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Did you know that there's a chocolate museum in London?
The secret history of the London plane tree
Unorthodox things to do in London's churches
Have we got news for you:
Catch up with what's been going on in London with our latest news roundup.
Things to do
ICE SKATING:
Several of London's seasonal ice rinks opened over the weekend, meaning that whatever corner of London you're in, there's one near you. Weekdays are usually a lot quieter too, so go today if you fancy having the ice to yourself while you practice your pirouettes.
PONGATHON:
Head to Rich Mix in Shoreditch for an evening of social ping pong. Grab your mates (OK, maybe not the really competitive one), and take part in various tournaments, with prizes to be won. Free entry, pay to play (book your tables), from 5pm
BACKSTAGE TOUR:
Take a backstage tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company at Barbican. Learn what goes into a production, including how costumes are made and how special effects are controlled. Age 12+. £12.50, prebook, 5pm
GIN OFF:
Gin brands have been going head to head at Graphic Bar in Golden Square and tonight it's the turn of Martin Miller’s and Jensen’s gin. Buy a ticket to sample two gin cocktails while enjoying live DJs and other drinks deals. £7, prebook, 6pm
FUSION MUSIC:
Asia House near Portland Place celebrates 50 years of Singapore's independence with an evening of fusion music, with influences from Singapore and the UK. Traditional Chinese instruments will be blended with the electric violin and keyboard. £8/£6/£5, prebook, 6.45pm
DANCE CLASS:
Sass up your Monday by heading along to Drink Shop Do in King's Cross and learning the dance moves to Beyonce and Lady Gaga's Telephone. £10, prebook, 7pm
JOHN HIGGS:
Author John Higgs is at Conway Hall in Holborn to talk about his latest book, Stranger Than We Can Imagine, which aims to make sense of the 20th century. £5, prebook, 7.30pm
COMEDY:
We gave you a heads up and now they're here: two excellent shows for a full evening of fun at Soho Theatre. See Max and Ivan at 7.15pm (£10) and the Pajama Men at 9pm (£12.50).
Music Monday: hot tickets from YPlan
THE VACCINES:
Fancy a last minute ticket to see the Vaccines play at the O2 Academy Brixton tonight? There'll be support from Palma Violets and Sunflower Beam.
THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES:
Is it a dream come true? The Brand New Heavies are back and playing their unmistakeable funk, soul and acid jazz at the Clapham Grand on 4 December.
ANNIE MAC:
If raving's what you want, put Annie Mac Presents in your diary for 5 December at O2 Academy, Brixton. She's back with a brand-new compilation and tour featuring the best up-and-coming artists and DJs.
Get Tickets
THE LIBERTINES:
Back after 12 years, The Libertines are meant to be better than ever. See them play The O2, North Greenwich on 30 January 2016 and judge for yourself.
RUDIMENTAL:
Touring their second album, The Generation, Rudimental play their biggest gig to date at The O2, North Greenwich on 3 March 2016.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB:
The legendary Latin music collective play The O2, North Greenwich on the Adios Tour on 6 April 2016 before heading to Havana for a homecoming gala.
YEARS AND YEARS:
Winners of BBC Sound of 2015, Years and Years bring their dance pop classics to the SSE Arena, Wembley on 8 April 2016.
Good cause of the day
There's still time to sign up to ZSL London Zoo's sponsored Fire Walk. It takes place at the zoo this Thursday, with money raised going to the Asiatic Lion campaign. For more information and to sign up, see the website.
Secret corner of London
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Find more London events in our Free & Cheap events listings. Want to see your event in these last-minute listings? Email us at [email protected] at least 48 hours before the event, and we will consider it for inclusion. Note: due to high volumes of email, we can't always reply.
