It looks like summer might actually have arrived in London this week, but if you're determined to stay inside, here are a few things to help you bide the time.
On TV, Londonist likes:
Monday, 30 July
The Tower (BBC1, 22:35-11:25) After the disputes last week about whether or not the Pepys Estate was being represented fairly in this 8 part documentary, this is your chance to form your own opinion. In episode 6, the contrasts between the newly developed properties and the old estate are highlighted as Nessar must win a top law job before her parents will let her move in to the new property they've purchased for her and Lol's heroin use catches up with him as his health rapidly deteriorates.
Wednesday, 1 August
Sally Morgan: Star Psychic (ITV1, 23:00-24:00) Psychic Sally Morgan hopes to reveal shocking and startling truths to Brian Dowling and Jeff Brazier this week, and attempts to predict the future of punk band Towers of London. Do you think she'll predict that guitarist The Rev and drummer Snell will leave the band before the programme airs?
Friday, 3 August
Athletics: London Grand Prix (BBC2, 18:00-21:00) Live from Crystal Palace, it's the biggest meeting in the UK athletics calendar. Outstanding athletes from Britain and the rest of the world compete, and this is your chance to see British athletics stars like Craig Pickering and Marlon Devonish before the world championships.
London Ambulance (ITV1, 20:00-20:30) Narrated by Gary Kemp, this new series follows the daily lives of members of the London Ambulance Service. In this first episode, the crews deal with a cycling accident, a man who mysteriously collapses and a skateboarder who has had an encounter with a bus. If you're not put off by the potential for upsetting accident visuals, this sounds like a fascinating programme.
Saturday, 4 August
British Film Forever (BBC2, 21:00-22:30) After last week's look at thrillers, tonight's episode takes a look at romances in "Longing, Loving and Leg-Overs: The Story Of British Romance". Featuring interviews with Richard Curtis, Michael Caine, Harlod Pinter, Pauline Collins, Kate Winslet and Steve Coogan, the programme looks at everything from Brief Encounter to the rom-coms of Richard Curtis.
On the radio, Londonist likes:
Monday, 30 July - Sunday, 5 August
BBC Proms 2007 (BBC Radio3 from 19:00 [Tues, Thurs], 19:30 [Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun] or 18:30 [Sat]) The Proms continue and we particularly recommend you listening in tomorrow night to the London Sinfonietta with the BBC Singers doing something marvellous – we're not sure what, but it may well be the best thing you've heard this week.
Wednesday, 1 August
Will Smith Presents... the Tao of Bergerac (BBC Radio 4, 18:30-19:00) With the comedy contingent heading north to the tundra leaving London bereft, catch some funnies on the radio with this new series inspired by John Nettles reading the Tao. Also features Londoner, Adam Buxton, of Adam & Joe fame.
Womad 2007 (BBC Radio 3 from 23:155) Pretend you went to Womad when really you couldn't bear to leave the city. Listen to highlights tonight from 11.15pm.
Wednesday, 1 August & Thursday, 2 August
6 Music Plays it Again - All or Nothing: the Small Faces Story (BBC 6 Music, 21:30-22:00) Presented by Phil Daniels, this two parter documents the history of the Darlings of Wapping Wharf Laundrette.
Online, Londonist likes:
Shepherd Market - Londonist thoroughly enjoys a guide to a part of London we may not know about, and this fits the bill delightfully. Shepherd Market is tucked between Piccadilly and Curzon Street, and this site has everything you'll need to know about this history of this unique part of town, as well as guides to the pubs, restaurants and shops. The site's even taught us something new today: Mayfair itself is named after the infamous fifteen-day fair that took place on the site that is Shepherd Market today. Informative and educational? We love it.
