Your Sunday morning best-of-Londonist weekly round-up sponsored this week by Pact, who are giving Londonist readers their first bag of coffee, delivered to their door, for just £1. More details below.
London News
- A tube station which closed in 1932 could soon be open to the public again.
- A collection of around 5,000 rare London books has gone on sale — grab yourself a new read or two.
- Developers who demolished a Kilburn pub without permission will have to rebuild it "brick by brick".
- The political party of disgraced former Tower Hamlets mayor, Lutfur Rahman, has been banned by the Electoral Commission.
- A disused platform at Barbican station is now a haven for plants, trees and wildlife, thanks to the installation of a pop-up garden.
- And speaking of gardening, neighbours in Haringey have won the first “gardens that make you smile” award.
Must-read articles
- Do the Lib Dems stand a chance in London? We spoke to three of them on the campaign trail.
- VIDEO: Ever heard the urban legend of the corpse on the tube?
- Where to eat and drink in Croydon, from breakfasts to bars and Michelin stars.
- Photography project tells the stories of women and children who lost their homes to the housing crisis.
- An ode to the Wimbledon greyhounds, one of just three tracks left in London.
- VIDEO: You asked, we listened — it's Secrets of the Overground (part one).
- Sadiq Khan has high ambitions for Labour in the election — but are they achievable?
- Ever gone out ‘just for one’ and ended up 24 hours later in all sorts of weird and wonderful situations? This London short film is for you.
Top reviews
- It may be over 40 years old, but this production of Bugsy Malone feels as fresh as ever ★★★★★
- From gold-coated stones to diamonds made from road kill — what is luxury? ★★★☆☆
- David Mamet's 1975 big-hitter American Buffalo is back on stage, with a starry cast headed up by Homeland's Damian Lewis ★★★★☆
- Four reasons you shouldn’t miss Standby For Tape Back-Up ★★★★★
Things to do
CYCLE SHOW:
Spin LDN Urban Bike Show is back next weekend for three days of bikes, DJs and beer.
PREVIEW SCREENING:
Head to Frontline Club in Paddington for a preview screening of Warriors From The North, a film which follows a cohort of young Al-Shabaab sympathisers in Denmark and Sweden at a time when lots of Europeans are travelling to fight in Syria. Followed by a Q&A with directors Søren Steen Jespersen and Nasib Farah. £10, 8 May, 7pm
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BEER FESTIVALS:
There are two bank holidays in May, which means beer festivals galore. Cheers!
OLLY MURS:
The ex X-Factor contestant performs three shows at the O2 in North Greenwich, focusing on his new album Never Been Better. Special guest is Ella Eyre. £46.50, Monday 4/Tuesday 5/Thursday 7 May, 7.30pm
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CYNIC'S EXHIBITION:
In this new exhibition, the artist uses postcards to offer translations of developer speak into cynical, plain English.
BRUNCH PARTY:
Toast the extra day of the weekend with a New York style brunch party at Clutch Chicken in Hackney. Tuck into a three-course feast, complete with all the mimosas you can handle, while you enjoy live music and performances. £30, 4 May, 12pm
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CRAFT WEEK:
The first London Craft Week starts this week, celebrating the capital's long-held artisan traditions.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND:
Explore the world of Wonderland, as experts come together to talk about the influence of Lewis Carroll's famous novel on design. Takes place at Waterloo Vaults. £25, 4 May, 7.30pm
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ELECTION: Looking for somewhere to watch the election unfold on Thursday?
BOXING CRASH COURSE:
Apolaki Dirty Boxing is a unique blend of Filipino Boxing, Pencak Silat, Western Boxing and Muay Thai. Learn the basics of this martial art at Waterloo Action Centre. £40, 9 May, 11am
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FOOD EVENTS:
Foodie things to do in London this month, including eating in a tube carriage, or in the St Pancras clock tower.
LONDON DUNGEON LATES:
Peek into the terrifying underworld of Victorian London at this late-night, adults-only event at London Dungeon. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on arrival, followed by a 60 minute tour of the Dungeon. £25-£29, 8 May, from 6.30pm
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Reader Offer
Bermondsey start-up Pact Coffee is on a mission to get London drinking better, fresher coffee. Get your first 250g bag of hand-roasted coffee delivered to your home or office for only £1 with free P&P. Just use the code ONEPOUNDBAG at checkout. For more info and T&Cs click here.
This week’s Best of Londonist is sponsored by Pact.
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