Things To Do This Week In London: 16-22 September 2024

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

All week

FUTURE OF FOOD: Sustainability, innovation and creativity in the food industry come under the microscope at the Future of Food Festival, taking place across Regent Street and St James's. Panel talks, dining experiences and street feasts all take place, with chefs including Alex Dilling, Mikael Svensson and Angela Harnett. We particularly like the sound of Bompas & Parr's talk about anticipated food and drink trends for 2025. 16-22 September

OPEN HOUSE LONDON: It's the most wonderful time of year! All manner of London buildings and structures, which are usually off-limits to the public, fling their doors open and welcome us in for Open House London. Lots of pre-booked events are going fast, but there's plenty of stuff you can walk up and do on the day. 14 -22 September

TROPICAL MODERNISM: The Tropical Modernism architectural movement is put under the microscope in the V&A's exhibition of the same name, a succinct yet vibrant show that emphasises the political, cultural and environmental value of good architecture. This is your final week to see it. Until 22 September

ABSINTHE EXHIBITION: Also closing this week is the Last Tuesday Society's exhibition about potent drink, absinthe. Learn about the spirit’s magical and medicinal origins, including London’s untold connections to its notorious past, and view 19th-century absinthe spoons, glassware and other art nouveau-inspired paraphernalia. Until 22 September

MINGEI: Mingei, the influential folk-craft movement from 1920s-30s Japan is the subject of the Art Without Heroes exhibition at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, which ends on Sunday. Ceramics, woodwork, paper, toys, textiles, photography and film works are on display, showcasing the idea of ascribing cultural value and aesthetic purity to traditional craft objects. Until 22 September

LONDON LIVES: Swing by Barbican Library to see London Lives, a free textile art exhibition depicting different aspects of London. As well as famous landmarks and architecture, the artists from Phoenix Contemporary Textiles were inspired by train journeys, museums, green spaces, plants and everyday life. FREE, until 25 September

TOTALLY THAMES: A reminder that river-centric festival Totally Thames is on all month, with a whole programme of events celebrating London's main waterway. Highlights this week include a boat tour focusing on the new Tideway Tunnel, and the Great River Race on Saturday. Until 30 September

DRINK OF THE WEEK: Ever wanted to be a pirate, and by being a pirate, we mean lots of drinking rum, rather than all the other sailing/killing/digging for treasure stuff? Well shiver me timbers — new central London bar the Rhum Tavern will mix you a rum cocktail (or pour you a straight one) from one of the biggest rum collections in London. And the setting feels like the bowels of a galley.

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CAFE OF THE WEEK: Once again, Yinka Ilori makes his colourful mark in London, this time having spruced up Sotheby's Story Café in Mayfair with bold patterns of blue and white. Enjoy the surroundings with a coffee/pancake/sandwich/ice cream.

Monday 16 September

LONDON'S SECRET VILLAGE: Take a guided walk around 'London's secret village', the area of Clerkenwell. Begin at St Paul's station and hear about plague pits, riots, bodysnatching, bombing, jousting, monks, murder, and medicine over two hours, finishing at Farringdon station. 2.30pm-4.30pm

TRACY CHEVALIER: Bestselling author Tracy Chevalier is at the V&A to launch her latest novel, The Glassmaker, set on the Venetian island of Murano, where glassmaker Orsola Rosso hones her craft in secret, at a time when women were not supposed to do such work. Chevalier chats to arts and literary journalist Rosie Goldsmith about the book. Watch in person at the V&A, or online via livestream. 7pm-8.45pm

STEVE BROWN: The life and work of lyricist and composer Steve Brown — who passed away earlier this year — are celebrated in a special show at the Savoy Theatre. Stars from the world of music, comedy, film and TV take part, including Laura Mvula, Rob Brydon, Grayson Perry, Steve Coogan and Jon Culshaw. 7.30pm

BLOODY FUNNY: Desiree Burch, Laura Smyth, Lou Sanders, Bridget Christie, Sikisa and Jen Brister all perform in Bloody Funny, a comedy show raising money for period poverty charity Bloody Good Period. Takes place at Union Chapel in Islington. 8pm

MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do today... or any other Monday, for that matter? Our guide to things to do in London on a Monday is packed with regular events that take place most weeks, from live music to pub quizzes to guided walks. We have guides for every other day of the week as well.

