Londonist partner content: bringing you the best events, offers and more around the city.
Want to cram you noggin full of London facts and trivia, but don't have time to pore over tomes and tomes of history books? Sounds like you need to dip into some of our Brief Histories!
In A Brief History of Tower Bridge, you can learn how one mad motorcyclist swigged a can of Red Bull before doing a backflip over the opened bascules. Our Brief History of Umbrellas explains how the first man to be seen around London using a brolly was almost laughed out of town. In A Brief History of London Zoo, you can see the only ever picture taken of a living quagga. We've put together A Brief History Of The BT Tower, too — remembering the times it was inhabited by Noel Edmonds... and toppled by "Kitten Kong".
As for our various Brief History transport features, where to begin... Maybe on a Routemaster, and the first time it went out on London's roads, and almost crashed. Or a trip back in time through the Blackwall Tunnel, to when it was first described as "the entrance to fairyland" (not sure how many motorists would agree with that now). Otherwise, jump aboard A Brief History of the Bakerloo, Central, DLR, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Northern, Metropolitan, Victoria and Waterloo & City lines. Or just take the tram.
London’s most mind-bending museum has some extra tricks (and treats!) up its sleeve this week. Take the kids to explore the wonder of illusion at Twist Museum — where fun, interactive exhibits reveal how our brains interpret reality — and they can also get involved in a science-magic show, a spooky treasure hunt, and daily prize giveaways.
Let's Go To Twist Museum
Celebrate the capital’s nightlife at this alcohol-free London Transport Museum Late. On 15 November, you’re invited to share late-night London memories, test your nocturnal knowledge in a quiz hosted by drag artist The Nightbus, enjoy Streetwise Opera performances, and discover the joys of sober raving with The House of Happiness. Plus, there are excellent (and hangover-free) drinks, c/o Club Soda.
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Calling all sci-fi fans and escape room enthusiasts! Unleash your inner Captain Picard at Bridge Command — a starship-set interactive adventure. Blending live theatre and gaming, this is a fully immersive experience (think high production values and talented actors). It caters for up to 14 people at once — perfect for birthdays/team outings!
Mission Accepted!
Tony Award®-winning play The Lehman Trilogy is back in the West End — and we’ve got tickets up for grabs from £25. Directed by Sam Mendes, it charts the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers (the investment bank which played a major role in the 2008 financial crash), through the lens of its founders and their descendants.
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Our (ludicrously time-consuming) project to colour in the 1746 John Rocque map of London goes on! In the latest free edition of Londonist: Time Machine we debuted the map’s fifth panel, which pulls in parts of Wapping and the East End, as well as Bermondsey on the southern shore.
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Want to recreate the menus of your favourite London restaurants in your kitchen? Take a look at our list of cookbooks by London chefs and eateries. With these in your arsenal, you’ll be able to whip up the likes of Mystic Burek’s salty pickles, Rambutan’s pineapple curry, and Mangal II’s tahini tart.
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