Things to do
HALF TERM: Wondering how you're going to keep the kids occupied this week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London in half term, for inspiration in the form of shows, exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly restaurants.
LOYISA GOLA: South African comedian Loyiso Gola performs his show Pop Culture, diving into pop culture through the years and how it has shaped our lives. Soho Theatre, from £12, book ahead, 19-22 February
NERD NITE: Three speakers are each given 18-21 minutes to talk on a topic of their choice at Nerd Nite London. Lost letters from the alphabet, what Rembrandt and Van Gogh can teach architects, and why personal data is so valuable to political campaigns all come up tonight. Backyard Bar & Comedy Club (Bethnal Green), £7.50, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
JAWDANCE: Spoken word night Jawdance returns, for an evening curated by host Yomi Sode. Watch up-and-coming and established acts perform, including storyteller Jan Blake, Barbican Young Poet Jeremiah Brown and north London-based musician Gecko. You can also sign up to one of 10 open mic slots on the night. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £4, book ahead, 7pm
DRAG BINGO: It's bingo, but not as your nan knows it. Wednesday night is drag bingo night at Queen of Hoxton, with drag queens calling out the numbers, in a lively event featuring plenty of balls and wigs. Queen of Hoxton, £5, book ahead, 7pm
LAYERS OF LONDON: Love poring over old maps? Head to Stanford's to learn more about Layers of London, an online mapping project from University of London that overlays historic and modern maps with annotation. Now they're looking for help. Tonight's a chance to try out the new georeferencing tool, which allows members of the public to help overlay a fascinating collection of 1940s aerial photos of London. Stanford's Bookshop (Covent Garden), free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
THE FERVOUR: Indie-rock band The Fervour grace the stage at the Water Rats, with their post-punk vibes, reminiscent of The Slits. celebrate mid-week by dancing in the back of this legendary pub venue. The Water Rats, King's Cross, £5 on the door, 7.30pm
HUMP DAY COMEDY: Hump Day Happy Time is not as rude as it sounds (just us?) and is in fact a bargain evening of comedy entertainment. Lou Sanders, Ray Badran, Ben Cohen and Hannah Brissenden are lined up to brighten your Wednesday this week. The Tap Room (Islington), £3, book ahead, 7.30pm
London weather with Inclement Attlee
Our idiosyncratic weather forecaster returns, keeping you up to date on London's skies.
You can have today's weather in any colour you like, so long as it's grey. A typical February day of humdrum skies, patchy showers and crowded tube trains. Nothing to see here. Keep looking at your phone.
Contact Mr Attlee with any weather-related thoughts or pictures by emailing [email protected]; subject line "For Mr Attlee".
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Wednesday once again, which means it must be time for 'guess the mystery station based on a Street View image facing away from the entrance'. Today's is a tricky one. So much so, that I'll award the special prize of a trampled PAW Patrol sticker to whoever can elucidate the answer first. Answers via Twitter.
Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Camden Town Brewery has launched a 'pub' for hedgehogs. The hibernation huts were created in partnership with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), with 100% of proceeds from each sale going towards helping hedgehogs. We just hope that the drinks are not spiked. Find out more and order one for your garden.
What we're reading
- Steep rise in Londoners moving to north England.
- London railway arch traders being forced out by rent increases.
- Last year's Colour Palace at Dulwich Picture Gallery is being put to good use.
- New entrance planned for Romford Rail Station.
