Things To Do In London This Weekend: 3-4 June 2017

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All weekend

Pop Brixton celebrates its second birthday with a weekend festival

PRISON MUSEUM: Not normally open to the public, we reviewed Wandsworth Prison Museum back in 2012. Having recently reopened in a brand new building, the museum is hosting an open weekend telling the story of the prison's 166 year history, which has included such residents as Oscar Wilde and Ronnie Biggs. Wandsworth Prison Museum, free, just turn up, 3-4 June,10am-5pm

KILN ROOMS: Have a gander at some beautiful handmade ceramics, from the traditional to the weird, at this Peckham-based studio's open day. You can even purchase some pieces for yourself. The Kiln Rooms, Bellenden Road, free, just turn up, 3-4 June, 10am-8pm

URBAN MAKERS: The beautiful Ecology Pavilion hosts a variety of independent designers as they show off their wares against a backdrop of picturesque lakes. Expect original artworks, homeware, jewellery, textiles, stationery, knitwear, and clothes for hip kids. Mile End Park, free, just turn up, 3-4 June, 11am-5pm

FOOD TRUCKS: Top chefs make an appearance at this food truck festival, along with a selection of the centre's best loved restaurants, offering an array of new concepts and cooking and cocktail masterclasses. Westfield Shepherd's Bush, free, just turn up, Saturday midday-8.30pm, Sunday midday-6pm

STILL POPPIN': One of south London's most exciting space for creatives and pop-ups is hosting a full-on day festival featuring a killer lineup of DJs, facepainting, giant cakes and a piñata. Of course, it wouldn't be a festival without the obligatory street food and cocktails too. Pop Brixton, £3, book ahead, midday-11.45pm

Food review: bubbly brunch with a side of music

The breakfast-lunch hybrid we all know and love has just got better — it's time for brunch with a live band and bottomless bubbles. The Piano Works — a live-music venue usually reserved for after dark — has just started a brunch service on Saturdays and bank holiday Sundays. The menu has all the classics, from eggs royale to avo on toast; the salty Severn & Wye smoked salmon is perfectly complemented by peppery rocket, and the sourdough toast would make any hipster weak at the knees. The best bit though, is the live band, whose playlist is solely songs that brunchers have requested — simply fill out a napkin and the musicians will play your chosen tune. Unlimited prosecco for two hours is the icing on the cake — the perfect celebratory weekend treat. The Piano Works, 113-117 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3BX. Brunch served every Saturday, and on bank holiday Sundays noon-4pm. ★★★★☆ Hari Mountford

Saturday 3 June

Tour an 18th century almshouse at the Geffrye Museum

TAI CHI: Escape the stress of the city and bring peace and balance into your life. All ages and abilities can join this free two-hour session in the heart of Regent's Park, soaking up the fresh air and finding their inner zen. Regent's Park, free, book ahead, 10am-midday

ALMSHOUSE TOURS: The Geffrye Museum is set in a stunning terrace of 18th-century almshouses, and one of them has been lovingly restored to its original condition, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of London's poor and elderly. You might want to visit the museum's herb garden while there, too. Geffrye Museum, £4, just turn up, 11am-3pm

PASTA FESTIVAL: Nearly every child loves pasta, and as part of Dalston Children's Festival there's a one-off Dalston Pasta Festival. Match made in heaven. Dalston Square, free, just turn up, 11am-4pm

POWERPUFF EMPORIUM: Calling all 90s kids: unleash your inner child at this pop-up shop dedicated to all things Powerpuff Girls. Celebrating the kick ass crime fighters, there'll be a make-up and nail bar, punchbag area and a science café — all with added powfactor. 15 Bateman Street, free, just turn up, 11am-5pm

ELIZABETHAN TOUR: Find out what Islington and Clerkenwell were like back when Good Queen Bess was on the throne. Meet outside Finsbury Library, £9, book ahead, 11.30am-1pm

RIVER FLEET: Discover a river that meanders beneath the streets of modern London — the Fleet — on a walk charting the architecture and stories along this historic artery. From hidden viaducts and railway monuments to model dwellings, Grecian villas and modernism, this walk treads the quaggy banks and oozy wells of the river. King's Cross Station, £15, book ahead, 1pm-3.30pm

