Things to do today is sponsored by the Old Royal Naval College.
What we're reading
- Carlsberg snaps up London Fields Brewery.
- TfL agrees to install 'geese crossings' in South East London.
- Black cab drivers and Uber fight for a future on London's streets.
- Wimbledon residents have been warned over earning a little bit of cash on the side this summer.
Things to do
MUSICAL NERDS: 16-25 year olds are invited to this music tech workshop and hackathon, with talks from professionals with diverse music backgrounds. There's also a music tech performance and two hands on music hacker workshops which will teach you how to build your own instrument. Brixton Pound Cafe, free, book ahead, 9.30am-5pm
GROW WELL, FEEL WELL: Escape the stress of city life with an afternoon of workshops, speakers and networking to learn more about everything good for you, from health and well-being to growing food in the city. Cecil Sharp House (Regent's Park), £30, book ahead, 2pm-7.30pm
SIT BACK, UNWIND: To celebrate its official opening, St James's Market invites you to an evening of live performances from Street Orchestra London and Classical PopUps Ensemble, whilst sipping on champagne and sampling the market's wide array of world cuisine. St James's Market, free, book ahead, 5pm-8pm
SWING DANCING: It's time to jump, shimmy and shake at this beginners class for swing dancing — don't worry if you're no expert, this is a free taster class open to all skill levels. CityPoint, free, book ahead, 6pm
FISHY FRIENDS: Find out more than you've ever expected to know about fish, from the ugly and misunderstood, to the weird and fabulous. At this month's PubSci, aquarist Jane Hallam will teach you a thing or two about the mating rituals of deep-sea anglerfish and record-breaking sharks. Old King's Head (London Bridge), free (donations encouraged), just turn up, 6pm
LETTERS HOME: Read real letters and emails from nurses in conflict situations, from Florence Nightingale's letters in the Crimean War to recent accounts of Iraq. Discover the truly human story behind healthcare in conflict situations. Royal College of Nursing, free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
SUNSET SWEATS: Work yourself from head to toe in the first of a series of 45-minute outdoor workouts. This week, pilates instructor Lottie Murphy leads the way with a dynamic and challenging session, followed by a selection of delicious Detox Kitchen salads in a deli round the corner. Pearson Square (Fitzrovia), £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
GLOBAL INEQUALITIES: As the world becomes a more unequal place, the political implications of global inequality and the change in the global distribution of income become ever more important. Branko Milanovic is on hand to discuss this global challenge. LSE, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
SAUCY SOUTHWARK: Southwark has always had a raucous history — located just outside the City, it was the go-to place for alehouses, theatre, brothels or a bit of bear-baiting. Discover some hidden relics, and hear the incredible stories of Londoners who made Southwark their home. Southwark Gateway Needle, £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
FOOD COMEDY: Everyone loves food, and everyone loves comedy. So this is the perfect combo, right? Two comedians feature at this historic pub for a night of laughter on everyone's favourite subject, food. Trafalgar Tavern (Greenwich), free, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Sponsor message
Explore London’s very own Sistine Chapel like never before
You may already be aware that the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich has an impressive Painted Hall. In fact, it's so impressive, it's often referred to as 'the Sistine Chapel of the UK’ due to the stunning artwork on the ceilings.
You can now get up-close to these sky-high paintings on a new tour — you'll get to see the artwork in all its detail. Ascend 60ft and see the paintings from a special observation deck, for the first time in over half a century.
This is all part of a major conservation project for the 40,000 sq ft of the illustrated Painted Hall. You can even sponsor a square foot of this masterpiece if you want to lend a hand to the restoration work. Book your tickets for the tour here.
Art review: alone in the woods
Gregory Crewdson's photographs are of people in the woods, with each scene raising questions — why are there two cars and only one person? Why are her hands covered in mud? You won't find answers, instead gaze upon the cinematic lighting, which gives them this beautiful eerie aesthetic. Each work itself is fantastic, although having three floors of similar work does lessen the impact of each individual piece. Gregory Crewdson: Cathedral of the Pines at The Photographers' Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies Street, W1F 7LW, Until 8 October, £4 (free before midday) ★★★☆☆ Tabish Khan
Food review: picnic season is open
The Berlin Picnic's German slant makes for a genuinely lovely, ungimmicky USP. The steel hamper can be unpacked on one of the astroturf-covered tables on the German Gymnasium terrace, but has everything you'd need to take it further afield, including glasses, corkscrew... and two pairs of neon-green Wayfarer-style sunglasses. The sparkling bottle of Sekt in ours comes with Bavarian Giga rolls: thick, fluffy bread and rich fillings spilling out at the edges when you bite down. Crisps, marzipan and slabs of sticky Nussecken shortbread for dessert finish off a picnic that might be named after Berlin but comes with a Hapsburg-Empire level of grandeur.
That doesn't come cheap — the hampers start at £65 — but nothing at German Gymnasium does. A pricey but thoroughly impressive way to get your picnic on. The Berlin Picnic at German Gymnasium, King's Boulevard, King's Cross, N1C 4BU. Book ahead: available till 10 September. ★★★★★ Lydia Manch
Theatre review: trans formative
Said it before so let’s say it again: Jon Brittain’s Rotterdam is the best ‘gay play’ since My Night With Reg — a clever sharply-observed comedy riffing on gender fluidity with dry wit and crackling dialogue. Anna Martine Freeman excels as Fiona, who is committed in a loving relationship to still-tentative Alice till she decides to transition as Adrian. Honed from a trip to New York, bolstered by its well-deserved Olivier award, Donnachadh O’Briain’s colourful, crisply-directed production is on fine, confident form at the Arts Theatre. Go see it. Rotterdam, The Arts Theatre, 6 Great Newport Street, WC2. £16-55 but shop around for discounts. Until July 15 [Monday-Saturday] ★★★★★ Johnny Fox
Good cause for the day
LUNCH PARTY: There will be music, there will be food, and there will hopefully be sunshine... this food festival features a selection of scrumptious vendors, serving up delights such as Kitchen Rituals' dish designed with Kingsland Road's multicultural community in mind. All in aid of food solidarity network, Ernest. Gillett Square (Dalston), free entry, just turn up, 9 July, midday-4pm
