Things to do
CAPTURING ECOLOGY: For one week only, this exhibition brings the winning photos from the British Ecological Society's photo competition to London. See photos from around the world on the subject of Capturing Ecology. Old Truman Brewery (Brick Lane), free, just turn up, 21-27 January
PEANUTS FOR YOUR THOUGHTS: Somerset House stays open late for a gallery late in the current Peanuts exhibition. See the exhibition after hours, and take a deeper look at its philosophical side with events including tours and workshops. Somerset House, £19/£16, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
SOCIAL MEDIA: Find out Why Social Media Is Ruining Your Life, at this event with journalist Katherine Ormerod, who wrote a book on that very topic. We saw her speak at a similar event, and now find ourselves thinking twice about idly scrolling through Twitter and Instagram. A drink and canapés on arrival are included in the ticket price. Sartoria (Savile Row), £25, book ahead, 6.30pm
VEGAN CUPCAKES: Learn how to make vegan cupcakes at this masterclass led by professional cake maker Margaux Brookes. Margaux shares some original recipes, all made with natural ingredients. (If you are vegan (or thinking of going vegan), might we suggest you peruse our complete guide to being vegan in London). Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle), £37.90, book ahead 6.30pm-8.30pm
BOOK SWAP: Carol Wyer, Isabel Rogers and Kitty Wilson are the guest authors at this book swap party. Mingle with them and other book lovers, take along a book you've finished with, and leave with another one — hopefully recommended by someone you've met. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £10, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
A WORLD WITHOUT BRANDS: A world without brands would never work, according to Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of marketing agency Ogilvy UK — but someone in that industry would say that, wouldn't they? Hear why he believes that brands are essential to an effective economy in this talk and Q&A. Museum of Brands (Ladbroke Grove), £29, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
MEDICAL CANNABIS: Who should or should not be prescribed cannabis on medical grounds, and who should be allowed to prescribe it? Neurologist and medical cannabis expert Mike Barnes talks through the UK's current legal stance with Peter Carroll, a campaigner for End Our Pain, and Hannah Deacon, who made headlines when she fought to obtain cannabis oil for her son Alfie Dingley. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
LIFE DRAWING: Whether you're an experienced artist or you haven't picked up a pencil in years, everyone's welcome at this life drawing class. All materials are provided, and the class is tutored so you're working under expert guidance. Hackney Picturehouse, £15, book ahead, 7pm
ANTHROPOCENE ADVENTURES: Our planet is said to be crossing into the Anthropocene — the Age of Humans. Gaia Vince travelled the world to hear the stories of people doing extraordinary things to solve the problems we created. Tonight, she talks about some of the things she witnessed, including artificial glaciers in the Himalayas and painted mountains in Peru. Conway Hall (Holborn), £8/£4, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
FOLK TALES: Expect to hear tales of ghost ships, mermaids and mariners at this evening of music and magic, all with a folklore twist. Shelverdene Goathouse (South Norwood), free, just turn up, 7pm
BANG SAID THE GUN: Bang Said The Gun describes itself as 'poetry for people who don't like poetry'. Watch established poets and performers and those new to the scene do their thing in a fast-paced and fun environment. Soho Theatre, £17.50/£16.50, book ahead, 9.30pm
Good cause of the day
Dogs and their owners are invited to this screening of Little Miss Sunshine on the terrace at South Place Hotel tonight, with £3 from each ticket donated to animal charity the Wild At Heart Foundation. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- Crossrail has apparently backed down from applying gagging orders to departing staff.
- 7 Lothbury — a slice of Italy in the City of London.
- London's first HS2 building above ground is a bit mysterious.
- WWE opens a performance centre in north London.