ROLLER DINER: Rock up to Roller Diner, a ‘savage-sweet’ musical comedy, set in a faded Brummie beacon of a deep fried American dream. The staff can’t skate and there’s a whiff of burnt sausages and disappointment. But with the arrival of a new waitress, love, jealousy and murder are on the menu. Soho Theatre, from £10, book ahead, 2pm/7pm

SEWING MUSEUM: Only open one day a month, visit this Saturday and gawk at the collection of more than 600 sewing machines amassed by sewing aficionado Ray Rushton. A particular highlight is the machine given to Queen Victoria's eldest daughter as a wedding present. London Sewing Machine Museum (Balham), free, just turn up, 2pm-5pm

CHEESE TRUCK: Cheese and vintage truck lovers unite, as Mathew Carver serves up the best grilled cheese sandwiches in town before heading off for the festival season. DJs are on hand to soundtrack the afternoon, and local craft beers are available to accompany your cheesy delights. Deptford Market Yard, free, just turn up, 2.30pm-11pm

STORAGE HUNTERS: Sean Kelly of Storage Hunters fame brings his trademark larger than life style to a show all about his unusual story. Covering everything from his combat year in Iraq to his role catching shoplifters as a store detective in Italy, expect a laugh out loud show. Underbelly Festival, Belvedere Road Coach Park, £19, book ahead, 7.45pm-8.45pm

Art review: bronze birds

Terence Coventry returns with his signature style of angular bronzes. People and birds are the main focus in these works and we're big fans of his simplistic style that captures the essence of movement. Terence Coventry: Against the side at Pangolin London, King’s Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG. Until 17 June, free. ★★★☆☆ (Monday-Saturday)

Sunday 4 June

Visit London's original international airport, Croydon

YOUTH ORCHESTRA: Young musicians will enjoy this workshop led by internationally celebrated professionals, born and bred into all major musical traditions worldwide. They will be sharing their knowledge in this free monthly workshop, open to all aged 12-26. Rich Mix, free, just turn up, 10am

AIRPORT OPEN DAY: Before Heathrow, there was... Croydon. Step back in time to London's original international airport, complete with the world's oldest air traffic control tower in this monthly open day. Croydon Airport, free, just turn up, 11am-4pm

COOL CRAFTS: Running since 2008, this cool crafts fair curated by the folk at New York pop-culture magazine BUST is a must for any DIY arts and crafts fans. Over 70 makers feature alongside a host of DJs and workshops — and there are free goodie bags for the first 100 attendees. York Hall (Bethnal Green), £3, book ahead, 11am-5pm

POLITICS IS BORING: Well, that's not quite true, is it? 7-12 year olds might not be able to vote, but they sure do have some opinions of their own. This show specialises in helping kids understand how politics works in a clear, informative way — while having some fun along the way. Underbelly Festival, Southbank, £10, 1pm-2pm

SUNDAY SHORTS: Families will love this screening of Philip Hunt's BAFTA award-winning animation Lost and Found, telling the unforgettable story of a little boy who one day finds a penguin on his doorstep. The Foundling Museum (Bloomsbury), free with museum entry (£8), 2pm

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY: Chill out in Dalston's Crypt for a summery Acoustic Sunday, presented by Sound Advice UK. Things will kick off with an open mic session, before whittling through a selection of east London's finest acoustic musicians. Free, just turn up, 2pm-8pm

GIN DISTILLING: Enjoy a Sunday afternoon tipple as you discover the fascinating history of London gin distilling from local historian Jane Young. Set in the stunning 18c Grade I listed House Mill, which played a vital role in gin production. The House Mill, Bow, £15, book ahead, 4pm-5.30pm

IMMERSIVE MYSTERY: The basement of an abandoned rug factory is the scene for this psychological thriller, which returns to that fateful night 33 years ago when Rusty disappeared. Unlock secrets, expose lies, and try to seek the truth about what really happened. The COLAB Factory, £19.50, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

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