What we’re reading
- The East End Women's Museum will open in Barking in 2019
- The Golf Ball: the next addition to London's skyline?
- London ranked among top cities "fully open for business" on inclusivity and competitiveness.
- The biggest food hall in the UK is coming to Oxford Street as three new markets open.
Things to do
MONOCHROME: Create your own monochrome denim patch, collaged monochrome mosaic, and (you guessed it) monochrome masterpiece inspired by the art from the exhibition Monochrome: Painting in Black and White. Check out all the drop-in activities here. The National Gallery, free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm
UNIQLO TATE LATE: Expect global beats from a roster of fresh talent curated by Stance Podcast tonight alongside film screenings documenting the subcultures that influenced Stance. Plus, join a zine making workshop and throw some shapes in the pop-up dance studio at the first Tate Late of 2018. Tate Modern, free, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
BLUE PLANET II: Blue Planet II had the whole nation hooked so it's no surprise the talks at this NHM late are already sold out, but a small number of tickets will be released on the night. You can still wander around the pop-up science stations, where you can see highlights from the series and come face to face with the museum's specimens. Natural History Museum, free, just turn up, 6pm-10pm
THE THEY THEY SHOW: If you were in any doubt that 2018 was the year of the queer, just head to this razzle dazzle night of very talented drag queen acts, and you'll soon be convinced. Proceeds go to Mermaids UK, which provides support for gender diverse and transgender young people. LimeWharf, £5, book ahead, 6pm-11pm
JACK SOLOMONS CLUB: Got a hot date you want to impress? Reserve a table for two at this swanky new speakeasy bar in a converted boxing gym. It won't look like much from outside but ring the doorbell and all will be revealed. DJ, socialite and eligible gent Fletcher Cowan will be on the decks tonight. Jack Solomons Club (Soho), free, book ahead, 6pm-1am
FRIDAY LATES: SYSTEMS AND SECRETS: Interpret symbols to create moves in a dance workshop, take home a drawing created by a robot, hear a talk uncovering the secret codes shared between queer women and more at this museum late dedicated to the secret art of communication. The V&A, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-10pm
BOSSA NOVA NIGHT: Tuck into Brazilian nosh while guitarist Deicola Neves plays jazz, soul and funk tunes inspired by his Bossa Nova roots. Expect black beans, salsa, spicy rice, plantain and guacamole on the Latino plate. Karamel London (near Alexandra Palace), free entry, book ahead, 7pm-1am
BANG SAID THE GUN: If you thought Soho was dying down after hours, think again. Down in the basement of Soho Theatre is a rattling, raucous, riotous night featuring a line up of exciting poets, who are shaking up the spoken word scene right now. Here's our review of the last show. Soho Theatre, £15, book ahead, 11.30pm
Good cause of the day: Jamnesty London in aid of Amnesty International
Get your groove on to everything from hip hop to funk, soul, swing jazz, bebop, Afrobeat and disco, plus when you're all danced out (which you will be), you can grab a drink and take a comedy break with Hoots comedy. And it gets even better as the whole night is in aid of Amnesty International, so you can party safe in the knowledge that your hangover is for a good cause. Hootenanny Brixton, free before 9pm/ £5 after, just turn up, 9pm-3am
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