Things To Do This Week In London: 11-17 November 2024

A glowing garden, literature festivals, and a VERY festive pop up.

Things to do this week is sponsored by the London Transport Museum.

All week

AUTISM MAMA: Comedian Josephine Lacey takes up residence at Soho Theatre from Monday, with her current show, Autism Mama, sharing her experiences of guiding her autistic son through puberty. Expect visual aids, balloons, and plenty of heartwarming moments. 11-16 November

TOTTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Now in its sixth year, Tottenham Literature Festival is back at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, celebrating stories by Black authors, poets, and artists from Tottenham and beyond. This year’s theme is Black Imaginations, with broadcast journalist Zeinab Badawi among those on the line up. 11-17 November

NEWHAM FESTIVAL OF STORIES: Children's storytelling, family dance workshops, VR sessions, and an appearance by actor and author Paterson Joseph are all on the schedule of Newham Festival of Stories, which begins on Monday, taking place at venues all around the borough. All events are FREE, 11-22 November

MIRACLE CHRISTMAS BAR: If you fancy a Christmas like your aunt used to do it in the eighties, by the absolute bucketload, Miracle is the place for you, opening from Monday. The incredibly kitsch festive pop-up bar takes over the upstairs of the Henrietta Hotel again, with as many decorations as they can possibly squeeze in, and a themed Christmas cocktail menu which we've rather enjoyed drinking our way through in years gone by. For more like this, see our guide to London's best winter and Christmas pop-up bars. 11 November-23 December

EXHIBITIONS IN NOVEMBER: Da Vinci, Cubism, and the Mughal Empire — just some of the subjects of the shows opening in museums and galleries around the city this month, and we've pulled them together in one big roundup to keep you well stocked with awe-inspiring exhibitions all autumn.

BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA: The RSC and Wise Children’s production of The Buddha of Suburbia ends a four-week season at Barbican. It's the story of 17-year-old Karim, set in south London in the 1970s, and you can read our review here. Until 16 November

UK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: Various cinemas around London and beyond host events as part of the UK Jewish Film Festival, with online screenings taking place the following week. The festival spans genres including drama, comedy and documentary, including a screening of autobiographical family drama Once Upon a Time in Algeria from director Alexandre Arcady. Until 17 November

WRAP UP LONDON: Annual charity coat collection WrapUp London is back at collection points around the city, so dig out your old coat from the back of your wardrobe. The organisation redistributes donated coats to those who need them most, to help keep them more comfortable and safe over the winter months. Until 24 November

EAT OF THE WEEK: The William IV just off Old Street has just opened its Dining Room, with a menu featuring Carlingford oysters with a martini shot, Guinness-glazed beef short rib, and hogget chops with mint sauce. They also serve a Sunday roast.

DRINK OF THE WEEK: If you can't get into Miracle (see above), know that an excellent new cocktail bar has opened up a few minutes' away. Muse is a suitably arty bar nestled in a corner of RSA House, which boasts mixologist Marcis Dzelzainis slinging deliciously off-piste sips, including a Wild Carrot Margarita, made with carrot flower distillate. The bar's open Mon-Fri only, and you'll find the entrance across from the 'fake 10 Downing Street' door on John Adam Street. A welcome addition to central's cocktail scene.

Share Londonist: Things To Do

Monday 11 November

REMEMBRANCE: Look out for special events in London today, to mark Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day.

THE PAGEANT PLAY: The Pageant Play opens its short run at the Hen & Chickens in Islington today. Set in in 1974, it centres on the honourable Women of Righton society — who attempt to stage a special theatrical celebration in honour of a local widow. 11-15 November

MARTINSTAG FEAST: Enjoy a Martinstag dinner — celebrated across Germany, Austria and Switzerland — in grand café surroundings at Covent Garden's The Delaunay, with traditional dishes like roasted goose stuffed with chestnuts and cranberries, and potato dumplings. Diners will also receive a Delaunay Martinstag lantern of their own to take home. 5pm onwards

