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 747498 times)

Offline Aps

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2480 on: August 18, 2022, 01:36:25 PM »

Offline rivkag

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2481 on: August 19, 2022, 06:57:40 PM »
If you need food and in holders green go to kosher kingdom.

I bought food for the rest of my trip.

Offline Aps

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2482 on: August 23, 2022, 04:19:27 PM »
Anybody been to Manchester airport lately- how much time do i need to check in?-we have to check in baggae and have a with wife and kids with me?

is the car rental return far from the airport?

Offline Aps

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2483 on: August 25, 2022, 11:16:56 AM »
Anybody been to Manchester airport lately- how much time do i need to check in?-we have to check in baggae and have a with wife and kids with me?

is the car rental return far from the airport?

For the record -
The airport was fine- didnt take too long to get through security. Bag drop took a little long.

Car rental- 7 minute drive from the airport. There's a shuttle that goes every ten minutes and it takes the shuttle about 10 minutes to get you back to the terminal.

I dropped off wife and kids then returned the car. There is a 5 pound charge to enter the terminal drop off area by the airport to drop off paasengers

Offline shmelive

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2484 on: September 04, 2022, 08:06:20 PM »
Is anyone knowledgeable about closures in London/Paris around New Year's? Planning a trip and trying to decide how to split the time between London/Paris Dec. 28 - Jan 2 (Wednesday to Monday).

xposting on Paris MT

Offline joshtorah

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2485 on: September 07, 2022, 11:18:15 AM »
Is anyone knowledgeable about closures in London/Paris around New Year's? Planning a trip and trying to decide how to split the time between London/Paris Dec. 28 - Jan 2 (Wednesday to Monday).

xposting on Paris MT

Most attractions are closed in London on Jan 1st, and some on Jan 2nd as the 1st is a Sunday

Offline yg99

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2486 on: November 03, 2022, 03:12:46 PM »
DW and I have a stopover from 10am till 6:50pm.

Would like to see the main sites, eat lunch and maybe buy something to eat for supper on the flight.

What's the best way to get around for a first time in London couple?

Any recent recommendations for a driver? I read the wiki and has anyone used Yitzchok recently? Does he have a whatsapp number?

How much before the flight do I need to be back in the airport for business class?

I'd appreciate any answers / pointers...

Thanks

Offline yg99

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2487 on: November 07, 2022, 11:24:42 PM »
Bump.

Any bit of information is appreciated.

Offline Spoon

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2488 on: November 08, 2022, 11:33:07 AM »
Bump.

Any bit of information is appreciated.

The Tube is easy and efficient. Uber as well. You can definitely cover a lot.

Most of the food options aren't near the attractions though. Ruben would be your closest option unless you want pre made sandwiches which can be found all over.


Offline yitzy93

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2489 on: November 08, 2022, 11:52:13 AM »
DW and I have a stopover from 10am till 6:50pm.

Would like to see the main sites, eat lunch and maybe buy something to eat for supper on the flight.

What's the best way to get around for a first time in London couple?

Any recent recommendations for a driver? I read the wiki and has anyone used Yitzchok recently? Does he have a whatsapp number?

How much before the flight do I need to be back in the airport for business class?

I'd appreciate any answers / pointers...

Thanks

Your best bet will be the tube. It can get you from Heathrow into central London in a little over 30mins. You either take the Heathrow Express (pricey) or the brand new Elizabeth Line tube.

Re. drivers I recently recommended a guy called Gaby Hoffman  (+447980880337) to someone. Haven't used him personally but feedback was positive.

In town you have Rubens and also Tony Page, which is right opposite Hyde Park and more upscale.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2022, 11:55:41 AM by yitzy93 »

Offline yg99

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2490 on: November 10, 2022, 04:10:09 PM »
If I don't take a driver, are there any areas I should NOT walk around in? Especially looking frum.

Is it safe to walk from Tower of London to Kensington Palace and to Reubens?

Offline yitzy93

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2491 on: November 11, 2022, 05:40:39 AM »
If I don't take a driver, are there any areas I should NOT walk around in? Especially looking frum.

Is it safe to walk from Tower of London to Kensington Palace and to Reubens?
Absolutely, it is safe to walk between the places you mention. No less safe than any other large tourist city centre, that is.

The London areas you want to "avoid" are nowhere near there.

Online VLK

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2492 on: November 11, 2022, 10:10:04 AM »
Anyone know where I can find the earliest minyan in the greater London area on a weekday morning. I’m looking for somewhere that Davens at earliest talis and tefillin time

Also, arriving at LHR an hour before departure time with no luggage in J class. What are the chances that I make that flight?
« Last Edit: November 11, 2022, 10:30:55 AM by VLK »

Offline yitzy93

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2493 on: November 11, 2022, 10:29:03 AM »
Anyone know where I can find the earliest minyan in the greater London area on a weekday morning. I’m looking for somewhere that Davens at earliest talis and tefillin time

I believe Hager's shul (beis yisochor dov) in Golders Green has a netz minyan everyday.

Offline Drew4723

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2494 on: November 13, 2022, 08:11:09 PM »
Does anyone know what kosher certification EL AL uses on their flights from LHR to TLV? Not the Mehadrin, but just the regular meals.

Offline joshtorah

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2495 on: November 14, 2022, 01:55:23 PM »
Does anyone know what kosher certification EL AL uses on their flights from LHR to TLV? Not the Mehadrin, but just the regular meals.

Pretty sure they use Israeli meals, so regular rabbanut.

Offline Drew4723

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2496 on: November 14, 2022, 01:56:41 PM »
Pretty sure they use Israeli meals, so regular rabbanut.

When I flew out of New York a few years back, they were OU-certified. Curious if anyone's been on this leg from LHR lately that can confirm what they're offering.

Offline yg99

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2497 on: November 22, 2022, 02:53:07 PM »
Scheduled to arrive at 0955. What are the chances of seeing any part of the changing of the guards and where would I need to go?

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2498 on: November 22, 2022, 04:14:35 PM »
Anyone know where I can find the earliest minyan in the greater London area on a weekday morning. I’m looking for somewhere that Davens at earliest talis and tefillin time

Also, arriving at LHR an hour before departure time with no luggage in J class. What are the chances that I make that flight?
If I remember correctly, Bridge Lane Beis Hamedrash in Golders Green has their first Minyan put on Tefillin before Borchu this time of the year. Probably baby other places as well.
I believe Hager's shul (beis yisochor dov) in Golders Green has a netz minyan everyday.
They do but Netz is rather late in London these days.
Scheduled to arrive at 0955. What are the chances of seeing any part of the changing of the guards and where would I need to go?
I don't think you'll be able to see any of it by the time you get out but I may be wrong.

I highly recommend Matt's tour (I think it's in the wiki) but that begins at 10:30 I think. Otherwise you can try your luck at the palace gates. The earlier you get there the better spot you get.
I guess the earlier you land the better chance you'll have at seeing any of it.

Beware that during the winter season the ceremony takes place every other day and gets pushed off in bad weather so it's very hard to predict if there will be a ceremony in advance.

Offline yg99

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #2499 on: November 22, 2022, 10:05:06 PM »
What time is the latest that I can get there and see something?

I'll be able to see my eta when I leave the airport and decide if it makes sense.