Tuesday 17 September

HANCOCK'S HALF HOUR: See three ’lost’ episodes of TV series Hancock's Half Hour brought to life on stage at the Leicester Square Theatre. The episodes — The Bequest, The Russian Prince and The Auction — are missing from the BBC archives, and this tour is the first time the scripts have been brought to life since their original broadcast. 17-18 September

WINE TASTING: Make your way to Fulham Palace after work for a wine tasting event in the delightful walled garden. The event raises money for the palace's greenhouse appeal, which focuses on sustainability and biodiversity initiatives in the gardens. 5.30pm-7.30pm

MEAN GIRLS: The 2004 version of high school film Mean Girls is today's showing at Rooftop Film Club in Stratford. Head up to Roof East to watch Lindsey Lohan playing Cady Heron, a previously-homeschooled student who finds herself between different social groups when she joins a high school. 5.45pm

BIG BRAIN: Today's Gresham College lecture is given by mathematician Professor Alain Goriely, who delves into whether brain size is really linked to intelligence, using scaling laws and simple ideas from statistics to approach the question. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall, or online. FREE, 6pm

BOAT CINEMA: Catch Jean Vigo’s masterpiece, L’Atalante (1933) onboard the floating arts venue Theatreship (Canary Wharf). The classic depicts a newly married ship's captain and his wife, as they adapt to their life as watermen on the French canals. It's followed by David Kew’s short documentary Last of the Watermen (2013), which follows one of the Thames’ longest serving watermen and lightermen. Afterwards stay for some traditional Bargee folk music. 7-10pm

GOSPEL RAPPER: Christian rap artist Eugene Entsir, best known by his stage name Eugy Official, gives a performance at Camden's Jazz Cafe. His music is influenced by his faith, his personal life experiences and his family, and he's performing tracks from his latest album, God Reigns. 7pm-10.30pm

MAHLER'S FIFTH: Actor Dame Janet Suzman narrates the Odyssey Festival Orchestra's latest performance, which tells the story behind Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, which the composer claimed after its premiere that no-one had understood. Head to Cadogan Hall to hear letters and reflections of his widow, Alma, before the piece is performed in full. 7.30pm

BUFFY REVAMPED: See all 144 episodes of TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike. Buffy Revamped spans all seven seasons in 70 minutes, through a satirical show full of 90s pop-culture references. Takes place at ArtsDepot in North Finchley. 7.30pm

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A rare chance to explore London Transport Museum’s Depot

Many different modes of public transport have connected the four corners of our fair city over the last two centuries — and this week you’re invited to celebrate all of them, from historic horse buses to the Elizabeth line.

From 19-22 September, London Transport Museum opens the doors of its usually-off-limits Depot in Acton Town for four days of time-hopping fun. These open days give you the chance to marvel at historic vehicles, delve into a 320,000-strong collection of museum objects, and get stuck into a superb range of talks, tours, and hands-on activities on the theme of 'Connecting the Capital'.

Highlights include a curator-led pallet racking tour, a Museum Depot pub-style quiz, a Thames Tunnel talk, and mystery object guessing. There’s plenty of family-friendly fun to get stuck into, too — from Match the Moquette to the Depot’s miniature railway. Get your tickets today: it’s £17.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, with those aged three and under going free. Live in Hounslow or Ealing? You can nab concessionary rates!

Wednesday 18 September

PAMELA PHATSIMO SUNSTRUM: Visual artist Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum unveils new works commissioned for The Curve at Barbican. Her drawings, paintings, installations, and animation works are inspired by her experience of living across Africa, Southeast Asia and the United States, as well as her ongoing research into ethnography, ecology and quantum physics. FREE, 18 September-5 January

NIGERIAN DANCE: Head to Southbank Centre for the UK premiere of new dance show Qudus Onikeku’s Re:INCARNATION. The performance, by QDance Company, celebrates the wealth and breadth of Nigerian music through dance, music, fashion and visual art, mixing ancient Yoruba philosophy with Nigerian youth culture. 18-19 September

CAMDEN CULT CINEMA: New pop-up Camden Cult Cinema opens in Camden Market today, celebrating the area's music culture and heritage with a series of film screenings and a world-class audio setup typically used in concert venues. Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black kicks things off today, with films about music legends Aretha Franklin, Grace Jones and Pink Floyd among those being shown over the coming weeks. From 18 September

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VICTORIAN MONEY MACHINE: Find out how London became the financial capital of the world towards the end of the 19th century, in a walking tour focused around the Royal Exchange. Hear how the City changed from a place of churches and schools to a place of business and banks during Queen Victoria's reign. 11am-1pm