LOST SCIENTISTS: Former FCO chief scientific advisor Sir David Clary FRS is at the Royal Institution to share stories of scientists who disappeared during the Second World War. Hear how these scholars, associated with prestigious institutions, struggled to find refuge in the UK during the 1930s. There's also a chance to buy the speaker's latest book, Lost Scientists of World War II. If you can't attend in person, a livestream is available. 7pm-8.30pm

ROZ DINEEN TALK: Mid-apocalyptic odyssey Briefly Very Beautiful has been one of our favourite books of the year so far — and you can hear from author Roz Dineen at Dulwich Social. Tickets include a drink, snack and dessert. 7.30pm

MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too

Tuesday 12 November

TOMATO MARTINIS: Mayfair's LPM has announced its inaugural Tomatini Day — diners hitting up the French Riviera-influenced restaurant get a free Tomatini with their dinner (tomato martini made with vodka, tomatoes, salt, pepper and a touch of balsamic vinegar) or a TomatiNO — the non-alcoholic version.

BUN HOUSE DISCO: Opening to the public today: a new east London site for Bun House, who've been plying Soho with steamed buns and snacks for years now. Sister restaurant Bun House Disco on Bethnal Green Road promises more of the same, plus a wonton menu, southeast Asian disco soundtrack and decor channeling 1970s Hong Kong.

LONDON ZOO BUILDINGS: Oliver Flory of The Georgian Group gives an online lecture exploring the early topography and architectural designs of London Zoo within Regent’s Park. Hear about the influence of Decimus Burton, whose designs shaped the zoo's character, and the evolution of the gardens up to 1837. Find out more about listed buildings and architecture at London Zoo. 6.30pm-7.30pm

NCT DREAM: South Korean boy band NCT Dream — a sub-unit of the main NCT band — are currently on tour around Europe, swinging by Wembley Arena to play songs from their latest album DREAM( )SCAPE. Doors 6.30pm

CHAMPAGNE DINNER: Join Chantal Brégeon from Philippe Gonet for a champagne winemaker dinner at Humble Grape in Fleet Street. This intimate event features six exquisite champagnes paired with five French dishes. Discover the stories behind each sip as you hear about the Gonet family's legacy in the Côte des Blancs. 6.30pm-10pm

IRISH COMEDY NIGHT: Head to intimate Islington venue The Bill Murray for Irish Comedy Collective's regular show For The Craic — the lineup this evening includes Grace Mulvey, Caroline McEvoy, Eoghan Quinn and more. It's an 18+ event. 8pm

Sponsor message

Explore London nightlife at this alcohol-free museum late

London Transport Museum hosts its first ever sober social this week, celebrating everything the capital has to offer at night (besides booze). Head to Covent Garden on Friday 15 November to revel in the past and present of London nightlife, through talks, pop up performances, and a ton of fun activities.

Fancy getting to know your fellow Londoners better while flexing your creative skills? Try the speed-dating ice-breaker, in which you’ll pick topics from a question bank all while speed-drawing your partner. Consider yourself a connoisseur of London’s late-night scene? Test your knowledge in a quiz hosted by drag legend The Nightbus. Just want to let loose on the dance floor? Discover the joys of sober raving with a DJ set by The House of Happiness.

On top of all that, there are two mini operas, a talk on 1920s nightlife and – because going alcohol-free shouldn’t mean missing out on a great drink to usher in the weekend – zero-proof cocktails, beer and wine, courtesy of Club Soda’s pop up bar. Get your tickets today.

