Things To Do This Week In London: 14-20 October 2024

Wine tasting, wildlife art, and a new Marilyn Monroe exhibition.

Things to do this week is sponsored by Rio Cinema.

All week

TASTE OF MEMORY: The London Archives in Clerkenwell opens a new exhibition, Taste of Memory, about the lasting influence of Chinese restaurants which popped up in the UK in the early 20th century. Begin by learning about the Chinese Arch which was installed in five Chinatowns across the country, and hear the often-underrepresented voices of the British-Chinese community, including three generations of chefs and their struggles with integrating into British society. FREE, 14 October-14 November

BRITAIN'S BIGGEST BRANDS: Last chance to see the Museum of Brands' current exhibition, Britain's Biggest Brands 2023, which delves into what we were buying most of last year. It uses data from The Grocer's annual list, bringing together companies you'd expect to feature (Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Walkers) along with a few surprises (anyone remember the Prime trend?). Until 19 October

RANJIT SINGH: Also closing this week is Ranjit Singh: Sikh Warrior King, the current exhibition at the Wallace Collection which explores the life of great Sikh leader Ranjit Singh (1780–1839). 100 items, including jewellery and weaponry, demonstrate how his leadership led to a golden age of trade and arts, and a formidable army. Until 20 October

STREATHAM FESTIVAL: Live music and theatre, exhibitions and workshops are among the events on the Streatham Festival programme this week, celebrating creativity in the local area. Highlights include a free talk about night sky photography, an introduction to the work of Shakespeare, and readings of some of Terry Pratchett's short stories. Until 20 October

CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL: After its launch last week, new event The City Festival continues, with free lunchtime concerts given by music students from various institutions, taking place at venues around the Square Mile. There are also evening concerts by professional musicians, an exhibition, and other events. Until 24 October

TURN OF THE SCREW: Limber up for Halloween with Rebecca Lenkiewicz's take on Henry James' classic ghost story The Turn of the Screw. It's a gothic horror about a governess who begins looking after two children at a remote country house, only to become convinced they're haunted. It's on at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch. Until 26 October

AUTUMN WALKS: Make the most of this time of year with these seven great spots for an autumnal walk in London. Wrap up and head out among red and orange hued leaves.

FRIEZE SCULPTURE: Another option for getting a bit of fresh air this week is a visit to Frieze Sculpture Park in Regent's Park. The free trail consists of 22 sculptures dotted around a corner of the park, some of which are bound to leave you scratching your head. FREE, until 27 October

DRINK OF THE WEEK: The beautiful Stables Bar in Kensington recently reopened, and it's a sure thing that cocktail lovers will enjoy its peppy new menu, featuring left-field offerings like a PBJ Fizz (yes, it's got peanut butter in it), and the Rooster — a twist on the margarita, laced with Chilli Heatwave Doritos-infused tequila, and pizza cordial. By order of the many punters who adored it, the ballsy Peaky Blinders — kept cool with a frozen bullet — remains on the list.

EAT OF THE WEEK: Dive into chilli cheese dosa, Chettinad lamb curry and mango lassis at Tamila on Battersea's Northcote Road — a fast, casual curry house concept by the people behind the Tamil Prince. You can also crank up the volume on your evening with a Gunpowder Margarita, Tamil Negroni or Charcoal Old Fashioned.

Monday 14 October

DRAFTING FUTURES: Taking place at Soho Theatre, Drafting Futures is a scratch night dedicated to showcasing new work by emerging British Muslim playwrights. Head along to watch script-in-hand readings and offer feedback to shape the future development of the works. 7pm

CUNNINGLYNGUISTS: Underground Southern rap trio CunningLynguists bring their hip hop style to the Jazz Cafe in Camden, accompanied by rapper Sheisty Khrist and producer DJ Drez. Standing tickets are available, or book yourself a seat in the restaurant to enjoy a meal as you watch the show. 7pm-10.30pm

SALAD DAYS: Join Rebel Reel Cine Club at the 100 Club on Oxford Street for a 10th anniversary screening of Salad Days. The seminal punk documentary is about the DC punk scene in the 1980s, and this version features new interviews, and never before seen footage. Afterwards, writer/director Scott Crawford gives an interview. 7pm

COUNT BINFACE:Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast is back at... well, Leicester Square Theatre, obviously, with the comedian interviewing a special guest in front of a live audience. Tonight's guest? Satirical political candidate Count Binface (who was interviewed by Londonist in the not-too-distant past). 7.30pm

HAPPY MONDAYS: Russell Hicks offers a preview of his upcoming UK tour at tonight's Happy Mondays Comedy at the Amersham Arms in New Cross. Comedians Chipo, Martina O’Sullivan and Impish Scribe also perform, along with a special guest TBC. 8pm

MONDAYS IN LONDON: Monday can seem like a bit of a quiet day in the capital, unless you know where to look for the fun... which we do, naturally. Our guide to things to do on a Monday in London has you covered today, or any future Monday when you might find yourself at a loose end. And take a look at our day-by-day guides to things to do in the capital, so you're never short of places to be or things to do again.

