Top 10: Ways to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah in London 2017By Angelica Malin
Rosh Hashanah in London has come around once again. Truly, it’s one of my favourite times of the year. If you don’t know, Rosh Hashanah is Jewish New Year and marks the official start of the Hebrew calendar – this year it falls on Wednesday 20th September. Rosh Hashanah is a time of sugary indulgence; traditionally one eats apples and honey – to ensure a ‘sweet’ new year. Here’s my top picks for 10 ways to celebrate the New Year in the capital:
Rosh Hashanah in London 2017: Meals
Have a Jewish Feast: Monty’s Deli
The Lowdown: Looking for a Jewish-inspired meal? Monty’s Deli is the place to be on Friday evenings – the restaurant have just launched their family-style Shabbat Dinner featuring traditional recipes with a modern Monty’s twist. The beautiful Shabbat Dinner is a chance for friends and family to come together to exchange stories and kibbitz at the end of a working week. We say: celebrate Rosh Hashanah in London by getting your friends and family together for a delicious meal.
The Offering: The Shabbat dinner is served to share. To start – house baked challah rolls and chopped liver, and a taste of Palwins no.10 Kiddush wine. This will be followed by a tureen of chicken soup with kneidlach and lokshen. Then, taking centre stage, a roasted whole chicken to be carved by the chosen guest, with golden roast potatoes, spring greens, gravy and Monty’s house chrain. For dessert, Lokshen pudding, a sweet baked noodle dish that is rarely seen outside of the family table. Yes, please.
Where: 227-229 Hoxton Street, London, N1 5LG
When: Every Friday – book in advance on 02077295737.
Order a New Year Feast: Delicatessen
The Lowdown: Looking for a fuss-free Rosh Hashanah meal in London? Try lovely Delicatessen in Swiss Cottage, which makes some of the best Middle Eastern food around. Delicatessen’s menu was conceptualised by the flavours of the Middle East, and you can pre-order a delicious, homemade Rosh Hashanah feast to collect this year.
The Offering: Their gorgeous dishes are meant to be shared, as the plates are served at the center of the table, emblematic of the Middle Eastern way of dining. The menu is crafted as a culinary journey, that goes from delicate flavours to deep, bold ones.
Where: 51 Fairfax Road, London NW6 4EL. Order by calling 020 7700 5511 51.
Enjoy a Jerusalem Breakfast: Tabun Kitchen
The Lowdown: Fancy a taste of the Middle East? Bring in the New Year with a delicious Jerusalem-inspired breakfast in Soho. Following the success of their Jerusalem-themed lunch and dinner offerings, Soho’s Tabun Kitchen are introducing the Jerusalem Breakfast Menu this Monday 18th September. The founders are Palestinian-born, and love bringing together the flavours of the Middle Eastern for a great start to the day.
The Offering: Options on the menu include the stunning orange blossom honey yogurt with granola and crushed pistachios and Za’atar Manaeesh, a traditional Palestinian flat bread with thyme herb mix served with vine tomatoes, fresh olives and labaneh. Tabun Kitchen also offers their special blend coffee, fresh juices and even a labaneh wrap to takeaway, meaning you can still experience that taste of Jerusalem on your way to work.
Where: 77 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 8TH
Rosh Hashanah in London 2017: Treats
Buy Rosh Hashanah Specials: GAIL’s Bakery
The Lowdown: Looking for some delicious treats for Rosh Hashanah in London? Get yourself down to GAIL’s Bakery, who have some amazing seasonal specials you simply need to try. My personal favourite is the Marzipan Cholla – perfect for breakfast this cholla is made with ground almonds and eggs and topped with delicate flaked almonds.
The Offering: There’s lots of mouth-watering new cakes at GAIL’s Bakery, including GAIL’s Honey Cakes – mini honey cakes with light cinnamon and honey icing, topped with edible cornflower petals – and Traditional Cholla – a loaf with a soft crumb and crust, sprinkled with poppy seeds.
Where: Your nearest GAIL’s bakery and online – find yours here
When: Available now
Eat All the Treats: Roni’s Bagel Bakery
The Lowdown: Roni’s Bagel Bakery was opened by Roni Avital in 1989 in West Hampstead; the bakery specialises in authentic bagels and Jewish baked goods with an artisan style. And for more delights, discover the best bagels in London here.
The Offering: This Rosh Hashanah in London, pop down to your nearest Roni’s Bagel Bakery to get a slice of something delicious and festive. They’ve got everything from homemade honey cake for the New Year, to delicious apple strudel. Yes, please.
Where: Locations here
Fill Your Table: Fortnum & Mason
The Lowdown: Celebrating Harvest, the eponymous store Fortnum & Mason are filled to burst with seasonal and fresh honey ideas for Rosh Hashanah dipping. Is there anywhere finer to collect some goodies for Rosh Hashanah in London? We say no.
