuben's isn't good and everything else is very far.
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline sillypainter

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2438 on: April 03, 2022, 09:53:52 AM »
There is an excellent Kosher restaurant in the center called Island Grill by Tony Page. It is in a hotel called Royal Lancaster which is overpriced, has tiny rooms & horrible service.

When I am in London I just eat there, Reuben's isn't good and everything else is very far.

How is KLBD compared to a mainstream USA hashgacha?

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2439 on: April 03, 2022, 01:27:20 PM »
How is KLBD compared to a mainstream USA hashgacha?
Some compare it to OU and some vehemently disagree