What we're reading:
- Lethal Bizzle says grime music shouldn't be blamed for rise in knife and gun violence.
- Meet the man who transformed his south London home into a House of Dreams.
- How the world's first Twitter bot helped Londoners on the go.
- Study finds London cyclists face paranoia about drivers.
- London's moped crime hotspots revealed.
Things to do:
CONE-ISH PASTY: You won't find any beef or swede in this particular pasty. Kelly's Ice Cream have put a sugary twist on the Cornish classic — a sweet-filled, cone-shaped pasty crowned with their very own ice cream. The man behind this madness, TV chef and ice cream sommelier Jame Strawbridge is coming to Southbank to hand out three variations of his creamy concoctions for you to devour. Gabriel's Wharf (Southbank), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm
CHINESE ART AND POWER: The People's Republic of China had very specific ideas when it came to the arts. While some doors opened for some emerging artists in the years following its establishment, others were slammed shut if the works in question were uncongenial to Communist Party policy. Discover the politically backdrop to the Chinese art scene from 1950 to 1976 at this free lecture. Museum of London (London Wall), free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
LIPSTICK MAKING: Get ready to pucker up at Token studio, where you an create your own signature shade of lipstick using totally natural ingredients. With the help of a professional, you'll create your lipstick from scratch, meaning you'll know exactly what you're smearing on your smackers. Token Studio (Fulham), £39.40, book ahead, 3pm-4.30pm
VINHO VERDE: Masterchef 2017 finalists Alison, Giovanna and Lorna have teamed up to create Three Girls Cook and curate a series of fabulous foodie events. Today, they'll be serving up summer canapés perfectly matched to the light summery wines of Portugal's Vinho Verde region. The View at SkyLoft (Westminster), £10, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
BOOGIE LIKE BEY: Who run the world? Girls! Learn the official dance to Beyonce's iconic female empowerment anthem in just two hours and get ready for world domination. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £15, book ahead, 6.45pm-8.15pm
REVERE OR REMOVE: What should be done about statues of famous figures who many are, to put it mildly, on the wrong side of history? A star panel, including historians David Olusoga and Peter Frankopan, journalist and author Afua Hirsch and cultural commentator Tiffany Jenkins debate whether they should be torn down or preserved for posterity. Emmanuel Centre (Westminster) £30, book ahead, 7pm
A WALK THROUGH PARIS: Take stroll through the City of Lights' radical history with essayist Eric Hazan. He'll talk you through the May 1968 uprising, look at the controversial 18th century revolutionary Robespierre and examine the existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre. Institut français (South Kensington), £7, book ahead, 7.15pm
ELEPHANT SESSIONS: Pounding drums, a monstrous bass and engulfing guitars make up Elephant Sessions' unique sound. The neo-trad quintet bring a taste of the Scottish Highlands to Highbury tonight. Upstairs at The Garage, Thousand Island (Highbury East), £13, book ahead, 7:30pm
FRAGMENT: Meet Lester Fall, a painter and decorator returning home to face his demons and reassemble his broken heart. Double Fringe First winner Iron Shoes presents this new piece of gig-theatre about love, loss and heartbreak. Battersea Arts Centre (Battersea), £13, book ahead, 8pm, until 15 May
SIMON EVANS: All comedian Simon Evans has ever wanted is to be acknowledged as a man of genius. So far, that hasn't really happened. Help him change that at his new stand-up show. Soho Theatre (Dean Street), £11, book ahead, 9.15pm
Good cause of the day
Join the fight to save India Club, the Strand's beloved and historic restaurant that's facing the all too familiar spectre of redevelopment into luxury flats. Sign their petition, nominate the restaurant for "Asset of Community Value" status via email, or comment on the Westminster planning application website using the reference 17/08077/FULL.