Museum Late: London Nights. London Transport Museum (Covent Garden). 15 November, 6.30pm-10pm

Wednesday 13 November

CHRISTMAS AT KEW: We know we shouldn't have favourites, but we have a real soft spot for Christmas at Kew, the spectacular light and illuminations festival that washes over the gardens each winter. Over a million lights and thousands of laser beams go into creating the event, which also features a fire garden, light tunnel and illuminated trees. 13 November-5 January

DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS TOUR: The festive season gets underway at the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury, with a guided tour led by an actor playing Dickens's close friend John Forster. Wander through the historic home of the writer, where you'll hear stories of Christmases past. Discover Dickens's deep connection to the festive season, highlighted by his classic tales like A Christmas Carol. 5pm/6pm/7pm

LAST TUESDAY SOCIETY TOURS: Take a guided tour of the infamous Viktor Wynd Museum in Hackney, with Vadim Kosmos, the Emeritus Director. Tickets are £10 and include a glass of Devil's Botany absinthe from the absinthe parlour upstairs. 6pm

DOUGLAS STUART: The author of Booker Prize-winning Shuggie Bain, Douglas Stuart is in conversation with Jackie Kay CBE — it's part of the Scotland Unwrapped series at King's Place, exploring the the country's diverse contemporary cultural voice. 7pm

THE LOTUS EMPIRE: This book launch for fantasy author Tasha Suri's new novel The Lotus Empire will be held at Bethnal Green's Common Press — a fantastic bookshop and community space currently crowdfunding to stay open. This is the final installment in the Burning Kingdoms trilogy and a chance to grab a copy of the book ahead of its release date to the public tomorrow. 7pm

Share

Thursday 14 November

LONDON PHOTO SHOW: Hoxton Arches hosts the London Photo Show, an open group exhibition giving photographers from all over the world a chance to flaunt their work to the public. A wide range of photographic styles are on show, and it's a chance to buy work direct from the creators. 14-17 November

SOUND VOICE PROJECT: Opera installation The Sound Voice Project takes up residency at the Royal Opera House, offering eight showings a day, each with a 20-minute run time. Personal documentary, graphics, digital projections and performance film combine to tell the stories of opera singers living with voice loss. 14-20 November

FISHERMAN JON: Jon, a lonely fisherman sailing the seas, catches something unexpected… unbeknownst to him, this catch will change his life forever. Coral Bevan's critically-acclaimed show Fisherman Jon is hosted aboard the Puppet Theatre Barge in Little Venice — but note it's for ages 15+. 14-22 November

EVER AFTER GARDEN: A field of 30,000 glowing white roses takes up residence in Mayfair from today. The Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square is an illuminated installation designed as a garden of remembrance, raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. You can also dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one. 14 November-18 December

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY: Opening today, the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize is an annual staple in the London arts calendar — showcasing the work of talented young photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals. Informal captures and more formal posed portraits all feature in the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. 14 November-16 February

PENGUIN PARADE: A dozen penguins are taking up residence around Fleet Street this winter, for a free sculpture trail. The Penguin Parade consists of 12 statues, each 1.6m tall and individually designed by a different artist, dotted around Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Fleet Street. It's free to visit, though donations to conservation charity WWF are encouraged. FREE, from 14 November

DIVERSE SOHO: Tour guide Richard Watkins leads a group around Soho. Take in 350 years of Soho immigration of Greeks, French, Italians, Germans and more. The walk visits Soho Square, an atmospheric graveyard, a lovely period street and some of Soho’s iconic eating and drinking venues. 2pm

CENA DI NATALE: Assemble your squadra for an Italian-influenced charity Christmas dinner at Casa Italiana in Clerkenwell, London’s oldest Italian social club. The event's a collab with Shoreditch's Gloria Trattoria, so you can expect some of their signature flamboyance, with Italian festive classics — lasagne, panettone and more — and 'wine flowing like the river Tevere'. All profits are going to support Casa Italiana and their work in the east London community. 6pm

COMEDY AT THE MOTH CLUB: Back with their regular mixed-bill comedy night at the Moth Club in Hackney, Knock2Bag have John Kearns, Lou Sanders and Rob Copland on the menu tonight, along with several others. 7pm

