MUSIC: catch Spector at The Dome
Not heard of this London fourpiece who peddle some of the wittiest pop around at the moment? Their new single, Bad Boyfriend (watch the attention-grabbing video, above) is out this week, ahead of a new album later in the year. And – wahey! – they play at Tufnell Park’s Dome today (Thursday 11th June). It’s damn near sold out so you’d better move pretty quick; next stop, we reckon, will surely be The Forum. £12 The Dome 2A Dartmouth Park Hill, starts 8pm
ART: buy it cheaply (kind of)
The Affordable Art Fair on the Heath inevitably proves a mixed bag of talent, but it’s always fun to roam, the people-watching arguably as good as the masterpieces themselves. This year pore over 100 galleries and over 1,100 artists all under one roof in the usual variety of styles and mediums. Better still, sip (perhaps) on a glass of something chilled as you explore. 11th-14th June, East Heath Road NW3
DRINK: free gin!
It’s the third annual Colonel Fawcett Day this Saturday, from 2pm – and the owners of the backstreet pub are celebrating with the “colonel’s” favourite tipple. If we’re honest, it sounds like a highly inadvisable time of day to be hitting the mother’s ruin. Still, a free gin and tonic can’t hurt, can it? Especially if it’s packed with ice and a slice of lime. “We’ll give away thousands of free gin and tonics in perfect serves from all our favourite gin companies,” says owner Ross, “whilst stock lasts.” Bejesus. Expect local faves like Half Hitch and Sacred, too. Sat 13th, from 2-6pm, 1 Randoplh Street NW1
POTTERY: try Mary’s Family Factory
We watched this intriguing prospect open up recently opposite the former South Kentish Town tube station. It sells “gently loved articles” at affordable prices, and also operates a family-run pottery, painting and craft studio offering socially-conscious, creative activities for children and adults alike. Look out too for all manner of workshops, from crocheting and knitting to wood carving. More details here 120 Kentish Town NW1
SPOKEN WORD: at Torriano Meeting House
This real neighbourhood gem has an ace line-up of talks and evenings each Sunday this month from its family of poets and authors. Next up is RA Villanueva, Rishi Dastidar & Cat Brogan, introduced by Jill Abram (14th June),and Daphne Gloag and Carol De Vaughn (21st June). Starts 7.30pm every Sunday. Poets from the floor welcome. Admission £5/£4 99 Torriano Avenue NW5
