Things to do
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: If you're running out of ways to keep your kids/grandchildren/nieces and nephews entertained in the summer holidays, take a look at our family-friendly guide to what's on in London, covering exhibitions, theatre shows and one-off events.
LAST CHANCE: It's the final week of the Anish Kapoor exhibition at Pitzhanger Manor, which launched when the building reopened after extensive renovation. The manor itself remains open beyond this week, but it's your last chance to see Kapoor's perception-altering artworks. Pitzhanger Manor (Ealing), £7.70, book ahead, until 18 August
TUDOR TAKEOVER: Step on board London's dry-docked ship and come face to face with all manner of Tudor characters. The family-friendly theatricals includes Sir Francis Drake, having just completed his successful circumnavigation, and Queen Elizabeth I, who's trying to avoid the war. The Golden Hinde (Borough), £5, book ahead, 12-16 August
TREATS CLUB: Donut and ice cream brand Treats Club opens its first ever pop-up today. Head into Old Street roundabout and work your way through a menu of premium donuts with various toppings, donut bites and soft serve ice cream. We can certainly see ourselves swinging by for the occasional lunchtime sugar rush... Old Street station, free entry, just turn up, 12 August-7 September
TINY TROOPERS: Younger kids are catered for at National Army Museum's toddlers' session, Tiny Troopers. The sensory session for under 5s involves singing, games and crafty activities, all on the theme of the current Abram Games exhibition. National Army Museum (Chelsea), £5, book ahead, 10am/11.20am
MIND AND MATTER: Part of Camden Fringe, Mind and Matter describes itself as a 'magic and mentalism show'. Professional magicians Marco & Thomas perform feats that'll leave you questioning whether your eyes are in fact deceiving you. The Water Rats (King's Cross), £10/£8, book ahead, 7pm
MODERN MOVIE HISTORY: In addition to the film screenings at Film4 Summer Screen, the programme offers a debate on the year 1999 — specifically, whether it was the greatest year in film history. It birthed The Matrix, Being John Malkovich, Eyes Wide Shut, Cruel Intentions, American Beauty, Magnolia and Fight Club. Hear film makers, producers and critics argue over its right to that label. Somerset House, £10, book ahead, 7pm
WINE AND VINYL: How does an evening of wine and vinyl sound? Nick Shymansky, Amy Winehouse's first manager, talks about the creation of Winehouse's first album, Frank. The album is played, and wine is provided to accompany the event. Flat Iron Square (London Bridge), £16.50, book ahead, 7pm
LIVE MUSIC: Egyptian flautist Fayrouz Kaddal and innovative British folk fiddler Daniel Merrill team up to form KaddalMerrill. The lively, varied set at this gig explores each musician's idea of place, culture and identity, using a wide range of musical styles from various countries. The Horse Hospital (Bloomsbury), £8/£6, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
AUTHORS ON STAGE: National Theatre's Authors on Stage series kicks off with Elif Shafak and Nicola Sturgeon. The Turkish author and First Minister of Scotland chat on the theme of women and democracy, and why we need more women of all backgrounds to speak up about human rights. National Theatre, £15-£45, book ahead, 7.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
My roundel of the week is this unusual confection on the Circle line. What's so unusual about the Mansion House roundel? It lacks a backing board and appears to be made out of laminated wood rather than metal. Why, I do not know. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
This week, the British Red Cross offers Londoners a chance to experience what it's like to live in the world's largest refugee camp — inside Westfield Stratford. Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh is recreated in a free exhibition telling the stories of people who have been through the camp. Find out more.
What we're reading
- Undercroft skate park under Southbank Centre reopens.
- 27 brilliant photos of Elephant and Castle over the years.
- A box in a box has been built to avoid Crossrail vibrations.
- Commuter gets £27k compensation for 'possible pigeon poo slip'.