Friday 15 November

THE WORLD WHISKY EXPERIENCE: Ever tried whisky from India, Finland or Taiwan? Now’s your chance. The brand new World Whisky Experience showcases award-winning distilleries from all over the globe. Head to Christ Church Spitalfields to try over 200 whiskies, and take part in expert-led masterclasses and tasting sessions. All talks and masterclasses are included with your ticket, alongside a complimentary food box and cocktail. 15-16 November (sponsor)

CHRISTMAS SANDWICH FESTIVAL: A festival focusing entirely on Christmas sandwiches comes to Peckham, offering festive takes on the humble sarnie, made by 20 top chefs. Entry tickets include three tokens to spend on sandwiches of your choice. 15-17 November

DIGITAL BODY FESTIVAL: A new festival combining the moving body and digital technology takes place in Hackney Wick. Digital Body Festival has a varied programme including talks, panel discussions and art installations, featuring a lab where you can take part in the creation of digital motion using technology including VR. 15-17 November

EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: Get down with the trumpets as the EFG London Jazz Festival returns. It takes place at venues including Barbican and Royal Festival Hall, and the programme features Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May, the Kenny Barron Trio, the Denys Baptiste Quartet, Jamie Cullum and loads more — it's a packed programme this year! 15-24 November

DISCERNING EYE EXHIBITION: Painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photography, video, textile, ceramic, and mixed media art all feature in the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, which takes over Mall Galleries from today. See the pieces shortlisted from 6,500 entries, chosen by judges inlcuding art critic Will Gompertz, artist Adebanji Alade and interior designer Gabrielle Blackman. All pieces are for sale, too. FREE entry, 15-24 November

SANTA'S GROTTO: Opening today, the Fujifilm House of Photography, unsurprisingly, has a very photo-centric grotto experience. Book a slot to meet Santa in his chalet-style grotto, get a pro-quality photo taken — and take part in festive games and craft workshops. You can pick your favourite photo from the experience to create custom cards and letters, and mail them at the on-site Christmas-themed post office. Take a look at other Santa's grottos in London this year. 15 November-24 December

RESHAPING IDENTITIES: Opening today, the new exhibition at the Foundling Museum explores the complexities of identity, showcasing contemporary ceramics from leading artists including Phoebe Collings-James, Rachel Kneebone, Matt Smith, and Renee So. Each artist uses clay to reflect on their embodied narratives, touching upon themes of class, gender, and cultural heritage, encouraging visitors to consider the enduring stories of care and belonging through art. 15 November-June 2025

CEILIDH AT A BREWERY: St Andrew's Day might be a couple of weeks away yet but that's no reason not to start practising early. At Small Beer in Bermondsey you can ceilidh the night away in their huge taproom, fuelled by sausage rolls, a live band, and obviously plenty of beer, including their signature low-alc version. 7.30pm

PLANTFOOD X YUNG YUSUF: It's 2-for-1 on big tunes at the double album launch of dynamic six-piece jazz band Plantfood and Palestinian-English rapper Yung Yusuf at The Jago in Dalston. 11pm

Saturday 16 November

MUSHROOMS ON STAGE: A multi-sensory dive into the fantastic world of fungi awaits at Murmur, part of the Voila Theatre Festival running across multiple venues this week and next. This innovative performance by NooN uses movement, costume and music to reveal the secret communications of mycelium beneath our feet, helping the audience to explore a hidden and otherworldly sphere. 16-17 November

VOLUNTEER FOR WRAP UP LONDON: The charity's coat collections are running all week — and most of November — but you can also help support their redistribution of unwanted winter coats to people in need by volunteering to help sort the donations at their centre in Morden on Saturdays in November and December. Drop an email to wulvolunteers@handsonlondon.org.uk for more details. Until 14 December

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIN: All aboard! Opening today, it's the Epping Ongar Railway Lights Express — a special ride on a train that's illuminated with countless fairy lights. 16 November-12 January

BREWERY TOUR: Pretty Decent Beer Co in Walthamstow do indeed make pretty decent beer. They're running a tour today, where £25 gets you a snoop around the brewery, four beers, plus a pizza. 12.15pm

