…no, we’re not talking about the Royal Wedding.

We’re talking about After Hours at the Natural History Museum – which is – coincidentally on the same day as the aforementioned very important nuptials. I, for one, am not all that into watching rich people tie the knot, but I am however very into the Natural History Museum. And the opportunity to enjoy it’s amazing exhibits without children and with a glass of wine in my hand is one that is not to be missed.

In case you’ve not been to one of these museum after hours / lates type things before – here’s the drill – the Museum is open late, there are no children (they should all be tucked up in bed) there is a bar, there is often a talk or tour, and there is often music.

It’s amazingly different than going to the museum in the daytime – avoiding uninterested school parties, toddlers doing their best to trip you up, and stress out families desperately trying to educate their little treasures – It’s like (how I like to imagine) the museum was when it first opened – filled with adults marvelling at science while enjoying a jolly good drink.

Currently the NHM has a temporary exhibition entitled ‘Sexual Nature‘ looking at all the freaky freakiness that happens in the animal kingdom. It may cost a little to get in (£8) but judging by previous exhibits, it’s going to be worth the money.

If naughty monkeys aren’t your bag, the NHM has also got hold of the Cora Sun-Drop diamond - a huge yellow pear shaped gem that is sure to impress.

As well as that, there are cocktails, jazz and tapas style food on offer to keep you sustained as you explore the museum.

So head on down and get yourself to one of the most fun things to do in London for free.

(quick note – this was written before the John Snow / gay kiss controversy broke. So, please don’t lump the John Snow in with the rest of the Sam Smiths pubs. I think they’re ace. The John Snow is not.)

Sam Smiths pubs. Love ‘em or hate ‘em? Looking at the reviews on Qype, there is no middle ground. I’m firmly in the love ‘em camp, holding on to my very cheap pint of Purebrew, and wondering what’s wrong with the haters.

It might be something to do with the drinks on offer. In case you don’t know, Sam Smiths only sell Sam Smiths drinks. From the spirits to the soft drinks to the beers and ciders, it’s all Sam Smiths, all the time. So, if you’ve got a favorite brand, you’re out of luck. But it’s not really a problem. Sam Smiths drinks are actually pretty nice. Being a Westcounty bumpkin who drinks cider like water, the cider on tap is actually very good, surpassing many other big brands. It’s also just nice to walk up to the bar and order a pint of cider. Not ‘specific brand name, type of fruit and ice (or not)’ Just cider. Like you’re in a movie!

I’ve never really noticed much about what Sam Smiths pubs look like. Your surroundings sort of fade into the background. I don’t really think much thought has gone into decorating the interior other than ‘make it look like a pub’ If you’re into having a stylish setting for your drinking, you might be disappointed.

But there is one thing that really, really sets Sam Smiths apart from other pubs, and that’s the price. Dirt cheap comes to mind. If you’re low on budget, it’s always worth hitting the Sam Smiths rather than anywhere else – you can really stretch those pounds out.

There is, of course, a downside. And this comes in the form of the dreaded Sam Smiths hangover. Where other hangovers you can live with, a night on the Sam Smiths will utterly demolish you and leave you a broken shell. I have no idea why they are quite so powerful, but they are. So be careful.

There’s an excellent guide to Sam Smiths on Qype, so why not get out and find out if you’re in the love or hate camp.

Pic from Flickr user styro used under attribution licence

The Only Way Is Essex may be trying to persuade us that hair’s better the bigger it gets, but I still like my locks to have a little natural shine. Hoxton Salon have been saying this all along; they’re a boutique hairdresser in Shoreditch who specialise in organic hair colour, specialist waxing and natural beauty treats.

To spread their message, we’re taking some very lucky Qypers to Hoxton Salon on Thursday 12th May for an evening of absolute spoiling. Find out why organic hair colour is much better for your hair and your health, get a Jessica mini manicure and discover how to do the perfect blow dry! We’ll enjoy demos, mini treatments, fringe trims, hair colour and waxing consultations, accompanied (of course) by drinks and canapés.

Sounds good to you? Then tell us in the forum if you want to come – hurry, cos we’ll be announcing the guestlist in only a week!