After Spain lifted the World Cup this summer, you can be sure that the team had a healthy glug of champagne. Indeed, the event’s official champagne, Taittinger, had even created a special limited edition Brut Reserve for the occasion. What a shame then, at least for wine lovers, that so much of it will be sprayed into the air.

“That’s not how wine is meant to be enjoyed — we’d rather it was sipped than sprayed,” laughs Matteo Lunelli, the CEO of sparkling wine brand Ferrari Trento. It's the sponsor of sports events as varied as the America’s Cup to the Italian Open tennis tournament, from the matches of Juventus FC and, up until last year, when it was succeeded by Moet & Chandon, of Formula 1 too.

“But the fact is that the drink has become associated with moments of joy, like victory in sports. I mean, we’ve partnered with art events too, and for official state events, and you certainly won’t see much spraying there”.

On paper, taking a bottle of expensive liquid and spritzing everyone around you with it is a strange idea. And, indeed, the first time it happened wasn’t planned. Sure a relationship between champagne and Formula 1 goes back to 1950, when Moet & Chandon gifted a bottle to the legendary Argentine racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio, winner of the French Grand Prix that year at the Les Amis De Gueux circuit in Champagne. But it was 60 years ago this year when the Swiss driver Jo Siffert, winner of the Le Mans 24 Hour race, first took a bottle and soaked his fellow podium people.

There’s more to that story though. Siffert always claimed he hadn’t meant to — the bottle had been sat in the sun and the cork popped unexpectedly, he reckoned. But not so the following year, when 1967’s Le Mans winner, American driver Dan Gurney, quite deliberately gave his bottle a good shake (this wouldn’t have worked with anything other than champagne or sparking wine, of course, and a can of Fanta just wouldn’t have cut it) and let rip. He was, as he would later explain himself, “beyond caring and just got caught up in the moment”.

'The ultimate celebratory moments'

Thus the tradition of the winner receiving a bottle of champagne became one of spraying it, a tradition deemed so iconic that in countries where alcohol isn’t permitted (across the Middle East mostly) a sparkling fruit juice is used, which introduces drivers to a different kind of sticky moment. Mercedes team head Toto Wolff even claimed that Sprite was used at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. There’s no getting away from the fact that it’s a great moment to watch, too.

So when doesn’t it happen? On occasion there is politics. In 2005 a number of race teams pulled out of the United States Grand Prix after the assessment by Michelin that their tyres couldn’t safely navigate a banked final corner. Fans were somewhat pissed off with the greatly diminished race and booed the podium, leaving winner Michael Schumacher and runner-up Rubens Barrichello, who shared the fans’ disgruntlement, refusing to spray. Not so the third place finisher Tiago Monteiro. It was his first (and, it would turn out, only) time on the podium. He wasn’t going to miss the opportunity. But on other occasions there is sadness. It has also become tradition that the wine isn’t sprayed — isn’t even opened — if a driver has been killed or seriously injured during the race.

“Champagne is all about celebration and I think that podium moment in Formula 1 must be one of the ultimate celebratory moments. It’s a reflection of the feeling you get when drinking it,” says Rachel James, head of partnerships for Silverstone, the birthplace of the modern Formula 1 World Championship.

'The Elevated Option'

From a business standpoint of course, having your bottle on the podium is about as high profile a moment as any marketing team could wish for.

“There’s a huge visibility to the celebratory moment, especially given social media now. It’s more joyful to see an image of someone spraying wine than it is just holding a trophy,” explains Ferrari Trento’s Lunelli. An estimated three billion people — over a third of the global population — watched the World Cup final, while F1 reaches almost two billion over a season.

No wonder competition to win the various Formula 1 contracts, be that for track or team sponsorship deals, is intense. Big name G.H Mumm was a sponsor for a long 15 year run, but so too Chandon — a much less well-known Argentine sparkling wine maker — who soaked the podium for two years, followed by relative newcomer Champagne Carbon.

And the commitment for a smaller player can be daunting. The kicker to the high profile is that, while any champagne or sparking wine brand that signs a sponsorship deal will sell a lot of its tipple, it also has to be a big enough operation to guarantee the supply of vast quantities of it. And, since high rollers who have paid big bucks for hospitality are going to be drinking it, at a very high quality too.

But there’s another reason why we should get used to seeing more fizz at the football, or any other big sporting event: because, as Lunelli puts it, “they’re becoming more like curated entertainment events beyond whatever the athletes are doing”. The synergy, to use some PR-speak, between luxury, high-end hospitality and sports is intensifying, as the world of luxury is said to move from being about buying stuff to more about access to exclusive experiences. Not for nothing is Silverstone, for example, set to unveil a partnership with the Michelin-starred Park Lane restaurant Labombe by Trivet this summer for its ‘ultra-premium’ trackside hospitality lounge The Vale.

“There aren’t many moments that can be so emotional to so many people at once, and sport delivers on that. It’s something a lot people want to be involved in,” says James.

“And increasingly I think when they go to these really big sports events they associate it with the elevated option — champagne has to be there”.

