Summer is well and truly gone and baby; it’s grotty outside. Gales, floods and an early chill have meant a certain end to our so-called Indian summer and a sudden plunge into the depths of a new season. But fear not! Inspired by our own – well – lack of inspiration during last week’s bout of horrible weather, we dug around to find out what we actually should have been doing. And here’s our top five…

1: Go to ham school

Ham…school? Well, yes, actually. Spanish food experts Brindisa do more than just make great food: they teach YOU how to make great food too. Book into their monthly ham school in lovely Borough Market for an unusual education, whether for yourself or for a foodie friend, and you’ll be able to learn all about this renowned Spanish delicacy. Taste Serrano and Ibérico hams from different regions and learn how to carve a whole leg under the guidance of master carvers while you also learn what wine suits your pig from an expert from Laithwaites wine at Vinopolis. Watch that carving knife! The next available date is 13th December…and we’re giving a spot away. Head over to Twitter for your chance to win!

2: Do something

Isn’t that the point of this post? Yup, but this is the name of an actual website: dating website Doing Something to be exact. Ever fancied a turn on the Millennium wheel with a glass of champers or going for a blackout meal at Dans Le Noir, but lack that special someone to do it with? This dating site with a difference lets you suggest something you’d like to do on a date with someone – and if they like the sound of it, they click to let you know. If you like the sound of them – well the rest is history! With the emphasis on the activity, rather than on the date, the whole thing is cute while managing to be cultural at the same time.

3: Go the the School of Life

There’s nothing like winter for coaxing out those pesky life blues, but that’s where The School of Life comes in. Based in a small shop in the centre of town, they run a jam-packed programme of lectures, classes and services designed for those who need a new hobby, need cheering up or wish to expand their minds. Whether it’s classroom or couch (they offer ‘Career MOTs’ amongst other therapeutic services), everything The School of Life does is set up to challenge your mind, get your creative juices flowing and frankly, give you a good kick up the backside.

4: Go to the Prince Charles Cinema

London’s cheapest cinema, the Prince Charles, tucked around the corner from Leicester Square’s major players, is a breath of fresh air. If you’ve a penchant for the movies that made your childhood and teenage years, this is an absolute haven; they had ‘Wesfest’ last week (a Wes Anderson marathon), and they also have weekly Breakfast Club sessions, where you can while away your hangover over with ‘Sunday morning recovery films’. Pyjama parties and fright fests are par for the course and if you’re a social whiz kid, check out their Foursquare deal – you can claim free popcorn with every third check in, or a free drink with every ticket if you’re mayor.

5: Go bowling at Bloomsbury Lanes

The original and frankly the best retro bowling lanes in London, this venue has been much copied, but no other lanes can beat the sense of worn-in, good old-fashioned fun found here. Featuring the only above-lane ball returns features found in London, you can also take a break from bowling and chow down on a Strike Burger or one of Famous Ray’s pizzas. Afterwards, we suggest a cocktail at the bar: better make it a White Russian.