Things To Do Today In London: Thursday 8 August 2019

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Things to do

SUMMER SCREENINGS: The first of a series of free films screenings in Leicester Square take place today. The theme is Feel Good Thursday, with Peter Rabbit, Babe, Mamma Mia, Groundhog Day and Dumbo on today's programme — ideal for entertaining children in the school holidays. Just drop in for one, or stay for the whole day. Leicester Square, free, just turn up, 8-11 August

SURROUND SOUNDS: Head to Canary Wharf for a free lunchtime or after-work gig in the shadow of those famous skyscrapers. Soul, RnB and Gospel-inspired singer-songwriter Sully Gravity takes the lunchtime slot, while singer-songwriter Natalie Lindi, r'n'b singer Lili Caseley and a cappella r'n'b quintet Vadé provide the evening entertainment. Canada Square Park (Canary Wharf), free, just turn up, 12.30pm-2pm/6pm-7.30pm/8pm-9pm

RESCUING LONDON: London Metropolitan Archives hosts an illustrated talk about the history of both the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. It focuses on their time under the London County Council (prior to the creation of London's boroughs) and looks at the buildings they worked in and the people they employed. London Metropolitan Archives (Clerkenwell), free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

LIVE MUSIC: London-based singer-songwriter Sherika Sherard headlines tonight's free post-work gig on the Floating Pocket Park in the canal. Stock up on refreshments from the floating bar before sitting back and enjoying the show. Merchant Square (Paddington), free, just turn up, 5.30pm-7.30pm

CRAYFISH PARTY: American restaurant Red Rooster hosts a Swedish-style crayfish supper, in a nod to the heritage of chef Marcus Samuelsson who heads up the original Red Rooster in New York. Tuck into the seafood feast, washed down with a cocktail. The Curtain (Shoreditch), £45, book ahead, 7pm

CATHEDRAL LATE: St Paul's Cathedral stays open late, giving visitors a chance to experience Wren's church at twilight. See the panoramic views over London at nightfall from the Stone Gallery or Golden Gallery, view the current special exhibition, and tuck into food and drink in the Crypt Cafe. Tonight is the first of four late night Thursdays in August. St Paul's Cathedral, £12.80, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

Get stuck into a Swedish crayfish supper

BRENDA EDWARDS: West End star — and new addition to the Loose Women panel — Brenda Edwards performs the first in a series of shows at this West End bar. It's a chance to see her perform an intimate gig before she takes on the role of Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act. Archer Street Bar (Soho), free entry, book ahead, 7pm-11.30pm

FOLKLORE SOCIETY: South East London Folkore Society's monthly meet-up focuses on the folklore of plants. Go along to the pub to find out about folkloric plant concepts, and enjoy a bit of storytelling and singing. Upstairs at The Old King's Head (Borough), £5/£3, book ahead, 8pm

PULP FICTION: Genesis Cinema marks the release of Quentin Tarantino's latest motion picture Once Upon A Time In Hollywood with a mini-season of some of his other works. Tonight, it's Pulp Fiction time. Watch the 1994 film with a free beer, courtesy of Truman's Brewery. Genesis Cinema (Mile End), £9, book ahead, 8.45pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.

Half a century ago today, photographer Iain Macmillan captured that famous photograph of the Beatles striding over a zebra crossing on Abbey Road — surely one of the most iconic images of the 1960s. The many tourists who flock to see the crossing use nearby St John's Wood tube station. However, those who don't do their research sometimes head over to Abbey Road DLR station, miles away near Stratford. The mix-up is so common, that TfL displays puntastic notices to help redirect the confused. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good cause of the day

Stepney City Farm tonight hosts Beer Nerd, a barbecue and beer event raising money for the farm, and for Help Refugees. Tuck into meat and veggie barbecue dishes, washed down with an impressive line-up of over 30 beers. Find out more and book tickets.