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Tuesday 15 October

MULATTO BOY? "Huvi's always seen himself as a member of the Three Lions. Unfortunately, not everyone else feels the same way." Mulatto Boy — a funny and bold one man show exploring the link between Black mixed race identity and British national identity — starts its run at Clapham's Omnibus Theatre tonight, with writer Edi De Melo performing in the lead role. 15 October-3 November

DAVID HOFFMAN: The Museum of the Home opens a new exhibition paying tribute to the work of protest photographer David Hoffman, who began working in the East End in the 1970s, documenting issues such as homelessness and racism. Curated by The Gentle Author, the crowdfunded exhibition coincides with the publication of David Hoffman’s monograph, Endurance & Joy in the East End 1971–1987. 15 October-30 March

THE WOOD WAR: Did you know about the role that Kew Gardens played in the aeronautical industry during the first world war? Today, the RAF Museum offers a free lunchtime lecture by Dr James Wearn, about how Kew's botanical knowledge was used to construct aircraft out of natural materials such as wood and linen. Watch in person at the museum, or online. FREE, 12pm

GAV QUIZ: Feeling quizzical? Head to the Hippodrome in central London, where GavQuiz is hosting "the best quiz night you’ve ever been to." And it might just be if you bag first prize, a £150 Heliot Steak House voucher. Doors 6pm

SEAFOOD DINNER: Langan's Brasseries in Mayfair teams up with Oyster specialists Wright Brothers for a one-off seafood dinner. Begin with an oyster masterclass led by Ben Wright, where you'll learn to shuck, taste, and pair the perfect oyster, followed by a seafood meal with wine pairing. 6.30pm-9.30pm

THE REST IS POLITICS: Podcast series The Rest Is Politics has a live show at The O2. Former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell, and former cabinet minister Rory Stewart join forces across the political divide to lift the lid on the secrets of Westminster and beyond. Doors 6.30pm

YOUNG CHOREOGRAPHERS: Sadler's Wells offers a platform for the next generation of choreographers. Young Associates - Four is a mixed bill dance show of works by up-and-coming choreographers Blue Makwana, Elisabeth Mulenga, Maiya Leeke and duo Roseann & Sula. 7.30pm

Sponsor message

Discover ethical erotic cinema with Erika Lust

A pioneer of feminist, narrative-driven adult filmmaking comes to the Rio Cinema this week for an exclusive screening and Q&A. Erika Lust has spent the last 20 years at the forefront of a new wave of ethical erotica. Her films celebrate diversity and authentic pleasure, prioritising relatable characters and artistic expression.

Head to Dalston on 17 October to see a curated selection of Erika’s films, each of which showcase her unique blend of storytelling, artistry, and eroticism. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to ask the auteur your burning questions, in a Q&A that invites participants to discuss what they want to see from adult films.

Ready to have your perceptions of erotic filmmaking challenged? Get your tickets to the London leg of Erika Lust’s tour today.

C*m with Erika Lust: The UK Tour is at the Rio Cinema (Dalston), Wednesday 17 October at 7.30pm (18+).

Wednesday 16 October

GREAT FIRE OF WESTMINSTER: Ever heard of the Great Fire of Westminster? Join Footprints of London guide Richard Watkins on a walking tour, where you'll learn more about the blaze which ripped through the Houses of Parliament in 1834, and how it resulted in the iconic building we know today. 6pm-8pm

HEALTH CRISIS OR HYPE? Waterloo Behind the Scenes is back with another expert-led talk. The topic this time is Health Crisis or Hype?, a lively panel discussion on ultra-processed foods, feat. vegan chef extraordinaire Calum Harris, nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr, The Health Space founder Beanie Robinson, and Greensmiths co-owner Danny Fisher. Zoe Fox from the Getting to Grow podcast hosts. 6pm-8.45pm (sponsor)

SIP AND PLANT: Wine bar Humble Grape in Islington teams up with plant experts the Botanical Boys for a sip and plant wine tasting evening. Taste four different organic wines under guidance from an expert, while you plant your own succulent garden in a planter to take home. 6.30pm-9pm

NAKED CABARET: Hit Edinburgh Fringe show Naked Cabaret returns to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It's pretty much what it sounds like: a cabaret, comedy, circus and performance art show, with both the performers and the audience naked. 50% of profits go to MQ Mental Health Research. Take along a towel to sit on. 7pm

