What we're reading:
- London bus cuts to hit working class hardest, says watchdog.
- Night tube set to boost London economy by £1.5bn.
- The spy traitors Burgess and Maclean and their last day in London.
- St John to open permanent bakery at Neal's Yard (yes, those doughnuts are coming too).
Things to do:
NATURE EXPLORERS: Struggling to keep your little adventurer entertained this summer? Drop them off for a day exploring Hyde Park's waterways. There's a pond dipping session, a chance to cool off in the Diana Memorial Fountain, and a hidden river to be uncovered. Age 8-11. Hyde Park, £20, book ahead, 10am-3pm
MEMORY PALACE: Six aspects of memory — historical, autobiographical, traces, transcription, collection, and sensory — are explored across two galleries, through the work of 40 artists. From paintings of demonic dream creatures, to a fiery globe, there's a huge variety of work to take in. White Cube (Mason's Yard and Bermondsey), free, just turn up, until 15 September
ALTERNATE REALITIES: See world-class augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) highlights at Barbican Centre. The free installations, from Sheffield Doc/Fest, explore themes of themes of home, community, migration and our relationship to nature in a myriad of technologically innovative ways. Barbican Centre, free, just turn up, 12pm-7pm, until 27 August
BUZZ CUTS AND RUM: Get buzzed in more ways than one with the help of Dead Man's Fingers. The Cornish rum brand's pop up barbershop launches in Shoreditch today, offering free 'cut to the cranium' haircuts, scalp treatments and spiced rum cocktails. 42 Redchurch Street, free, just turn up, 12pm-8pm, until 23 August
PAYING THE TOLLS: What do three exquisite 19th century springs, made entirely of glass and hidden away in the British Museum, have to do with the global extension of 19th century capitalism? Find out at the Society of Antiquaries of London, which is presenting brand new research today. Society of Antiquaries of London (Piccadilly), free, book ahead, 1pm-2pm
Londonist beer is coming...
...And you're invited to our launch party. It's no secret that we're massive fans of craft beer here at Londonist. That's why we've teamed up with one of our favourite local breweries, Fourpure, to create our own deliciously hoppy tribute to London. And we want you to be one of the first to sample it. So head down to Fourpure Brewery on Sunday 16 September for our launch party. There will be live music, prizes to be won, and the chance to get to know some of the faces behind the bylines. Intrigued? Find out more here, or book your tickets.
DRAWING FROM THE MOVIES: Join Little White Lies for an intimate masterclass with illustrator and graphic designer Sharm Murugiah on using the silver screen and pop culture to create bold, impactful imagery. If you're an illustrator yourself, it's a great opportunity to learn first hand how to make it as a freelancer. Somerset House, free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
LAUGH TRAIN HOME: Let a load of budding comedians try out their new material on you as you nurse a pint. Carly Smallman (of the Rob Brydon show) will be helping to deliver the giggles as MC. The Honor Oak (Forest Hill), £6, book ahead, 8pm-10pm
BOMBSHELLS: The sudden death of Evris Mann sends early Hollywood into a tailspin in the latest play in Fourth Monkey's Scandal Season. Not only is a new era of cinema about to unfold, a series of bombshells will be dropped as the women of silent stardom try to find their voices. The Monkey House (Holloway), £10, book ahead, 9pm, until 26 August
Good cause of day
Midnight2Midnight returns on 29 September for another 24 hours of running, friendship forming, and charity fundraising. The Midnight Runners will lead a 10km loop on the hour, every hour. Opt in for one, two or even (if you're feeling extra sprightly) all of them. 100% of your entrance fee will to the Mayor's Fund for London, helping disadvantaged young Londoners escape poverty.
404