Things to do
SPANISH BOOK FAIR: A wide range of authors and publishers come together for the London Spanish Book & Zine Fair. Stock up on literature written in the Spanish language, attend talks, workshops, activities and signings, and meet fellow Spanish or bilingual book lovers. The Crypt at St Peter's (Walworth), free entry (donations welcome), book ahead, 4-5 October
CAKE AND BAKE SHOW: Want to live out your GBBO dreams but don't know where to start? Head to The Cake and Bake Show for all manner of culinary inspiration, and not a soggy bottom in sight. Browse stalls including established bakeries, cookware products and ingredients, and watch demos and presentations by the likes of Rosemary Shrager, Candice Brown, and Londonist favourites Cutter & Squidge. ExCel, £14/£12, book ahead, 4-6 October
LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK: One of the biggest events in London’s boozy calendar (and that’s saying something), London Cocktail Week has bars all over town taking part. Buy yourself a Cocktail Pass — which gets you special £6 cocktails at participating bars, and access to the Cocktail Village on Brick Lane — and look out for other special events going on around town. Various locations, book £10 Cocktail Pass in advance, 4-13 October
REMBRANDT #NOFILTER: English Heritage property Kenwood House opens a free new display today, marking 350 years since Rembrandt's death. The #nofilter exhibition explores the artist’s celebrated Self-Portrait with Two Circles, which resides at Kenwood. A new digital artwork, generated through visitors’ selfies, is created on-site too. Kenwood House (Hampstead Heath), free, just turn up, 4 October-12 January
REMBRANDT’S LIGHT: Dulwich Picture Gallery is also shining a light on Rembrandt, with a new exhibition dedicated to works by the Dutch painter. Rembrandt’s Light showcases 35 of his paintings, etchings and sketches dating back 350 years, which show off his exemplary use of light. Dulwich Picture Gallery, £16.50, book ahead, 4 October-2 February
SUICIDE BOMBERS: What drives people to blow themselves up in suicide bomb attacks? Investigative journalist Iain Overton talks about the rise of suicide terrorism and how it has shaped our world, based on research from his book The Price Of Paradise. He retells stories of survivors, medics, military veterans, intelligence agents, and would-be suicide bombers whose missions have failed. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
DAVID SUCHET: TV and stage actor David Suchet — best-known for playing Poirot — makes an appearance at the National Theatre to coincide with the launch of his autobiography, Behind The Lens. Hear him discuss his career, supported by photos that he’s taken himself over more than 50 years. National Theatre, £9/£6, book ahead, 6pm
CRIME SCENE LIVE: It's adults-only at Crime Scene Live, a late night event at Natural History Museum where visitors have to use scientific and forensic techniques to solve a hypothetical murder in the museum. Forensics experts are on hand to offers tips, including the use of fingerprints and blood splatter patterns to catch your criminal. Find out what happened when we went last year. Age 18+. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), £59, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
FOUR SEASONS CINEMA:Head to Camden for a free screening of classic Tom Hanks film Big. It's part of the Four Seasons Pop Down London, a free temporary pop-up by the luxury hotel chain. Hawley Wharf (Camden Town), free, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
SKYFALL: Watch 2012 James Bond film Skyfall on the large screen at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by a live performance of the score. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays in time to the action on screen, from a thrilling chase across the rooftops of Istanbul to the violent underworld of Macau, and the streets of London. Royal Albert Hall, £19-£88.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
ICE DISCO: Stay late at Ice Bar for a chilly disco. The West End bar — which reaches -5°c, and where the glasses themselves are made of ice — is transformed into a nightclub for the first time, with full disco lights and live DJ. The dress code is an 'ice disco theme', with a prize for the best dresses. Ice Bar (Heddon Street), £39-£69, book ahead, 10.30pm-1am
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
If you've ever used the entrance to King's Cross underground on Pentonville Road, then you probably chanced across this simple message printed on the tunnel wall. I just thought I'd drop it here because today is World Smile Day. Be excellent to one another. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for Saturday's charity brunch at Slug & Lettuce Tower Bridge, in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Coppafeel. Hear inspirational talks and words of wisdom while you tuck into brunch dishes and drinks. Find out more and book a place.
What we're reading
- Pockets of London's 'urban jungle' can store as much carbon per hectare as tropical rainforests.
- Soho restaurant that only serves crisps and dips closes down.
- Plans for an underground shopping centre just off Oxford Street.
- The 'apartment' on a boat, which resides in St Katharine Docks.
