Your Sunday morning best of Londonist weekly round-up, this week sponsored by The France Show.
Must-read articles
- The medical student who went homeless in London for a month.
- Flick through photos of London in 1956.
- London's best members' clubs, from speakeasies to dog-friendly venues.
- Watch video footage of Piccadilly Circus 50 years ago.
- London City Airport is 30 years old, and has released some archive photos to mark the occasion.
- If you thought London's niche and specialist shops were dying out, think again.
Did you know...
- ... about the plaque marking the spot where Sherlock Holmes first met Dr Watson?
- ... which wardrobe is referred to by the church name St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe?
- ... about the penises that were removed from Strand?
- ... where the first bomb of the second world war hit London?
- ... that London was nearly home to the world's first garden suburb?
Sponsor message
Get a taste of France without leaving London
Fancy a French getaway without the travel? Head to London Olympia for The France Show, running from 27-29 January, for everything from food to wine tastings, and travel tips to language lessons.
Visit the Flavours of France Theatre where the country’s top chefs will be dishing up some traditional delicacies, before comedians, authors and can-can dancers take to the stage. If you’ve always dreamed of a house in France or if you’ve always wanted an overseas property, The France Show’s dedicated property exhibition will be right up your street, with advice from experts on buying and living in France.
Tempted? Book now — the first 250 Londonist readers to buy their tickets here can get them for a bargain £2.50, as opposed to the usual £12 each. This is the ultimate celebration of France and a day out not to missed — say Bonjour to The France Show.
Food and drink
- Farringdon's new South African restaurant, Hammer and Tongs, is underwhelming and a bit confusing ★☆☆☆☆
- This Chinese restaurant is only worth visiting until 2pm. Don't bother after that ★★★☆☆
- Don't wait for the summer — these rooftop bars are open all year, and plenty have heaters and hot cocktails to warm those chilly winter nights.
- Free whisky? Did someone say free whisky?
- Spice up your mornings with breakfast or brunch from one of these Indian menus.
- Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to dinner in one of London's poshest dining rooms.
Things to do
- Visit the museum dedicated entirely to teeth... or the one that's home to Ronnie Corbett's glasses.
- Find out what Londoners were doing 500 years ago at this archive exhibition.
- Things to do in London on Valentine's Day, whether you're coupled up or resolutely single.
- Where to celebrate Burns Night in London.
- Films depicting 10 London women from 10 different decades are being screened.
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