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Will Ospreay has spent a sizeable chunk of his life wrestling in rooms you would not want to spend an evening in.

"For years I went up and down this country wrestling in workingmen's clubs, in church halls, in filthy, filthy nightclubs with some very questionable people on the outside," he tells Shortlist. "I did it because I was so in love with pro wrestling... It wasn't ever about making money for me. It was all about getting that thrill and getting that excitement. And then when I found out I could make money, it was even better."

On 30 August, the Essex native goes from those nightclubs to the top of the poster at Wembley Stadium, headlining AEW's biggest show of the year, All In, in front of a massive crowd in the UK’s biggest venue. It is his third appearance at the stadium, and the first in a main event slot.

"It fills me with a lot of pride and joy," he says.

Speaking to us the morning after the World Cup final — caffeinated, cheerful, and armed with an early Starbucks — Ospreay is in the strange position of being a lifelong Wembley pilgrim who now works there. Ask him what image the stadium conjures and the answer isn't a wrestling one.

"Oh, honestly, Oasis," he says. "Oasis performing in Wembley Stadium was something that I'd watch on YouTube all the time. But there are so many other different moments in time like football, concerts, or just that iconic archway."

What he misses about the church-hall years, it turns out, isn't the wrestling at all.

"The car journeys with some of the people that I used to travel with," he says. "I genuinely had such a great time hearing stories and just getting to connect with people you didn't know you had so much in common with. It was always fun whenever you got a car full of Essex boys going up to Birmingham or to Cardiff."

He still gets the travel, just with better legroom and different company. Ospreay lives in the UK and works predominantly in the United States, and he and his wife make the trip together. "Nowadays, we sit on the plane next to each other and get the old Mario Kart out."

Coming home

He did watch the final, for the record, and he was not on Argentina's side. "I was so happy that Argentina lost," he says, of a match in which Spain's Ferran Torres settled things in extra time and Enzo Fernández had already been sent off. "I've never seen such cheating and horrible play — unsportsmanlike to a T. I'm so glad Spain won. ¡Viva España!"

The football framing is his own. At Forbidden Door (AEW’s June PPV), Ospreay described his match as his World Cup semi-final. England, as it turned out, didn't get past theirs. So: is the AEW World Championship coming home at Wembley?

"I don't ever want to say 100% yes, because anything can happen on the night," he says. "But what I can tell you is I'm going to leave every single little bit of me in that ring to make sure that I bring home the most important championship in pro wrestling back home to England."

Peak Wrestling

So we put the pitch to him directly: what would he say to a Shortlist reader who has never watched AEW, or who hasn't watched wrestling since the Attitude Era? Why should they buy a ticket?

"If you've not watched since the Attitude Era days, we have far surpassed those days with just how our athleticism and our in-ring action take front and centre spotlight," he says. "It's so important now to present wrestling in a sports environment, for myself anyway, to show people that there are different ways of telling different stories in wrestling.

"There are so many people now from every walk of life that get to come through as a fan and celebrate all together. It reaches out to different cultures, different races, different religions. It's something that bonds us all, and the fact that it's all going to culminate in Wembley Stadium is such a momentous thing."

He is realistic about the limits of a sales pitch, mind.

"If you're not interested, I can't convince you otherwise," he says. "The only thing that I can tell you is this is something that I've wanted to do since I was a 14-year-old boy, and I could never imagine that this was the dream in front of me. I couldn't tell you that this was it, because it was never done before. There was wrestling once upon a time in Wembley Stadium. It was in 1992, and then that was it. AEW has come along and has rewritten the book of what professional wrestling is, and if you want to give it a chance, or even just give me a chance, I think I might be able to change your mind."

Give him a chance where, exactly? If a newcomer were to watch precisely one Will Ospreay match, he wants it to be his 2024 Dynasty bout with Bryan Danielson.

"That matchup at Dynasty was something where I felt like I finally became the guy that I wanted to become," he says. "And to be in there with a legend that is Bryan, I think it is a perfect mix between the technical ground style of professional wrestling and the high-paced hybrid style that I was able to bring into wrestling."

Since we spoke to Ospreay, the Wembley main event has been made official, and it comes with its own back catalogue. He will challenge Kenny Omega, the Canadian who holds the AEW World Championship and has a claim to being one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. The two met twice in 2023, most recently at Forbidden Door in Toronto — Omega's home country, where Ospreay cheerfully played the villain and took the IWGP United States Championship off him in a match heralded as one of the best to ever grace North American soil. Wembley completes the trilogy.

Hidden Blade

Ospreay is relentlessly loud about British independent wrestling, so we offered him a hypothetical: teleport one current UK indie name onto the Wembley card. He immediately began negotiating for more.

"Can it be two?" Told he could have as many as he liked, he went bigger. "I mean, in that case, the entire EVE roster (Pro-Wrestling: EVE is a British independent women's professional wrestling promotion). But if I have to pick, then Lana Austin and Hollie Barlow. I get so much joy from watching those two wrestle.

