What we’re reading
- Ford’s Chariot ride-sharing minibuses have started to run in south London.
- Tube 'thought of the day': The station where it started.
- London Stadium to host new athletics World Cup in July.
- "What the saviour of London's pigeons taught me about the problem with plastic."
Things to do
LONDON CHARTERHOUSE: Listen to a talk about this ancient Charterhouse which only opened its doors to the public in 2017, yet has a long history stretching all the way back to 1348, when it was a burial ground for Black Death victims. Society of Genealogists (Islington), £8, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
FLEET STREET WALK: Don of the English dictionary Samuel Johnson lived and worked around the Fleet Street area and this tour offers you the opportunity to explore his ends and the people he knew there. Dr Johnson's House, Gough Square, £5, book ahead, 3pm-4pm
THE THING THAT CAME TO DINNER: A fancy dinner party is interrupted by a "bloody thirsty, inter-galactic space beast" in this new play from James Carney, described as 80s sci-fi horror meets poised fin-de-siecle drawing-room comedy. The Vaults (Waterloo), £11.50, book ahead, 6.15pm-7.15pm
ILLUMINATED LETTERS: Millie Nice teaches you how to create and illustrate illuminated letters in colour the old school way, inspired by traditional manuscript illustration. Ben Uri Gallery, £15-£17, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
SOUND SALON: Music-makers interested in how the internet is shaping the scene should head to this sound salon hosted by Jennifer Walshe. Somerset House, free, book ahead, 6.45pm-8.30pm
WORD: If you'd rather be part of the performance than in the stalls, you should consider Word for your next theatre trip. Leave yourself at the door and become a contestant or host in a game show that muses on the words we use daily. Stratford Circus, £13-£15, book ahead, 7pm, 7-8 February
CABARET: Spice up your Wednesday night by attending this cabaret night with drag artist Carmen Dioxide. Arrive before 8.30pm and you'll be treated to jerk chicken and rice. The William Morris Bar & Kitchen, £5, book ahead, 7pm-midnight
CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT: Celebrate the Year of the Dog in style with this concert showcasing the beautiful sounds of northern and southern China, led by award-winning conductor Muhai Tang. Barbican, £25, book ahead, 7.30pm
VALENTINE'S ATTRACTION LAB: This V-day event skips the mushy stuff and goes straight in for the science. While blindfolded you'll discover what the odour of sweat tells you about a prospective partner, how eating raw carrots transforms your capacity for flirtation, and why long vocal chords are sexy. The Book Club (Shoreditch), £15, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
CELTIC SESSION: Lose yourself in medieval harmonies and folk tunes music from the pan-Celtic tradition at this live music night dedicated to Celtic, Scottish and Irish songs. The Magic Garden (Battersea), free entry, just turn up, 9pm-11.30pm
Good cause of the day: Screening of I, Daniel Blake with wine and nibbles
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Shepherds Bush Families Project & Children's Centre, the charity is throwing a little shindig with a screening of hardhitting film I, Daniel Blake. The night kicks off with a drinks and canapés reception and a chat about the charity's work. Don't forget to bring your change for the raffle. Vue, Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherds Bush, £6, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