GUINEA TALKS: For Black History Month, musician Shumba Maasai is at Kindred in Hammersmith for an evening focused on the music and culture of Guinea. Singer and percussionist Falle Nioke joins him on stage for a programme of discussion and live performances. 7pm-10pm

CUBAN SALSA: Boxpark Wembley hosts a weekly free Cuban Salsa class and party. Everyone's welcome at Rumba Latina, which consists of a beginners' class, followed by an improvers' class and then a social dancing session. FREE, 7.30pm-10.30pm

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Thursday 17 October

WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST: Elif Shafak, Abi Daré, Richard E. Grant, Mary Berry, Clare Balding and Rick Stein are among the speakers at this year's Wimbledon BookFest, which takes place at venues around central Wimbledon from today. Tonight, bestselling author Kate Mosse is in conversation with debut author Kaliane Bradley at Merton Arts Space. 17-27 October

WILDLIFE ART: The Natural Eye 2024 is the 61st annual exhibition of the Society of Wildlife Artists, and it takes place at Mall Galleries. Works by artists from the UK, mainland Europe, North America and beyond are on display, spanning several mediums and depicting species including insects, foxes, tigers, wild dogs, frogs, sea creatures, bears and more. 17-27 October

MARILYN MONROE: A new exhibition about the life and work of actress Marilyn Monroe opens at The Arches in London Bridge, showcasing 250 objects including clothing, shoes and private letters. From 17 October

WORLD'S LARGEST TREE: Did you know that the world's largest tree spans 43 hectares, weighs 6,000 tonnes and self-replicates via a vast root system dating back 9,000 years. It's called Pando, it lives in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah, and you can learn more about it via a free online lecture hosted by the Royal Geographical Society. FREE, 6.30pm-7.45pm

A STRANGE MADNESS: There's a chance to get inside the beautifully distressed Annetta House on Princelet Street this evening, with an exploration of love and madness in the 17th century, with live lute and theorbo music composed by Dowland, Danyel and Purcell. 7pm-8pm

OUR PLANET IN CONCERT: Head to Barbican Hall for Life On Our Planet in Concert; it's a screening of the Netflix documentary series Life On Our Planet, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra. The show tells the story of life, from the first single-celled life form to the first animals to move onto land, to the first creatures to take flight. 7.30pm

Friday 18 October

OM YOGA SHOW: Head to Alexandra Palace for the Om Yoga Show, apparently the biggest yoga gathering in Europe with open classes led by the world's top teachers, along with 200 exhibitors offering yoga accessories, clothing, jewellery, retreats and more. 18-20 October

SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL: The Lippizaner horses of the Spanish Riding School (which, confusingly, is based in Vienna) travel to London for three shows at Wembley Arena. They train at the oldest riding academy in the world, specialising in classic horsemanship, and this is a chance to see them in a dressage show, hosted by Nicki Chapman. We recently had the opportunity to see them in rehearsal in Austria, and were seriously impressed. If you're into horses, don't miss this. 18-20 October

OASIS EXHIBITION: Shortly after the reunion tour went on sale, an exhibition of Oasis memorabilia was announced. Together We'll Fly is the largest collection of Oasis pieces ever seen in one place, including guitars, tickets, backstage passes, records and more. You can see it at the Cumberland Hotel near Marble Arch but it's not cheap. That said, the £45 tickets are raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. 18-20 October

HALLOWEEN AT KEW: We've put together a guide to London's Halloween events, but worth a specific mention is Halloween at Kew. New for this year, and by the same team as the magnificent annual Christmas at Kew, it's a spooky light trail through the gardens after dark, though fire gardens, glowing pumpkins and an illuminated haunted wood, and it begins tonight. 18-26 October

BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: Beginning with a Big Night Out at Conway Hall tonight, Bloomsbury Festival celebrates the area's arts, culture and science, through more than 100 events across nine days, including theatre, music, exhibitions, talks and walks. 18-27 October

STRINGS AND SERENADES: The Fantasia Orchestra returns to St Gabriel's Pimlico for a performance of music from the 20th and 21st centuries, across several styles and genres. Horn player Ben Goldscheider and tenor Toby Spence join them on stage. 7.30pm

ARABS ARE NOT FUNNY: Aiming to disprove the stereotype, Arabs Are Not Funny is a platform for comedians of Arabic heritage. Fatiha El-Ghorri, Maria Shehata, Prince Abdi, Sezar Alkassab and Mustafa Algiyadi all have a turn on stage at the Royal Albert Hall tonight. 9.30pm

