What we're reading:
- Anger as 165-year-old East End pub that survived the Blitz is flattened by developer.
- London's construction skills shortage makes innovation more urgent than ever.
- Here's a treat for anyone who loves the DLR.
- Fears that graves being dug up at London cemetery to free burial space.
- How does today's tube ridership compare to 1951?
Things to do:
ABSTRACT ART: NYC art sensation Sue Williams rose to fame back in the 80s for her graphics and text-laden works exploring gender and violence. Discover another side to painter at this new exhibition of her latest vibrant and lyrical works. Skarstedt Gallery (St James's), free, just turn up, until 24 November
TOTS' GIG: Sick to the back teeth of Disney soundtracks and bubblegum pop? Get your little ones grooving to some proper music at this baby and toddler friendly gig. Today you'll bop along to Mercury Prize nominated folk singer Sam Lee. The Old Church (Stoke Newington), £8-£10, book ahead, 11am-12pm
JAPAN TIDE: Leyden Gallery's season celebrating Japanese art kicks off with an exhibition of oil paintings from Chisayo Nakata. If you time your visit wisely, you'll also enjoy some Japanese food and Sake. Leyden Gallery, free, just turn up, 11am-7pm/opening reception 6.30pm-9.30pm, until 13 October
BABBLE TALKS: If sleepless nights and the remorseless cheeriness of Peppa Pig have turned your new parent brain to mush, you need Babble Talks. Enjoy some adult conversation with your tot in tow with Alev Scott, who'll be leading a discussion on matriarchy in the Ottoman world. East Dulwich Tavern, £7.50/£10, book ahead, 11.30am-12.30pm
THE TRENCH: The line between fantasy and reality blurs on this epic journey of survival that's based on a true story. The Olivier Award nominated Les Enfants Terrible put their signature stamp of visual storytelling on Oliver Lansley's first world war epic The Trench. Artsdepot (North Finchley), £14, book ahead, 2.30pm
WADJDA: See the first ever feature film to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia (and by a female director to boot!) Wadjda, the story of a Saudi girl on a mission to buy a green bicycle, is followed by a panel discussion with The Bike Project, which helps match refugees with their own set of wheels. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £11, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
AUSSIE DINNER PARTY: Ever wondered what dinner parties are like on the other side of the world? Let Melbourne whisky brand Starward show you how it's done with laid-back beats, whisky cocktails, and long feasting tables laden with lovely grub from the Land Down Under. And, because this is Shoreditch, it all takes place in a former Victorian zip and suspender factory. 16 Cotton's Gardens, £65, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
A GARDNER'S CABINET: Landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith brings eight treasures to the The Garden Museum. From his favourite book, to a particularly piece of music, each have inspired his multi-award winning garden design work. The Garden Museum (Lambeth), £25, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
SEEKING THE ALMAS: Join London Fortean Society for a dive into the magical, mysterious, and mythological aspects of our world. This evening, cryptozoologist Richard Freeman introduces the study of mysterious animals and talk about his latest expedition tracking hominins in the mountains of Tajikistan. The Miller (London Bridge), £5, book ahead, 7.45pm
TEZ ILYAS: If you could do with a chuckle and a cheeky pint, head to The Honor Oak, where funnyman Tez Ilyas headlines another night of stand-up. He's joined by Alasdair Beckett-King, Junior Booker, and MC Robyn Perkins. The Honor Oak (Forest Hill), £7, book ahead, 8pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
New River Studios, the much-loved independent music venue, cafe, rehearsal space, art studio in Manor House, is in need of £1,666 to stay up and running. Donate to the crowdfunding campaign and help support independent artists. Any extra funds will be split between Hackney Food Bank, Cancer Research UK, and an event in support of Palestine Children.
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