What we're reading
- Capital's house prices plunge into the 'red zone'.
- Proud Camden owner "devastated" at closure after 17 years.
- House in West Hampstead collapses from roof to basement.
- Real fur being sold as fake at London markets.
Things to do
HALF TERM: Need to keep the little ones entertained? Look no further than our guide to kiddy friendly events happening over half term.
BATTERSEA BOOKS: Battersea Power Station are hosting Storystock this week, a whole five days of book-themed activities aimed at kids aged 2-11. Battersea, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm
ART OF RECOVERY: This temporary exhibition showcases artwork created by wounded or sick people and their families through a project run by the Royal British Legion, looking at the impact of injury through art. Bethlem Museum of the Mind, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, until 24 February
BRILLIANT BIRDS: Nature-inspired activities are on the cards this half term at Hyde Park's LookOut. This feathered-friend special gives kids the chance to make their own bird feeders, and grab the binoculars for some fact-filled bird watching. Hyde Park, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
IN ZIGGY'S FOOTSTEPS: Tour through Bowie's Beckenham and learn all about where the Starman lived and performed. You'll be taken on a two hour guided walk around the area where Bowie arrived in 1969, broke and disillusioned, and four years later left as an international superstar. Beckenham, £25, book in advance, noon-2pm
MAN VS BURGER: This is the last day you'll get the chance to prove yourself against a mammoth burger. Roadhouse in Covent Garden are serving up a limited edition 3kg burger until today, consisting of 6 patties all injected with a different type of cheese. Up to the challenge? Finish in 15 minutes and it's free. Covent Garden, £30, 5:30pm-8:3pm
QUEER HISTORY SHOW: Bird la Bird — an artist who straddles comedy and performance art — is here to give you a hilarious history lesson on the hidden queer histories of some of the UK's best museums. Followed by a wine reception. LSE, free, just turn up, 6:30pm-8pm
FIZZ FOR FREE: Get on the anti-Valentine's bandwagon and book a dinner for three or more — if you do, you can get a free glass of bubbly courtesy of Veuve Clicquot at Granary Square Brasserie. Their two day takeover boasts a DJ and a giant heart piñata — what's not to love? King's Cross, free, book ahead, from 6pm
IT'S A WRAP: Head to Pop Brixton to get creative and design your own bedazzled chocolate bar wrappers — with free entry and free chocolate, this is a Valentine's day winner. Pop Brixton, free, just turn up, 7pm-9:30pm
HISTORY SHOWOFFS: This Valentine's special of the classic history geek event promises a chaotic and comedic cabaret about people from the past. Performers include an archaeologist and a sex historian. Bishopsgate Institute, £9, book ahead, 7:30pm
Good cause for the day
Coffee with a conscience is the order of the day at this social enterprise café — with locations in Shoreditch and Poplar, Paper & Cup is a not-for-profit café run by local charity Spitalfield's Crypt Trust. Sip on delicious coffee and treat yourself to home-baked goodies whilst giving back to the community, and give the high-street chains a miss. Paper & Cup, Shoreditch and Poplar.
