London

Set on the banks of Thames River, London is a cosmopolitan city in England. It is a hub for everything and anything including business, fashion, entertainment and media. The city is also known for its monarchy, history and decedent arts. Whether you come to visit sites like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Big Ben or to see some of the biggest names in entertainment at O2 Arena or Royal Albert Hall and even to shop at the wide variety of designer boutiques like Stella McCathy, Abuze, or Anderson & Sheppard, you are in for a thrilling adventure in the city of London.

Although, Islam is a minority religion, the Muslim population of around 600 000 people is thriving. Finding a mosque, halal restaurant and accommodation that suits your needs is as easy as asking. Enjoy the bustle of the city as you explore the endless amount of awesome attractions and activities London has to offer.

History

Legend says that the city of London was founded by Brutus of Troy. However, historical evidence can only trace it to the Romans that settled in “Londonium” in 50 AD. The Romans established baths, temples, churches and even declared London as their capital. Tightening recession and political instability impacted the city, and vast areas, no longer economically viable were pulled down. By the mid 5th Century Londonium had been completely abandoned, and not long after, new settlers known as the Anglo-Saxons occupied the land. Although control of the city changed hands a number of times, London was largely ruled by the Anglo-Saxons for six centuries, becoming a political and trading hub. Christmas day, 1066 William the conqueror defeated King Harold and was crowned in Westminster Abbey, bringing London under the Norman Regime. .

Under the Norman Regime the London Tower, the London Bridge and the Westminster Hall were constructed. However, it wasn’t until Henry VIII came into power in 1485 that London began to have international powers. This was also the time of the great English poet William Shakespeare (1564-1616). During the 17th century, the Black Plague reduced Londoners to a fifth of the population. As the capital of the British Empire, London benefited from the political, financial and trading expansion, becoming the world’s largest city during the 19th century. Today London is hailed as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, a national and international hub of culture, arts, politics, finance and much more. You name it, London has it.

Food

Finding a delicious halal meal in London is rarely an issue. Muslim visitors are spoilt with choices due to the wide variety of restaurants serving halal meals. Muslim tourists should be warned that a few restaurants have halal signs, but are not always Halal HMC (hand slaughtered) certified. Here are a few must-try restaurants in the city.

C&R Restaurant

With an all halal menu of Malaysian and Chinese cuisine, C&R is a beautiful contemporary restaurant with indigenous artwork hanging from the walls. Serving delicious fish head curry, pasta soup, roast duck, and shredded chili beef. The restaurant is known for its generous portions at reasonable prices.

Sticky Wings

Forget visiting the latest halal gourmet burger joint, and stick to an old favorite amongst Muslim Londoners. Located in Brick Lane, Sticky Wings serves comfort food that is scrumptious and tasty. Serving buffalo, BBQ and chilli wing, as well as burgers and sides, the restaurant is perfect for a quick lunch time bite. The restaurant also does not take tips, but rather donations to a children’s charity.

Brioche Burger

If you are craving a gourmet burger then head to Brioche Burger at East Shopping Centre. With a cozy setting of wooden interior, and friendly staff, this burger joint serves the best halal HMC, grass fed, dry aged meat served as tasty burgers. The restaurant also has vegetarian and lamb burgers, and serves sides of nachos, chicken wings, coleslaw, and hand cut chips (French fries).

The Ledbury

For an elegant, fine dining experience, head to The Ledbury. This two Michelin stars restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the world. It serves lunch and dinner menus as well as a tasting menu that comes with a vegetarian menu option.

Novikov

If you have a sweet tooth make your way to Novikov in Berkley Street. With an Asian and Italian combination menu serving delicious desserts like chocolate fondant, it is definitely a must-visit. Novikov is the place to see and be seen with an amazing atmosphere, great food, and excellent service. It is the perfect place for a romantic date night without the kids.

