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 747548 times)

Offline TimT

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #520 on: December 08, 2014, 12:01:11 AM »
Good stuff. I never knew about that.

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #521 on: December 08, 2014, 10:55:40 AM »
I've already confirmed they'll do the changing of the guard on the day I'm there (it's on odd days now FWIW), and the weather is supposed to be beautiful.

I guess I'll do breakfast in GG at SoYo, changing of guard at Buckingham Palace, lunch at Zest in JCC, and then London Eye, and then back to the Cabanas in LHR.

Anyone know if BA F offers kosher meals in lounge?
I've never tried SoYo, but I'd strongly recommend Isolabella, IME its one of the best milchig restaurants out there.
London Eye is a waste of time & money, if you like attractions that are somewhat scary this was amazing, I loved it

Offline morgs

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #522 on: December 08, 2014, 01:38:39 PM »
I've never tried SoYo, but I'd strongly recommend Isolabella, IME its one of the best milchig restaurants out there.
London Eye is a waste of time & money, if you like attractions that are somewhat scary this was amazing, I loved it
I remember Isolabella being super overpriced for the quality of the meal even with the lunch special prices it came to abt 100 pounds (and we were just a couple and did not order one of each thing)!!! Pizzaza is awesome if you are looking for good pizza and really diff. types of fries, though....

Offline ChAiM'l

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #523 on: December 08, 2014, 04:24:10 PM »
I remember Isolabella being super overpriced for the quality of the meal even with the lunch special prices it came to abt 100 pounds (and we were just a couple and did not order one of each thing)!!! Pizzaza is awesome if you are looking for good pizza and really diff. types of fries, though....

That's ridiculous. I paid ~£120 for dinner for four adults and two kids the other night. Pizaza is great, but not for breakfast.

Offline sam28

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #524 on: December 08, 2014, 04:55:42 PM »
here is a clip what I took from changing of the guard when I was in London in NOV 2014 . it's different than the regular because they head some guest over there . I took it with my S5 not the best .

http://youtu.be/e368WFsux6I

Offline morgs

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #525 on: December 08, 2014, 05:14:16 PM »
That's ridiculous. I paid ~£120 for dinner for four adults and two kids the other night. Pizaza is great, but not for breakfast.
OOPS! went back to look at my trip notes and saw that i wrote $100 us not pounds ::)!! But even so , we still were not so impressed with the food there....
here is a clip what I took from changing of the guard when I was in London in NOV 2014 . it's different than the regular because they head some guest over there . I took it with my S5 not the best .
That looks really cool-you got great "seats", but that is def. not the regular ceremony-lucky you-you came on a good day!

Offline sam28

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #526 on: December 08, 2014, 05:22:42 PM »
OOPS! went back to look at my trip notes and saw that i wrote $100 us not pounds ::)!! But even so , we still were not so impressed with the food there....That looks really cool-you got great "seats", but that is def. not the regular ceremony-lucky you-you came on a good day!
I came 1 hour before.

Offline Hershelsdeals

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #527 on: December 12, 2014, 11:06:06 AM »
I'm taking a British Airways flight from Italy to London with a two hour stopover and continuing to New York with British Airways, is the flights arriving from Italy to London in the same terminal as the flight to New York? If not how far is the terminal to New York?

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #528 on: December 12, 2014, 11:17:01 AM »
I'm taking a British Airways flight from Italy to London with a two hour stopover and continuing to New York with British Airways, is the flights arriving from Italy to London in the same terminal as the flight to New York? If not how far is the terminal to New York?
All BA flights are in terminal 5. It might be in a different concourse though (I think that there is one concourse in the main terminal building and 2 others). There is a train that goes between the concourses.

Offline Hershelsdeals

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #529 on: December 12, 2014, 11:18:20 AM »
All BA flights are in terminal 5. It might be in a different concourse though (I think that there is one concourse in the main terminal building and 2 others). There is a train that goes between the concourses.
Do I need to go through passport control? How long would you estimate the transfer to take?

Offline MeirS

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #530 on: December 12, 2014, 11:20:01 AM »
Do I need to go through passport control? How long would you estimate the transfer to take?
IIRC, there is no passport control or customs. I'm not good with times but it shouldn't take long.

Offline Hershelsdeals

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #531 on: December 12, 2014, 11:23:28 AM »
IIRC, there is no passport control or customs. I'm not good with times but it shouldn't take long.
Thanks

Offline smart brit

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #532 on: December 12, 2014, 02:09:30 PM »
All BA flights are in terminal 5. It might be in a different concourse though (I think that there is one concourse in the main terminal building and 2 others). There is a train that goes between the concourses.
-1 there are a few ba flights in terminal 1 and even more in t3.
You should check beforehand what terminal your flight lands at.
There are no passport control when you transfer via any terminal!
But the bus that travels between terminals could take time

Offline Hershelsdeals

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #533 on: December 12, 2014, 03:23:59 PM »
-1 there are a few ba flights in terminal 1 and even more in t3.
You should check beforehand what terminal your flight lands at.
There are no passport control when you transfer via any terminal!
But the bus that travels between terminals could take time
Thanks! Both flights are T5.

Offline smart brit

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #534 on: December 12, 2014, 04:09:44 PM »
Thanks! Both flights are T5.
Good, two hours should be fine!

Offline Hershelsdeals

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #535 on: December 12, 2014, 04:19:03 PM »
Good, two hours should be fine!
More like 80 minutes, my mistake

Offline MEIR613

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #536 on: December 14, 2014, 03:31:31 PM »
No, but you do need to schedule a massage/facial well in advance.
+441614483013
You can only schedule it after 4 weeks from departure.

Offline Dan

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #537 on: December 14, 2014, 03:33:33 PM »
You can only schedule it after 4 weeks from departure.
For someone who plans trips 2 hours before departure, 4 weeks is wayyyyy in advance ;)
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 AJK

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #538 on: December 14, 2014, 03:41:02 PM »
BTW there is a changing of the guard tour that my wife and I did in London and it was really a fun way to see it. It's led by a very energetic and interesting fellow named Matt and he basically takes on a walking tour starting from where the guards get ready then you march alongside them to where they switch, etc.... You get to see alot more than standing in front squished with loads of people. And it was pretty cheap (for London standards at least). Here is a link to his website:
http://www.funlondontours.com/london-walking-tours/changing-the-guard

Did the tour. Was money well-spent. Thanks!
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline morgs

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #539 on: December 15, 2014, 12:59:27 PM »
Did the tour. Was money well-spent. Thanks!
My pleasure!! Glad you enjoyed! I cant wait to see/read about it in the tr!! :D