Things to do
SPARE PARTS: It's the final week of Spare Parts, Science Gallery's exhibition looking at the future of the human body, and how new technologies will allow us to repair and protect the body in future. It's an interactive experience, with a chance to sync your pulse to a lamp and try on giant ears, and is a lot of fun — and free. Science Gallery (London Bridge), free, just turn up, until 12 May
FRIENDSHIP BEFORE FACEBOOK: Also closing soon is British Library's display looking at friendship before Facebook. Pocket-sized friendship albums dating from the 16th-19th centuries show what social networks look like in the pre-digital age through autographs, music, and miniature paintings. British Library, free, just turn up, until 12 May. There's also a chance to learn a bit more about these friendship albums in a lecture this evening. £12/£8, book ahead, 7.15pm-8.30pm
MINIATURIST ART: Miniaturist painter Nicholas Hilliard is currently the subject of a National Portrait Gallery exhibition. There's a chance to learn more about the artist — who created images of royalty and high society — in a talk by Dr Elizabeth Goldring, who's written a Hilliard biography 400 years after his death. National Archives (Kew), £4-£5, book ahead, 1pm-2pm
REPLANTING THE PAST: Lucy Hart, head gardener at Fulham Palace, explains how the garden of Bishop Compton — who lived 300 years ago — has been brought back to life. The project involved using dried plant specimens to trace which plants would have been grown there in the past. Fulham Palace, free, book ahead, 3pm-4pm
IN YOUR DEFENCE: Hear from barrister Sarah Langford about 11 cases that shine a light on the current state of the legal system in the UK and the lives affected in the criminal and family courts. These cases may not make headlines, but they affect the lives of ordinary people. LSE Library, free, book ahead, 6pm-7.30pm
GILES COREN: Food critic and columnist Giles Coren chats to LBC’s Matthew Stadlen about dining in world-class restaurants, with a focus on sustainability. Foodies would do well to pay attention as Coren reveals his choices for the most delicious, sustainable and ethical dining experiences in the UK. Conway Hall (Holborn), £30-£40, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm
NIKESH SHUKLA: Author of The Good Immigrant Nikesh Shukla discusses his latest book, The One Who Wrote Destiny. It's the story of Neha, who's diagnosed with the same terminal cancer that killed her mother, and codes a computer programme to find out whether it was her destiny. Owl Bookshop (Kentish Town), £5, book ahead, 7pm
ROBERT MACFARLANE: Author Robert Macfarlane is at Southbank Centre for the launch of his new book, Underland. A sequel to international bestseller The Old Ways, it's an exploration of the Earth's underworlds as they exist in myth, literature, memory and the land itself. Southbank Centre, £15, book ahead, 7.15pm
VEGGIE COOKING: Middle Eastern chef Sabrina Ghayour demonstrates some of the recipes from her new book, Bazaar: Vibrant Vegetarian Recipes, and chats to Guardian food journalist Felicity Cloake about the meals. Alleyn's School (East Dulwich), £10/£8, book ahead, 7.30pm
DISSECTING THE JOKE: Head out east for a night of comedy about all things health and medicine. A combination of comedians and medical experts take to the stage, including medical student Riordan DJ, stand up comedian Esther Manito, and doctor Matt Hutchinson. Backyard Comedy Club (Bethnal Green), £6.50, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Bad joke time. Why did the District line driver paint his tube carriages?
He was going to Turnham Green.
Follow Barry Heck on Twitter (the jokes do get better) @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
South London Gamers present Roll For Mind tonight, en evening of board games raising money for mental health charity Mind. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- One dad's mission to cut toxic air at a Greenwich school.
- This is why we can't have nice things.
- 'Ping the herb guy' is London chefs' go-to dealer.
