What we're reading
- Officials defend silencing Big Ben.
- Brick Lane in shock after stabbing of Beigel Bake mum and daughter in Golders Green.
- Bromley dad delivers baby in hospital car park.
- Trains are too expensive, but transport's real problem is subsidies for London.
- Proposal for 'dog kennel' flats is scrapped.
Things to do
IT'S CALLED ART, MUM: Polly Nor — known for her dark satirical images of women and their demons — presents a full collection of her digital illustrations alongside original hand-drawings, inspired by stories of anxiety and self doubt. Protein Studios (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, until 22 August
LET IT GIBBON: If you love the 1970s then you can now go there...and get the T-shirt, sweatshirt, or tote bag and take in some novelty records while you're at it. The Muse Gallery (Notting Hill), free, just turn up, noon-6pm, until 20 August
POCKET PARK GIN AND COCKTAILS: It's your last chance to sample the Botanical bar's eclectic and exciting range of gins and cocktails in Paddington's Floating Pocket Park. Botanical Bar, free, just turn up, noon-9pm
WE FLY BY NIGHT: Immerse yourself in a gritty gangland drama featuring a bloody power struggle. Expect intimidating sobriquets, plenty of swearing punctuated by menacing glares and flying fists. Electra Theatre, £10, book ahead, 4.30pm, until 20 August
GUIDED WALK: Join in a Bermondsey beautification walk exploring Southwark's parks and environs. The walk is suitable for all levels of fitness and is accessible to wheelchair users. Bermondsey Tube Station, free, just turn up, 5.30-7pm
GEFFRYE TAKEOVER: Discover the Geffrye Museum after hours at this event designed for young people aged 14-19, featuring interactive live street art, open mic and art and film workshops, all served up with delicious DIY mocktails. Geffrye Museum, free, book ahead, 6pm-9pm
REGGAE AND SKA: Take in a night of Californian reggae and ska. Hepcat have a long and storied career and know better than anyone what it takes to put on a show. The Underworld, £18, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
SUMMER NIGHTS: Ready your vocal chords because you'll be singing all evening long at this screening of everyone's favourite musical, Grease. There's plenty of food and popcorn, along with a fully stocked bar, too — just don't forget to wrap up warm. Kennington Park, book ahead, 7pm
FACTORY DE JOIE: Be prepared for a massive trip, as a night of psychedelia, hedonism, live music, burlesque & go-go dancers, performance art, projections and DJ's — pretty much everything for those keeping score — awaits you in Hackney. Paper Dress Vintage, £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-2am
FRINGE THEATRE: What price do we pay for the comforts of life? This thought provoking and immersive political theatre piece, called The Edge, seeks to address the themes so often swept under the carpet. The Lion and Unicorn (Kentish Town), £8, book ahead, 9.15pm
Art review: war horse
An exhibition dedicated to the author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, has cantered into the Museum of Childhood. This show charts his influences, his life and his other novels — none of which we’d heard of. Therein lies the challenge with this show, if you don’t know anything about Morpurgo’s writings, like us, then it lacks any appeal. It’s a neigh from us. Michael Morpurgo: A lifetime in stories at V&A Museum of Childhood, until 25 February, free ★★☆☆☆ Tabish Khan
Food review: more than just a pretty space
In an outrageously lovely spot on South Bank, the views alone would keep Skylon constantly busy. Cinematic spread across the Thames, windows stretching ceiling to knee-high the length of the restaurant... But arriving on one of this summer's brightest days, we find out they've dropped curtains on the panorama to protect diners from the reflected glare off the river. Making this a rare chance to see what the restaurant’s really like, when you're not being irrationally prejudiced by the views. It turns out: still lovely, from the vibe — formal, but not stiffly so —- through to recently-arrived Executive Chef Kim Woodward's menu — classic dishes, brightened with interesting touches. Seafood dishes including smoked salmon cannelloni and a scallop ceviche are stand-out, and the weirdly compelling hit of the night is the starter of pressed watermelon, Shimeji mushrooms and tiny, yellow tomatoes. But there's not a dull note anywhere in our dinner and desserts almost match the views in the iconic stakes. It seems Skylon can still dazzle with the curtains drawn. Skylon, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX. ★★★★★ Lydia Manch
Theatre review: more barmy summer fun with Horrible Histories
The Barmy Britain franchise returns for another jolly jaunt through the darkest days of our empire, told through silly songs, plenty of audience participation and a great big pile of toilet humour. There’s the usual revolting Romans and party-pooping Puritans; plus a brand new exchange between Queen Elizabeth I and William Shakespeare, which give the glitter balls tied high on the ceiling of the Garrick, a much stronger sense of purpose. It doesn’t even matter that cultural references like TOWIE and The Apprentice might fly high above their heads, kids will be in sheer disbelief not just about how bonkers Britain’s history really is, but how many characters can be portrayed so brilliantly by just two actors on one stage. Horrible Histories - More Best of Barmy Britain, Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH, Tickets £15-£22, Age Guidance: 5+, 4 August-2 September ★★★★☆ [Monday 2pm & 4pm Wednesday to Friday 11.30am, Saturday & Sunday 10am & 12pm] Phillipa Ellis
Good cause for the day
British in Europe and the3million are organising a mass lobby of Parliament on 13 September. They will be asking MPs to fully protect EU citizens rights after Brexit. The mass lobby is a day where EU citizens and their British family and friends — along with UK voters living in other EU countries — arrange to meet with their MP in Parliament to raise their concerns and tell their own story. Westminster, free, just turn up, 13 September, 1pm-5pm
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