Things To Do In London: Tuesday 12 January 2016

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Snowy London: Gordon Bruce

Heat up your January with our best tips on how to make the most of your local Indian supermarket. We'll see you in there, yum.

So it doesn't rhyme with anything? But who knew the colour purple was invented in London.

Find out more about the ingenious plans of the second world war that were hatched right here in London. We've got our own imitation game with Churchill's London wartime wizards.

News time:

Catch up with the day's news and David Bowie tributes.

Get your hands on a paper version of Londonist:

Keep your eyes peeled for a special print version of Londonist being handed out at some tube and rail stations tonight and tomorrow...

Things to do today:

Peek into Pepys's Diary. Image: The National Maritime Museum

HAVE A PEPYS INTO THE PLAGUE: Samuel Pepys, with a diary more famous than Bridget Jones, has given us an invaluable account of history as he saw it. The National Maritime Museum's exhibition, Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution, is a ride through the history of Stuart London with over 200 exhibits. £12, prebook, 10am-5pm

LOOK UP IN SPITALFIELDS: Join a tour around East London's Spitalfields with Look Up London's 90 minute walk around this area of constantly changing history, dating back to 1399. Why is there a street called Frying Pan Alley? You'll find out on this trip full of unusual facts and intriguing secrets. £12.75, prebook, 12pm

LEARN ABOUT PICASSO: Orleans House Gallery in Richmond presents the first of a series of art lectures, discovering the secrets behind famous paintings. If you like a bit of Cubism, this Tuesday's talk is a great chance to explore the history behind Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. £15, prebook, 1pm

COMEDY: Go to the Headrooms in Clerkenwell to be in the audience for a world record attempt at the biggest virtual comedy show, with only women performing. Free, prebook, 5.30pm

BOOK CHAT AT  FOYLES: Get together for this month's book discussion at Foyles's Charing Cross store. Staff and customers will delve into Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel. If you like to talk text, pop along for an evening of shared book chat at this informal event. Free, prebook, 7pm

BEATNIK BUSKING: A blues/folk jam at the fabulously-named Apples and Pears, this Brick Lane open mic night's an informal chance to catch musicians trying out new tunes or have a go yourself. There's also a featured act and a chance to network with the Beatnik Events team. Free wine or beer for everyone who plays. Free, just turn up, 7pm

POP UP PAINTING: Become a canvas master in this step by step London-themed painting class with Funzing. All art materials (and free wine — apparently it helps the creativity) are included, so let your inner artist out as you're guided through Gordon Bruce's London Winter picture by your art facilitator. Beginners are welcome, so grab your brush and get creative. £30, prebook, 7.30pm

CUTTING EDGE COMEDY: The Comedy Store hosts The Cutting Edge, a topical show to get your teeth into. This Tuesday's funny folk include Imran Yusuf, Paul Thorne, Alistair Barrie, Sean Meo, Roger Monkhouse and Ben Norris. Give yourself a giggle at the famous venue. They also have Happy Hour from 6.30pm-7.30pm... just saying. £14 (£9), prebook, 8pm

Londonist on Instagram

Of course we love a picture of London — see the latest on our Instagram page. From monkeys to graffiti, food and fountains, here's what we've been snapping recently on our travels around the capital.

Good cause of the day

You've got time to get in training for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Run on Saturday 13 February. Choose from 5k or 10k for this multi-terrain fun run in aid of British Heart Foundation. It's a great chance to see the famous Olympic Park and all ages and abilities can join in. £13 registration fee, see the website for details.