Secret events in London

Puttin’ on the Blitz
Why party like it’s 1999 when you could party like it’s 1940?

Event organiser Bourne & Hollingsworth’s 1940s Blitz parties take place underneath railway arches in East London. Brimming with community spirit, the venue is transformed into an air-raid shelter, complete with sandbags, searchlights, blackout curtains and ration books for bar tabs. And they always feature the best swing bands and DJs. The next party is on 17 October.

Tickets cost £15 in advance
020 7636 8228, www.theblitzparty.com

Milk and two
Step back in time with London’s new generation of tea shops

Londoners love a cuppa, but chintzy parlours serving Lady Grey tea and Garibaldi biscuits have had their day, making way for chic tea shops that are rapidly popping up all over the Capital. Soho’s latest offering is Yumchaa – ‘encouraging Londoners to take some me time’ and relax in style with some loose leaf. Time for Tea in Shoreditch transports you back in time for tea and cakes served on vintage platters. And for indulgent afternoon tea, try Bob Bob Ricard in Soho. The leather booths even have a subtle, lit-up button that whispers ‘Press for Champagne’.

Yumchaa, 45 Berwick Street, London W1
Time for Tea, 110 Shoreditch High Street, London E1
Bob Bob Ricard, 1 Upper James Street, London W1

Life art
Drawing naked people is the latest craze to sweep London

Did you think life drawing is a pastime reserved for art students and ladies who lunch? Not any more – it’s now the cool pastime du jour. Following rocker Ronnie Wood’s example, Londoners are flocking to life-drawing classes. On Tuesday nights at Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch E1, you can treat yourself to a cocktail while you draw at one of two 40-minute sessions. They’re led by an experienced model who’s happy to give you tips on technique while you sketch. And spare your blushes – we’ve been assured that unease melts away as you get absorbed in your etchings. Classes are free but you’ll need to bring your own materials.

020 7749 3540, www.beachblanket.co.uk

Celebrating Metro-land
New exhibition turns the spotlight on London’s suburbs

London dwellers break out in a sweat at the suggestion of living anywhere outside Zone 5, but with the outer boroughs or ‘super hubs’ being at the heart of Boris Johnson’s blueprint for London, should we be celebrating suburbia? Most definitely, argues a new exhibition called Suburbia at the London Transport Museum. This fascinating display looks at how public transport has shaped the suburbs and how these areas were instrumental in forming the cultural and social dynamics of London. Take some time to watch the archive film footage on a 1930s television set in a mocked-up suburban living room.

Suburbia, from 15 October 2009 until 31 March 2010
www.ltmuseum.co.uk

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Completely London

Puttin’ on the BlitzWhy party like it’s 1999 when you could party like it’s 1940?

Milk and twoStep back in time with London’s new generation of tea shops