What we're reading:
- London's long hot summer — in pictures.
- What London's suburbs have in common with northern towns.
- Hungama: the club celebrating London's LGBT South Asians.
- Police accused of deploying facial recognition 'by stealth' in London.
- Ride London: a glimpse at the history of bicycles in London over the past century.
Things to do:
LIFE IN THE DARK: See what life is like for creatures of the night at an exhibition dedicated to all the beasts that come out to play under the cover of darkness. Encounter live Mexican blind cave fish, see yourself through the eyes of a cave boa, and enjoy a symphony of nocturnal noises — all beneath an enchanting bioluminescent display. Check out our full review. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), £13, book ahead, 10am-5pm, until 6 January 2019
CARLOS CRUZ-DIEZ: Phillips auction house is celebrating the masterworks of nonagenarian artist Carlos Cruz-Diez with an immersive public show. Luminous Reality focuses on his exploration of kinetic-optic art, with a particular emphasis on colour, light and illusion. Phillips (Mayfair), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 6 September
WATERLOO FOOD MONTH WRAP PARTY: After 31 days' worth of glorious grub-themed events, Waterloo Food Month comes to a close. But the fun's not quite over yet. Head down to Old Paradise Yard for the festival's first ever closing party, complete with drinks, tunes and, naturally, plenty of street food. Your ticket includes three free drinks and plenty of nosh. Waterloo Creative Studio Old Paradise Yard (Waterloo), £12/free to STAR Card holders and BID members, book ahead, 6pm-1opm
FAN-TASTIC: Suffice to say that this summer, we've all been in need of a little cooling down. But forget about those mini motorised fans that cost you a small fortune in batteries and inevitably end up caught in someone's hair. Personalise your own Spanish hand-fan for some much more elegant (an eco friendly) relief from the heat. Your ticket includes a complimentary drink. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £19, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
SPIRITED SERMONS: Join Reverend JW Simpson in worship of one of the world's best loved spirits, rum. Your host preaches about Bill McCoy, a pioneer prohibition-era rum runner, while you sip on some divinely mixed Real McCoy rums and cocktails. Reverend JW Simpson (Fiztrovia), £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
RIOT V: Calling all metalheads — US heavy metal pioneers Riot V (they added the 'V' back in 2012) are back with a brand new record, 30 years after the release of their classic album Thundersteel. Follow them into The Underworld for a headbanging good time. The Underworld (Camden), £20, book ahead, 7pm
CANDELIT YIN YOGA: What's more soothing than a gentle evening yoga class? One that's illuminated with the warm glow of candles, that's what. This yin yoga class from our media partner, Funzing, consists of a series of long-held, passive and seated floor poses that work the lower body and relieve stiffness. Green Lanes, £8, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
BOXED IN: It's open mic night over at Boxpark Shoreditch. Expect spoken word, acoustic music, and everything in between. If you're feeling brave, you can step up to the stage yourself. Boxpark Shoreditch, free, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
THE FAME: Gaga for Lady Gaga? It may not be Mother Monster live in concert herself, but this orchestral rendition of her iconic debut album The Fame may just be the next best thing. XOYO (Old Street), £16.88, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE: As part of their Sustainable Design Week, south London arts hub Blue Shop Cottage is welcoming graphic designer and art director Núria Vila for a chat about working in a greener and more ethical way. Join her for a drink, get a sneak peek at some of her gorgeous projects and, if you're a creative type yourself, there are plenty of tips and tricks for you to pick up. Blue Shop Cottage (Camberwell), £15, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
Celebrate the legendary leader that was Nelson Mandel at a charity centennial dinner in aid of Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund and SPAC Nation Foundation. Your ticket includes a VIP champagne reception, a three-course dinner, and key note speeches from some familiar faces. Plus, you've got the chance to bid in an auction of memorabilia from the likes of Steve McQueen, Pele, Muhammad Ali, Idris Elba, and Samuel L. Jackson.