SPITALFIELDS: Dr Matthew Green is back with one of his "tours with pop-up actors", this time a multicultural tour of Spitalfields. Experience the biggest and most beautiful concentration of Georgian terraces in the whole city, silk-weaving French refugees, Jews fleeing pogroms, Bengalis of Brick Lane, and the YBAs with their sharks and unmade beds. Followed by a tour of Denis Severs' House. 12.30pm

RUBIK'S CUBE: Celebrate 50 years of the Rubik's Cube, as teacher, mathematician and professional magician Andrew Jeffrey is at the Royal Institution to talk about the colourful toys. Find out why they are so hard to solve, how many moves are needed to solve one, and the number of possible permutations. 2pm-3.15pm

SINGAROUND: The Harrison in King's Cross invites anyone with a song in their heart (be it folk, blues, sea shanties, music hall) to come along to their Singaround, and belt it out. Instruments also welcome. As is simply listening. FREE, 2pm-5pm

DRACULA: Catch a production of Bram Stoker's Dracula on stage at Artsdepot in Finchley, performed by Blackeyed Theatre. It blends Victorian gothic with the contemporary to tell the story of a world caught between traditional belief and technological change. 7.30pm

80s ROCK: Big hair and Spandex at the ready! Brookside Theatre in Romford turns the clock back to an age where Bon Jovi, Bonnie Tyler, AC/DC and Aerosmith were in their prime. That 80s Rock Show packs a stadium-sized punch, with rock anthems and power ballads galore. 8pm

Sunday 17 November

GIANT LONDON FLEA: Over 100 traders pitch up at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park multi-storey car park for the Giant London Flea. Claiming to be London's largest indoor flea market, it's a chance to buy vintage home decor including furniture and 'unexpected oddities'. 10am-5pm

VINTAGE FASHION FAIR: The Frock Me! vintage fashion fair has a new location, popping up at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Victoria for the first time. Expect the usual high-fashion blend of vintage clothing, jewellery, accessories and textiles, sold by 80+ traders. The new venue has an on-site cafe too. 11am-5.30pm

DRAG ROYALTEA: Get your sass on at the Royal Albert Hall, which hosts Drag RoyalTea. Star of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, Kate Butch takes centre stage in the Elgar Room for an afternoon of live vocals, lip syncing and general silliness, all while you tuck into sandwiches, scones, cakes and cocktails. 1pm

FARAJ SULEIMAN: Performing at King's Place as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival programme, leading Palestinian jazz pianist and composer Faraj Suleiman explores the intertwining of personal and political narratives through instrumental storytelling. 4.30pm and 7.30pm

REAL VOICES: Real Voices is a community of non-auditioned contemporary choirs, open to anyone who loves to sing. However, the organisers realise that not everyone can commit to regular sessions so they hold informal Sunday Sessions, with everyone welcome. Head to the Wheatsheaf Inn in Vauxhall to be part of a six-part harmony covering popular and familiar songs. 5.30pm-7.30pm

THE COMPANY OF WOLVES: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Neil Jordan's influential film The Company of Wolves, as part of the Irish Film Festival, at Vue Piccadilly. Co-written with author Angela Carter, this dark fantasy stars Sarah Patterson, Angela Lansbury and David Warner, with themes of sexual awakening and identity. 6pm

COMEDY: Every Sunday evening, Nell of Old Drury in Covent Garden hosts JK Comedy Club, where just £5 gets you 90 minutes of laughs. Something we've not seen before at a comedy club: they offer a money back guarantee. If you don't enjoy the show, you get your fiver back. Though you have to wonder how many punters have actually acted on that... 7pm-8.30pm

FRANK'S CLOSET: A love letter to camp, musical theatre and iconic divas from history, Frank's Closet features a soon-to-be groom with a wardrobe full of frocks that he needs to clear out. Things take a fantastical turn when Frank is visited by stars including Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Ethel Merman and Agnetha from ABBA. 7.30pm

Share

© 2024 Londonist: Things To Do
hello@londonist.com
Unsubscribe