Daily 17 June

Ellie Smith & Parm Bhamra
June 17, 2026

Staying In

Watch England's World Cup Opener

Is it coming home? The journey to find out starts here. England kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign tonight against Croatia – a rematch that carries a bit of baggage after Croatia knocked England out at the semi-final stage in 2018, only for Gareth Southgate's side to overcome Croatia 1–0 win at their opening game at Euro 2020. Now under Thomas Tuchel, England head to Arlington, Dallas in the US with a squad built around Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, and hopes of going further than the two finals that got away. Group L also includes Ghana and Panama, making this the most winnable group England could have asked for – but Croatia will kick things off with their toughest test. Kick-off 9pm, watch on itv.com

Going Out

Eat Your Way Around Taste of London

One of the biggest events on London’s foodie calendar, Taste of London sees a collection of the country’s top chefs and restaurants gathering for a culinary extravaganza across five days of sunny feasting in Regent’s Park. It’s essentially a chance to try some of the capital’s tastiest dishes all in one place: this year’s line-up includes pop-ups from the likes of Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant Los Mochis, cult favourite Roti King, Italian institution Sale e Pepe and Chinatown’s Dumplings’ Legend. There are also chef demonstrations, artisan producer markets and mini cook schools – plus bars serving cocktails and beers aplenty. 17 – 21 June 2026, london.tastefestivals.com

Property Of The Day

Fancy living in a hotel suite fit for a (former) king? This stunning French Rivera home once served as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s go-to holiday let. Take a peek inside.

On the market for $33.58m, leprovencal.com

Little Luxury

Croissants? Good. Old fashioned? Good. The two together? Surprisingly, also good! Bar Antoine at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane has somehow made this unlikely combination work – croissant-infused cognac with Byrrh served with a croissant thin as a garnish. The new Savoir-Boire menu, developed by award-winning bar manager Leon Gasco, translates the French culinary canon into cocktail form. The cornichon martini and the peach and mustard margarita are also seriously good, served up alongside bar snacks including caviar fried chicken and Carabineros prawn toast. Pull up a bar stool and gather for the perfect summer apéro. pavyllonlondon.com

Competition Time

Win a wellness morning at Studio 281 in Bedford, including three 30-minute private workout classes (including yoga, mat pilates, red light mat pilates, reformer pilates, hot sculpt, ride, strength or HYROX training), a talk and Q&A with founder Georgia Testa, and refreshments to keep the group fuelled.

Psssst…

If you’re wondering how much you could make on reselling antiques, jewellery or collectibles, KYN Hurlingham is hosting a free valuation afternoon tomorrow (18 June) in collaboration with the experts from Lots Road Auctions. Taking place from 3 – 6pm in the Walled Garden, the event offers the opportunity to meet auction professionals – all while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Free, reserve a spot here.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Underestimate the power of beavers: their reintroduction in October 2023 has prevented flooding in Paradise Fields in Ealing for the first time in years. The council has been trying to solve the issue since the 1970s, but less than a year after the animals were introduced to the site they managed to build a network of at least five dams and successfully slow the flow of water downstream.