What we're reading
- Meeting London's morning drinkers.
- How London threw £46 million into the Thames.
- Why the New York subway will never catch up with the London Underground.
- City Metric's amusing take on London's weird tube station names.
- Boris Johnson's 'vanity projects' have apparently cost London £940m.
Things to do
CANDID ARTS: Looking to improve your drawing skills? Have you always wanted to try painting? Then why not try out this week-long summer school where you will receive hands on tuition. Candid Arts Trust (Islington), £260, 10am-5pm, running from 21-25 August
PICTURING THE TUDORS: Explore this collection of Tudor paintings,which includes the largest collection of English medieval and Tudor royal portraiture outside of the National Portrait Gallery and Royal Collection. Burlington House, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, until 25 August
TREASURE HUNT: Let your imagination run wild while you solve clues, puzzles, and riddles as you traverse around the City of London in search of treasure. Bank station, £13.57, just turn up, 10am
MOMENTS: Daniel and Ava have nothing in common. He's 56, she's 25. He's a talker, she's a listener. But after a series of chance (and awkward) encounters, it's starting to look like they're becoming... friends? Hen and Chickens Theatre, £9, book ahead, 6pm-7pm
DECADENCE: This journey begins with music and becomes an interpretive art exhibition where you can immerse yourself in singer/songwriter AZON's debut EP, which explores the depths of self-indulgence. The Bunker Theatre (Southwark), £10, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
CRASH: Aerial dance, acrobatics, fire performance and colliding bodies feature in this circus show that tells a story of life's ups and downs through multiple back flips. Cockpit Theatre, £20, book ahead, 9pm-10pm (repeated tomorrow)
JAZZ FEST: Here's one festival that doesn't need jazzing up. There's jazz trio's, jazz heavyweights, jazz mavericks, jazz piano trios and a whole lot of jazz at this week-long jazz fest. Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, £25, book ahead, 6pm-10.30pm until 26 August
HONEST LIES: How do you see theatre? This show celebrates and critiques the absurdity of theatre by examining the self importance of acting. Dark comedy portraying the life of two failed actors in a toxic relationship. The Star of Kings, £12, book ahead, 9pm-10pm, until 24 August
Art review: roots of creativity
Artist Peter Blake and musician Ian Dury are linked by having both passed through the Walthamstow School of Art. See the early works of artists, musicians, filmmakers and fashion designers for a glimpse into their early creative careers before they were famous. A real highlight is by Bill Jacklin, a bleak work looking at the dangers of armed service. Be Magnificent: Walthamstow School of Art 1957-67 at William Morris Gallery, until 10 September, free ★★★☆☆ (Wednesday-Sunday)
Food review: cinq plats delicieux... presque
To give Galvin de Lux's 'summer sale' menu a fair tasting, we've brought along a real life Frenchman. He's impressed too — with the flaky braised short rib of beef (part of a tangy, deconstructed tagine); with the gooey brie de meaux; with the swarthy wood interior, peppered with vintage Ricard ads, whiffing of La Belle Époque. The only thing that doesn't wow our French ami on this reasonably priced bill of fare? The peche melba. They've tried to make it too classy, and the combination of posh peaches and a scattering of granola detracts from what makes the dessert so trashily good. As its creator, Auguste Escoffier, once said, any variation is a non-non. Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, 66 Baker Street, Marylebone, W1U 7DJ. The summer sale (five set courses plus aperitif for £27.50) runs until 4 September ★★★★☆Will Noble
Theatre review: to go or not to go
After Benedict Cumberbatch’s hit performance as the desperate Dane two years ago, it is his Sherlock opposite number Andrew Scott’s turn to play arguably the Bard’s most famous character. The leading man is ably assisted by Truly, Madly, Deeply’s Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude, and Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey’s Lady Sybil) as Ophelia; all three are utterly mesmerising. Director Robert Ive borrows heavily from the Ivo van Hove Shakespeare stylebook, employing recorded and live video techniques similar to those used by the Belgian in his mammoth productions. Scott’s nuanced and passionate performance amid a highly talented ensemble make this one of the theatre hits of the summer. Hamlet, Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, SW1Y 4DN. £15-£95. Until 2 September. ★★★★★ Franco Milazzo
Good cause for the day
The Mayor of Camden, Cllr Richard Cotton, invites you to an evening with Alastair Campbell at Lauderdale House to discuss why "we won't solve homelessness until we change attitudes to mental health", followed by an opportunity for a Q&A session. All profits from this event are in aid of the Mayor's chosen charity for his mayoral year C4WS Homeless Project. Lauderdale House, £16.52 (Includes 1 drink of wine or juice), book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm, 8 September
404