CHAPEL MUSIC: Swing by the Charterhouse in Clerkenwell after work for the latest Chapel Music performance. This time, the Thames Chamber Choir perform Choral Evensong in the historic chapel. FREE, 5.30pm

JAWDANCE: Spoken word event Jawdance is back at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. World Poetry Slam Champion Kat François hosts, with special guests poet Hollie McNish, writer Kareem Parkins-Brown and upcoming talent Bradie Marques. 7pm

ART OF GETTING LOST: The 50th anniversary of guidebook publishing company Bradt Guides is celebrated at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington. Watch a panel discussion between founder Hilary Bradt, explorer Nicholas Crane and travel writer Colin Thubron, and bid for Bradt memorabilia in a charity auction. 7.45pm-10pm

SAVOY JAZZ: Every Wednesday evening until 23 October, the Savoy's unctuously black and gold Beaufort Bar hosts Beaufort Bar Sounds: Jazz Edition, in which the house band entertains drinkers, followed by a guest performer. There's no cover charge for these events, although believe it or not you'll have to pay for any drinks you have. Music from 8.30pm

Thursday 19 September

BBQ FESTIVAL: Barbecue chefs from across the UK gather at Peckham Arches for Fume Festival, a weekend of flame-cooked food, rubs, hot sauces, craft beer, natural wines, and bourbon cocktails, along with workshops and live music. 19-22 September

LAMBETH FRINGE: The month-long Lambeth Fringe (formerly Clapham Fringe) performing arts festival officially begins today, with a jazz night at Mondo Taphouse, theatre show Trashed at Bread and Roses Theatre, and Stephen Catling performing his comedy show at The Glitch in Waterloo, among other events. 19 September-20 October

ESPRESSO MARTINI FEST: Bars across London — and other cities around the country — take part in the Espresso Martini Festival, offering special serves, one-off pairings and takeovers. Bartenders are whipping up their own take on the drink, resulting in clarified, carbonated, smoked, infused, frozen, and foamed versions. 19-29 September

DAM BUSTERS: Historian Richard Morris gives a virtual lecture about the life and legacy of Barnes Wallis, about whom he has just written a biography. Wallis was an engineer known for inventing the bouncing bomb used by the Royal Air Force during the 'dam busters' raid. Hosted by the RAF Museum. FREE, 6pm

MURDEROUS INSIGHT: Criminal barrister Naomi Ryan is at the Bow Street Police Museum to give a talk about murder. She talks through some of the most controversial murder cases in British criminal history, and explores how juries are still expected to consider some of the most cutting-edge moral and scientific issues facing society today. 6.30pm

VICTORIAN DINING: Number Sixteen Hotel's Dining Through The Decades supperclub series begins with an evening focusing on Victorian cuisine. Food historian and author Eleanor Barnett hosts the four-course meal, which includes smoked eel and soda bread, pea soup with bacon and herbs, and fillet of turbot with wilted coastal greens and oyster sauce. 6.30pm-9pm

Friday 20 September

FRIDAYS IN LONDON: Lunchtime concerts, free lectures, live comedy, happy hours... just some of the ideas in our guide to things to do in London on a Friday. Find something to keep yourself busy today, or bookmark it for a future Friday when you might find yourself at a loose end.

FRED KORMIS: The Weiner Holocaust Library launches its latest exhibition today. Fred Kormis: Sculpting the Twentieth Century celebrates the life and work of a man who produced woodcut prints in a Prisoner of War camp, and went on to create the first memorial in Britain to the victims of Nazi concentration camps. FREE, until 6 February

THE FLYING NIGHTINGALES: Ever heard of the Flying Nightingales? They were nurses who flew across the Channel to help evacuate injured soldiers from the beaches of Normandy. Find out more about them in a free talk by military medical historian Dr Emily Mayhew, at the National Army Museum in Chelsea. FREE, 12pm-1pm

ALL OR NOTHING: The All Or Nothing Experience live concert show pitches up at The Half Moon in Putney for a lively evening telling the story of Mod band The Small Faces, through live performance of their music, including Itchycoo Park, Lazy Sunday and All Or Nothing. Tracks by other bands including Humble Pie, The Faces and Ronnie Lane also feature. 7pm

PRIMA FACIE: Catch a screening of Jodie Comer starring in legal drama Prima Facie, recorded during a 2022 run at the Harold Pinter Theatre. See it at the Cinema at Goodluck Hope in Trinity Buoy Wharf, as part of the Islander Festival. 7pm-9pm

