Your Sunday morning best-of-Londonist weekly round-up, this week sponsored by Spin.
Must-read articles
- We asked Google what the best things about London are. Here's what it said.
- When dead celebrities come back at street art.
- As West Ham United left the Boleyn Ground this week, we paid homage to the Upton Park area in a photo gallery.
- We're often asked how safe London really is. Here's our answer.
- The story of London's smallest library.
- London's best distilleries.
Did you know...
- ...which is the oldest chocolate shop in London that's still open today?
- ...what the weirdest thing ever confiscated at City Airport was?
- ...which London skyscraper has no floor number 13?
- ...why there's a Swiss cottage at Swiss Cottage?
- ...which branch of the Northern line is quickest?
Reader offer: Two tickets to Spin — The Cycling Festival for £15
Cyclists won't want to miss Spin — The Cycling Festival at The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane next weekend. For three days, all things bike-related come to London, including 150 of the most forward-thinking cycling brands, and big cycling names including Chris Boardman and Martyn Ashton.
Whether you’re a road cyclist, weekend warrior or super commuter, there's something for you. Sound like something you can't miss? We're giving you a chance to get your hands on cheaper tickets.
Get two tickets for just £15 (normally £26): head to the Spin website and quote LONDONIST at the checkout (offer expires 19 May).
Spin: The Cycling Festival takes place at The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane from 20-22 May.
Things to do
- Free today? Grab your paper and strings and head to Streatham for a kite festival.
- Urban axe throwing has arrived in London — no logging experience required.
- A rare chance to visit a private London garden designed by Capability Brown.
- Cheap family days out in south east London.
- Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh is appearing at the Roundhouse.
- Explore a maze of books at this year's London Festival of Architecture.
London news
- This is what Crossrail stations will look like.
- New Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced that his one hour bus ticket will come into effect from September. Meanwhile, William Shatner offered Khan his congratulations, and Barnet Council's chief executive has quit after the voting fiasco in the borough.
- Despite much campaigning, buildings in the historic Norton Folgate area of Spitalfields look set to be demolished.
- The giant waterslide is coming back to London (and the young at heart can also let off steam at this new trampoline park, the largest in London).
- An old phone box has been transformed into a salad bar.
- London artist makes an arse of the Turner Prize.
- Alice in Wonderland has come to Fortnum & Mason.
Top reviews
- THEATRE: Lawrence After Arabia reveals the man behind the legend ★★★☆☆
- EXHIBITION: Missoni Art Colour at the Fashion & Textile Museum is the perfect blend of fashion and art ★★★★★