event london open house

Another year, another London Open House - and a further opportunity to explore more of the capital's diverse and extraordinary architecture, as 450 buildings around the city are opened for free to the public. Venture inside Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton to see if it's something in the bricks and mortar that makes its council officials the way they are, or head backstage at the Hackney Empire to view a Grade II-listed Edwardian music hall. The offices of both ITN on Gray's Inn Road and BBC Television Centre on Wood Lane will be available for inspection, as will the hotel within the Old County Hall on the South Bank, and George Gilbert Scott's gothic marvel at St Pancras Chambers. If you remain tired of London after this weekend it's no one's fault but your own.

Today and tomorrow. The Open House brochure is available from the Architectural Association, 36 Bedford Sq, London WC1, local libraries and participating buildings. Call 09001 600061 (60p per minute) for details

Peter Conchie