The Offering: From the beehives of Salisbury Plain to the Field Beans of Yorkshire, skilful and dedicated bees work hard to make Fortnum’s honey the best that there is. A must for your table this year.
Where: Head to Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly store or browse their selection online here
When: Available now
Buy a Splendid Honey Cake: L’ETO Caffe
The Lowdown: As we know, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. L’ETO Caffe‘s signature honey cake has it all: honey, butter, sour cream, sugar, walnuts. The perfect treat to share with your family (or scoff yourself) this Rosh Hashanah in London.
The Offering: Deliciously light and heavenly moist – dive your spoon into this magical combination and enjoy the splendid taste of this beloved famous Russian dessert. Nothing says Happy New Year like a big slice of honey cake, we say.
Where: Locations here
When: Available now
Rosh Hashanah in London 2017: Events
Start Afresh: Yoga for Rosh Hashanah Renewal
The Lowdown: Fancy bringing in the New Year with something special? Try a Yoga for Rosh Hashanah Renewal workshop, which is a unique and playful synthesis of traditional Jewish learning and Kundalini yoga techniques. The workshop is taught by Daniella Jaff Klein, who was born in Johannesburg and has lived and studied in London, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and brings together Jewish tradition with yoga.
The Offering: The workshop combines Jewish learning, yoga asanas and breathwork with a relaxing guided meditation. The workshop will focus on renewal and help manifest positive change in your life. No previous experience of yoga is needed… just an open mind.
When: 17 September 2017 at 8pm. Book here.
Get Crafty: Hampstead and Highgate Literary Festival
The Lowdown: If you’re looking for a special event, on Sunday 17th September, prepare for Rosh Hashanah by making special cards to exchange with family and friends, as part of Hampstead and Highgate Literary Festival. What’s more, if you’re looking for a sweet treat, Zest will be marking Rosh Hashanah in London by selling sumptuous sweet honey cakes.
The Offering: Zest restaurant, cafe & bar at JW3 serves contemporary Middle Eastern, kosher cuisine inspired by the diverse eateries of Tel Aviv. There are two flavours of cakes available – walnut and honey, and lemon and honey – and each loaf-sized cake is priced at £12. Delicious.
When: Sunday 17th September 2017
Go for a Family Day Out: The Saatchi Shul
The Lowdown: Looking for a new way to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in London? Enjoy a special day out with the family and The Saatchi Shul with an amazing pre-Rosh Hashanah event. Taking place in a private farm in Bedford, this day will celebrate the best of the Jewish New Year at once – food, fun and feasting for all.
The Offering: On Sunday 17th September, join The Saatchi Shul for a family day out, featuring apple picking, picnic lunch, arts and crafts and much more. Tickets are £25 for non-members and it’s set to be a lovely day out for all.
When: Sunday 17th September at 11.30am. Book here.
Attend a Special Lecture: Rabbi Lord Sacks
The Lowdown: Looking for a special event for Rosh Hashanah in London? Get yourself down to St John’s Wood Synagogue on Thursday 14th September, where Rabbi Lord Sacks will give a pre-Rosh Hashanah lecture on Ceremony and Celebration, followed by refreshments.
The Offering: What’s more, you’ll be able to buy the newly released Herman Family Edition of the book Ceremony and Celebration after the lecture. We say a little bit of learning is a great way to bring in the New Year in London.
When: Thursday 14th September at 8pm. Book here.
Bring in the New Year: London Kabbalah Centre
The Lowdown: This Rosh Hashanah, celebrate the New Year with the London Kabbalah Centre. They believe we have the opportunity to connect to the realm of the Tree of Life in a way we never have in the past.
The Offering: The centre is offering lots of Rosh Hashanah events, services and meals over the holy days. Join them as they gather in love, unity, and consciousness over Rosh Hashanah in London. More information about their events here.
When: Wednesday, 20 September at 9:00pm. Book: registration.london@kabbalah.com or see here.
Enjoy a Delicious Meal: Chabbad House Bloomsbury
The Lowdown: Join Chabbad House Bloomsbury for delicious meals with a warm and friendly atmosphere this Rosh Hashanah in London. Enjoy the traditional Rosh Hashanah foods as well as a delectable selection of treats.
The Offering: They will also be hosting Rosh Hashanah evening services at the same venue prior to dinner at 7.30pm. They will have additional Shofar blowing during the afternoon of both days for those who are unable to make it to the synagogue to hear it.
When: Dinner on Wednesday 20th September at 8pm and dinner on Thursday 21st September at 8pm. £25 for adults and £15 for students. Book here.
