What we're reading:
- Five maps show how London's population is changing.
- The National Portrait Gallery hasn't lost as many visitors as it thought.
- One in three chance of a London house price crash, says expert poll.
- Crossrail's history of London — made from paper.
Things to do:
FREEZE: Now that the heatwave appears to have finally come to an end, this new exhibition from Harold Ancar seems more seasonally appropriate. See the Belgian-born artist's surprisingly soothing iceberg paintings at his first UK solo presentation, Freeze. David Zwirner (Mayfair), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 22 September
FATHOMS: If you've got the post-holiday blues, indulge in a bit of escapism at Will Martyr's latest art show. The emerging British painter depicts subtly surreal leisure destinations in his latest selection of works — think bright orange deck chairs overlooking a snowy mountain range, and pole-less parasols floating mid-air (not a bad idea, given this summer's spate of impalements). Unit London (Mayfair), free, just turn up, 10am-7pm, until 29 September
LAST OF THE SUMMER WINES: Have a liquid lunch with food and drink writer Leah Hyslop. She's spiking her recipes with booze from Borough Market's lovely traders, as well as mixing a few drinks for you to sample over at the demo kitchen. Borough Market, free, just turn up, 1pm-2.30pm
THAMES RIVER SWIM: Fancy an evening dip? Today you've got the rare chance to go wild swimming in the River Thames, as part of Totally Thames 2018. Just remember to pack your goggles. Meet at Black Lion Pub (Hammersmith), £8, book ahead, 6pm
CRAYFISH FESTIVAL: Who's up for a traditional Swedish Kräftskiva? From the land of Vikings, ABBA, and stylish yet affordable flatpack furniture, comes another brilliant export — crayfish parties. Head to Smith's Bar & Grill for a feast of meatballs, lingonberry jam, herring, and (natch) crayfish, hosted by LondonSwedes. Smith's Bar & Grill (Paddington), from £29, book ahead, 6pm-12am, until 1 September
Drink our new Londonist beer at our Fourpure Brewery party
If anyone can organise a piss-up in the brewery it should be us, right? We regularly write about London's unrivalled craft beer scene, spend a decent amount of time indulging in it, and now we've created our very own London-y brew (with the help of the fantastic folks at Fourpure). Join us to celebrate the launch of Londonist beer in style on Sunday 16 September at the Fourpure Brewery. For just a tenner you get an eight hour party, live music, the chance to win Londonist goodies, and four cans of one-off Londonist beer to take home. Find out more here, or go ahead and book your tickets.
LIVE AT THE UNDERDOG: Kick off your weekend with a night of hard rocking under London Bridge's railway arches, and watch Gorilla, Blue Jinns, and Small Gods tear it up on The Underdog's stage. The Underdog (London Bridge), £5, just turn up, 6pm-1pm
V&A LATE: Tonight at the Victoria & Albert Museum, it's all about putting forgotten histories on the map. Dancers express hybrid identities, poets recount stories of inheritance, and you get to take part in arty workshops in an evening exploring black British and British Asian experiences. Victoria & Albert Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-10pm
YOGA RAVE: Friday night exercise classes can be a bit depressing, but that's not the case with Fierce Grace. They've got hot yoga, cold beer, and funky tunes to help you get your sweat on all evening long. Fierce Grace (Belsize Park), £17, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
ROCKAOKE: Be the star of your own rock show at The Star of Kings. They've got a live band to back you up as you belt out your signature jam to your adoring/inebriated fans on stage. The Star of Kings (Kings Cross), free, book ahead, 8.30pm
THE SILENT DISCO SHOW: Underbelly Festival's Spiegeltent will be illuminated with the glow of light up headphones and fluro spandex as The Silent Disco Show'a final performance kicks off. Choose from three channels to get your groove on to while cabaret and circus acts set the stage ablaze. Underbelly Festival (Southbank), £17, book ahead, 9.15pm
Good cause of the day
Enjoy an evening of chamber music for the violin, trumpet and piano at St Gabriel's Church in aid of the Albert Kennedy Trust — a charity that provides shelter and support to LGBTQ+ homeless youth.