Attractions

The London Eye

Located on the south banks of the River Thames, The London Eye also known as the Millennium Wheel, is an enormous Ferris wheel that is currently owned by Coca-Cola. The 135 metre structure was the world’s biggest Ferris wheel when constructed in 1999, and remains Europe’s largest. With views of the Jubilee Gardens, River Thames and Westminster Bridge, it gives a unique vantage point of the city to any visitors brave enough to step on the wheel.

Madame Tussauds London

Get up close to your favourite celebrities, leaders, politicians, and global legends at Madame Tussauds London – a wax figure museum. Whether you want to snap a photo with David Beckham, bow to the queen, get a photo with One Direction or take a selfie with your favorite YouTuber or super heroes you can do it all at this incredible museum. The first exhibition opened in 1802 and throughout the years this amazing place has become a London must-do.

Buckingham Palace

Located in the City of Westminster, Buckingham Palace is the London residence and principal workplace of the royal family of the United Kingdom. The centre of state occasions and royal hospitality, it has become a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing like presenting of Prince William and his new wife Kate to the world, as it was for his parents Prince Charles and Diana. Buckingham Palace should be one of the top destinations on your list!

Bond Street

One of the most exclusive places in the world to shop, London’s Bond Street is famously known for its wealth of elegant stores, designer fashion brands, luxury goods, fine jewels, art and antiques. Located in historic Mayfair, this street has a variety of high end brands including Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Dolce Gabbana, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co which are all frequently used by celebrities, socialites and jet setters.

Dover Street Market

Home to stores like Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons, Dover Street Market is a beautiful six floor industrial space that has been stripped down to create the ultimate shopping experience for high end shoppers. The space includes fashionable labels from all over the world.

Harrods

One of the oldest department stores in the world, the 160 year old Harrods is a luxury shopping destination that has exceptional service and exclusive collections. The seven floors has 330 departments selling the finest fashion, delicious food at the 27 restaurants, technology and homeware.

King’s Road

With an eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, unique labels, designer shops and high-street staples, numerous cafes and eateries, King’s Road is made for shopping. Including Peter Jones, Heal’s, and Cath Kidston, this street is also an amazing place to buy beautiful home decor. Must-visit shops along King’s Road is Vivienne Westwood’s shop and the Chelsea Antiques Market.

Mosques

London has nine mosques in the city catering to its Muslim population and even prayer rooms in certain public areas like the Natural History Museum and Westfield Shopping Centre.

Fazl Mosque

Located in Southfields is Fazl Mosque also known as The London Mosque. Opened in 1926, it is the first mosque ever to be built in London. Only costing £6223 for the construction and land where the mosque was built. The building cost and land was paid for by an Ahmadi Muslim women of Qadian, India.

London Central Mosque

The most popular mosque in London is the London Central Mosque also known as Islamic Cultural Centre or Regent’s Park Mosque. It was designed in 1977 by Sir Frederick Gibber who included a golden dome, woman’s prayer balcony and a giant chandelier to his design. The mosque was completed and opened in 1978, and today serves 5,000 worshippers.

Baitul Futuh Mosque

One of the youngest mosques in the city, Baitul Futuh Mosque also known as the Morden Mosque was built in 2003. Located in the Morden, the mosque is one of the largest in Britain and holds over 10,000 people.

Brick Lane Mosque

Formerly known as London Jamme Masjid, Brick Lane Mosque is located in East London in an area of Spitalfields on Brick Lane Street. The building itself was formerly used as a religious centre for other faiths in the community, but was converted into a mosque in 1970s. Today, the building welcomes 3,000 worshippers from mostly Bangladeshi decent.

Aziziye Mosque

Located in Stoke Newington, Aziziye Mosque is a Turkish mosque that is funded by the UK Turkish Islamic Association. Aziziye Mosque has a capacity of 2,000 people with sermons preached in Turkish. It also includes a halal butcher shop, education centre, wedding hall and restaurant that serves the surrounding Muslim community.