Things to do
DATA DATING: New exhibition Data Dating takes a look at finding love in the internet age and how it's reshaping our relationships, through the work of several artists. Find out how our screens are affecting our sexual intimacy, and what romance could look like in the future. Watermans (Brentford), free, book ahead, 15 January-1 March
PHOTOWORKS AWARDS: See new photographic works by two up-and-coming artists, Silvia Rosi and Theo Simpson. Rosi's work explores her family history drawing on her Togolaise heritage, and the idea of origins, while Simpson focuses on evolving environments and elements of the world we live in today. Jerwood Arts (Southwark), free, just turn up,15 January-8 March
LUNCHTIME LECTURE: Get an insight into the V&A's Tim Walker: Wonderful Things exhibition at this free lunchtime talk by Curator of Photographs, Susanna Brown. Learn what sparked Walker's imagination, and the research he undertook at the museum, which resulted in the production of 10 new series of photos. V&A Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 1pm-1.45pm
TEA DANCE: Dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome at this free social tea dance. Twist the afternoon away to salsa, waltz and jive tracks played by a DJ. No need to bring a partner. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 1.30pm
THE POWER OF MAPS: Hear the culmination of a decade of work at UCL Geography, as Professor James Cheshire gives a talk about the power of maps. He talks about why maps are useful in displaying data, why we need more of them, and how they are created. UCL, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
RUM TASTING: Yo ho ho, and a bottle of rum! Several, actually, if you're attending this rum tasting experience, which covers the history of rum and sugar, from its part in the slave trade to its inclusion in today's cocktails. Tastings included, naturally. Age 18+, obviously. Museum of London Docklands, £10, book ahead, 6.30pm
FAST FASHION: Fast fashion is a serious problem, with 300,000 tonnes of discarded clothes ending up in landfill in the UK over the past 15 years. Find out how to break your fast fashion habit from journalist Lauren Bravo, who's just written a book on the topic. She chats to Katherine Ormerod about more sustainable ways of shopping. Foyles Charing Cross Road, £12.99 with book/£5 without, book ahead, 7pm
COMEDY: Laugh Train Home's weekly comedy night sees Jen Brister (Live at the Apollo), Jimmie McGhie (Russell Howard’s Good News) and Martin Durchov take to the stage to share their latest gags and (hopefully) elicit a few laughs. The Four Thieves (Battersea), £7, book ahead, 8.30pm-10.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Wednesday, as my two regular readers will attest, is 'Name the tube station from the badly cropped Google Street View' day. Last week, I had complaints that the puzzle was getting too easy, so here's a toughie for you. All you have to do is tell me which tube station I have my virtual back to by tweeting @HeckTube. The first person to get it right wins a used Murray mint. If you're not on Twitter, then I'm afraid you're going to miss out on this unique prize.
Good cause of the day
The London Landmarks Half Marathon is looking for race day volunteers to help out along the route on 29 March. People are needed to direct participants, help with bag drops, supervise drinks stations, and plenty of other tasks, allowing the race to go ahead, and runners to raise money for charity. Find out more and sign up.
What we're reading
- 21 years sleeping on a London bus.
- 20 mph speed limit to be introduced in Tooting in May.
- Big Ben may not bong for Brexit.
- Do you have 'London throat'?