Saturday 19 October

MUSICAL CON: Apparently the world's biggest musical theatre fan convention, Musical Con takes over Excel Centre for two days of live performances, workshops, masterclasses, and a chance to meet musical theatre stars. Lucie Jones, Layton Williams and Miriam Teak Lee are among the famous faces scheduled to appear. 19-20 October

AUTUMN WELSH MARKET: Peruse Welsh-made jewellery, woollen garments and pottery, at the Autumn Welsh Market, held at the Welsh Centre on Gray's Inn Road. You can also tuck into baked bara brith fruit cake, savoury Welsh cakes, and a selection of cheeses and charcuterie sourced from Welsh farms. FREE ENTRY, 10am-5.30pm

IWM PODCAST LIVE: History buffs and podcast aficionados are invited to the Imperial War Museum for a day of live podcast recordings, covering all manner of topics related to history and conflict. You can pick and choose which sessions you attend, and the day is followed by an evening panel discussion event at the Churchill War Rooms (ticketed separately). 10am-5.45pm

CHOCOLATE UNWRAPPED: A treat for chocoholics, Chocolate Unwrapped spans four floors, following the cocoa journey from bean to bar... as in cocktail bar. Brands such as Pump Street, Knoops, Melt Chocolates, Bare Bones and Cocoa Runners showcase their chocolate bars, truffles, ganaches and cakes, and the experience finishes with hot chocolate from Knoops, smooth chocolate liqueur from Bouvery and cocktails from MayaJules Mezcal. 11am-8pm

CLASSICALLY BLACK: At time of writing, there are still tickets available for some sessions of Classically Black, a day celebrating Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians and professionals working in classical music. The programme includes live performances, a panel discussion about representing Blackness on the classical music stage, and an emerging talent showcase. Takes place at Kings Place. 11.30am/7.30pm

HISTORIC MIGRANTS: Learn more about the history of working-class migrants to London, with a tour of central London led by Laura Agustin. The walk takes in Irish, Italian, Black, Jewish and other immigrant populations who all helped to shape London.

GUILTY PLEASURES: Keeping with the trend of clubbing events which end at a reasonable hour, Guilty Pleasures hosts an afternoon/early evening party at Koko in Camden. The daytime disco has a playlist of 70s-00s guilty pop. Age 18+. 3pm-9pm

ILLEGAL EAGLES: Tribute band The Illegal Eagles swings by Cadogan Hall in Chelsea for a performance of covers of hits by rock band The Eagles. Expect to hear the likes of Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy, New Kid In Town, and Life In The Fast Lane. 7.30pm

Sunday 20 October

UNSEEN TOURS: Looking for a new walking tour to try this Sunday? We highly recommend Unseen Tours, in which formerly homeless people take you around the areas they know best. On the docket today: Brick Lane - Multicultural Mixing Pot; London Bridge - Mysterious Alleys, Hidden Pathways; and Canning Town - From Surviving to Thriving.

CHEESE MARKET: Foodies, sweep everything else in your calendar aside and make space for Chiswick Cheese Market. The monthly event brings together cheese traders from all over selling 200+ different cheeses every time, with special events too. This time around, there's cheese tasting for children, and a Christmas cheeseboard masterclass. And we've now written the word 'cheese' so many times, it's lost all meaning. 9.30am-3pm

JACK VERITY: 73-year-old Jack Verity unveils his first solo art exhibition, Vortex, described as a "vibrant exploration of abstraction and nature." It's on at the new Pencil Gallery in Hayes, and today's the last day to catch a private view of the work. FREE, 11am-5pm (also on 17, 18 and 19 Oct)

A FIGURE OF SPEECH: Storytelling collective Crick Crack Club pops up at the British Museum for A Figure of Speech, a macabre and visceral show about our bodies and what they are capable of. Age 14+. 2.30pm

HOW SWEET THE SOUND: Gospel music competition How Sweet The Sound takes over the Royal Albert Hall for an evening of performances by gifted performers from around Europe. Choirs and spoken word artists compete across three categories for cash prizes. 6pm

QUEERA LYNN: The Olde Rose & Crown in Greenwich has another instalment of Queera Lynn's Big Quiz & Sing Along for you this evening, the title of which tells you everything you need to know. There's a bar tab up for grabs. FREE, 6pm-9.30pm

COLLYWOBBLERS COMEDY: Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jimmy Tamm, Joe Haddad, Jo Romero, Mags Mchugh and Sean Little all perform at The Railway pub, for a special Streatham Festival edition of Collywobblers Comedy. As always, the venue offers a 30% discount on food before 7pm, so worth getting there early to make an evening of it. 7.30pm

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