BARRIOKE: One of the more... unexpected nightlife trends to gain a huge following in London in recent years is Barrioke. Shaun Williamson — AKA Barry from Eastenders — takes to the stage, to be joined by audience members for a night of live karaoke. The events usually sell out, but at time of writing there are still tickets left for tonight's edition at Between the Bridges on South Bank — but be quick! 7pm-11pm

Saturday 21 September

THE SMALLS FILM FESTIVAL: The Curzon Hoxton hosts The Smalls Film Festival, which showcases short films from around the world spanning animation, comedy, documentary, drama, music video, and student film. 21-22 September

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN: Claiming to be the world's largest music and philosophy festival, HowTheLightGetsIn returns to Kenwood House. Green Party leader Carla Denyer and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan are confirmed among the 100 speakers this year. 21-22 September

BEHIND GILDED DOORS: Apsley House — home of the Duke of Wellington and also known as Number One London — offers a look at what went on behind its gilded doors. For one day only, the English Heritage property hosts reencators who offer an insight into the staff who kept everything running in a busy 19th century stately home. 11am-4pm

LIGHTING UP THE LEA: As part of Totally Thames festival, Cody Dock in Canning Town holds Lighting up the Lea, a family-friendly day of entertainment. Expect live music — including folk songs and sea shanties — as well as a photo exhibition, bicycle repair station, gardening workshops and ecology talks. 11am-7pm

CLAPTON CFC: Head to the Old Spotted Dog Ground in east London to watch Clapton CFC's mens first team take on Hoddesdon Town in an FA Vase game. Pay on the door. And consider a post-match pint in the Forest Tavern. KO 3pm

CANDLELIGHT CLUB: Dress up as a flapper/gangster/dandy/bootlegger/Peaky Blinders, Bright Young Thing and do the Charleston over to Candlelight Club — a 1920s style speakeasy party in a secret location. There's extra reason for celebration tonight, as they mark their 14th birthday. 7pm-1am

CAROL VORDERMAN: TV presenter/mathematician/political activist Carol Vorderman is at Southbank Centre to launch her new book, NOW WHAT? On a Mission to Fix Broken Britain, and to talk about the pivots she made between her various career paths. 7.30pm

Sunday 22 September

TOUR DE WALTHAM FOREST: Annual family cycling event Tour de Waltham Forest returns to the streets of north-east London, offering three routes of different lengths (9km/16km/20km) through the borough. Self-guided rides take place in the morning, with signs to help you find your way, or you can sign up for guided rides in the afternoon. FREE, 9am-4pm

PLANT MARKET: Houseplant traders descend on Spitalfields for the Green Rooms Market, a chance to browse and buy plants and accessories ranging from small succulents that'll fit on a shelf, to larger flora to brighten up your room. 10am-5pm

NOTTING HILL BLACK HISTORY: The Black History Walks team offers a guided tour through the Notting Hill area, focusing on Black British Civil rights and Caribbean history. Find out about pioneering African/Caribbean people who  fought for equality and laid the foundation for modern multi-cultural London, including Claudia Jones and the origins of Carnival, as well as periods of war, segregation and gentrification. 10.30am-12.30pm

SRI LANKAN FESTIVAL: Get stuck into all things Sri Lankan at a festival celebrating the South Asian country's food and culture in Battersea. Take part in sari-draping and hoppers-making workshops, watch live comedy and music performances by Sri Lankan artists, and tuck into street food from Colombo Kitchen. 11.30am-10.30pm

ALCOHOL-FREE COMEDY: Booze-free events company Sober Is Fun is at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green for an alcohol-free comedy show. It's open to anyone, whether you're completely teetotal or just fancy an afternoon off the booze, and the four professional comedians on the line-up are Carly Smallman, Wilson Milton, Michelle Shaughnessy and Ben Norris. 3.30pm-5.30pm

THE COMFORT WOMAN: Described as as 'breathtaking' play that pulls no punches, The Comfort Woman tells the story of Minja, a plucky preteen Korean girl, who ends up being trafficked by the Imperial Japanese Army during the second world war. It's on at the King's Head pub theatre in Angel, tonight only. 6pm

MAGIC AT THE MUSICALS: Cast members from a variety of West End shows team up for Magic at the Musicals at the Royal Albert Hall. Hadestown, Mamma Mia!, SIX the Musical and Tina - The Tina Turner Musical are among those taking part, performing well-known tunes for the audience. 7pm