"Lana especially, just because I feel like our careers have kind of been next to one another. When we first came up, I just really wanted to see her do well, wanted to see her get more opportunities, and she has just found this incredible partner in Hollie, who — they both know how to yin and yang off one another. They're brilliant. I love them."

Ospreay is closer to EVE than most, too, he helps produce it, and there is a Wembley-weekend plug ready to go. "It's just my brainwave. Of course I want people to come to see it over Wembley weekend. We'll be at Walthamstow in the Big Penny Social on the Friday."

He is just as keen to point people down the road on the Saturday, where RevPro runs Wembley Arena. "I had such a great tenure with RevPro; they were the backbone and the foundation of my career, and I'll definitely be in attendance just to make sure they're all doing everything okay. I just want to support from the sidelines."

Through the Curtain

Home-turf shows do not come with a ritual, or at least not a pub-based one. Ospreay doesn't let loose until the job is done — and he doesn't start thinking about the match until the last possible moment.

"For me, I just don't think too much about it. I like to think about it the moment I'm about to walk through the curtain," he says. "A lot of people do headphones before they wrestle; it just never was for me. I see how it can get people in the mood, because when I listen to music when I work out, it gets me in a mood for that.

"But for me, I like to listen to what the audience is feeling. Do they feel tired? Am I performing to more men? Am I performing to kids? Am I performing to women? I like to just close my eyes and listen to what the audience is kind of saying and what energy I can feel. In that way I can transform myself into whatever I need to be before I walk through the curtain."

And after? This is where the interview took a turn.

"Probably something sweet, like a bunch of Original Glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts," he says. Pushed on a number, he treated the question with the seriousness of a man who has genuinely thought about it. "So that's an open-ended question, because what are you giving me? Are you giving me 24 hours to eat as many doughnuts as humanly possible? As long as you're talking Original Glazed, I think I could eat 100 in one day. I'm not even joking. I think I could easily do it."

He has, he admits, looked up the calories. "It would be astronomical."

Then, unprompted: "I want it to rain Original Glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts if I win at Wembley on August 30th."

Beyond the Mat

Between shows, the wind-down is video games — in short doses. Ospreay is currently working through the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake in half-hour instalments.

"I only play games for like 30 minutes at a time, because it just hurts my brain after a while," he says. "It's very good for me to shut off. If a lot is going on around me, I can just put my video game on and blend into the background there. But it does something to my brain — I just can't look at the screen too long. It winds me up a little bit, and I think it's because I'm focused in so hard. When I'm watching a film, I just relax. But when I'm playing a game, my brain is so stressed out trying to complete some of these things."

Ospreay has spoken before about having ADHD, and the same hyper-fixation applies to the day job — with a much steeper drop on the other side.

"It takes me a while to come down from any type of wrestling high that I get," he says. "It's so difficult, because when you get so hyper-fixated on something, and then you do it and it's done, you don't really know what to do with yourself. You just have to find something that brings you down to a level where you can function as a human.”

Asked whether he has any advice for conquering that post-achievement burnout, Ospreay points to his family.

"Honestly, a lot of it was my son. Becoming a stepdad was such a crazy thing in my life that has helped out my ADHD so much, because it was a way of separating the two worlds: this is my personal world; this is my real world."

Working alongside his wife might sound like it collapses that partition, but he insists the opposite. "We're able to separate it very well. Sometimes things will trip you off, and it will impact your day at work. But at the end of it, we're very happy people, and we love our job, and we love the family life that we're able to have because of our job."

Finally, because it seemed rude not to bring things back to food: the ideal London night out. Ospreay has a shortlist of one, and he is fairly sure of the name.

"There's a place in Mayfair. I think it's J.W. Steakhouse. It's the best steak I've ever had in England. When you've had steak in Las Vegas and Tokyo, it's very hard to beat the level of deliciousness of that food," he says. "In fact, I might actually go there the Monday after Wembley, just to say, 'Well done for all the training. Well done for all that hard work.' Have a steak."

Doughnuts on the night, steak by the Monday. For a man about to headline Wembley Stadium, the post-match plan is reassuringly ordinary — but then, so was the church hall he started in.

AEW All In: London takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 30 August at 4:30PM. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster, with standard admission starting at around £31. The show also airs on pay-per-view via MyAEW.

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The summer of sports is gradually coming to an end, with many out-of-breath players and many spectators thoroughly hungover, after keeping up the sportsmanship game of boosting the UK economy through pints whilst watching others stay healthy. Between the World Cup, Silverstone, and Wimbledon, it’s a toss-up between which was harder to get tickets for. And not to sound like your Year 11 teacher, but preparation is key – and Wimbledon clearly feel the same, as the ballot for 2027 will be opening up very soon.

Even though it’s barely been a minute since Jannik Sinner lifted the glitzy (and weighty by the looks of things) trophy, we're already prepping for the next match point. As the 2026 Wimbledon Championships close and the grass recovers, those who didn’t make an influencer invite or make it out of the queue are already eyeing up the first ball thwack of the 2027 season and getting on the guest list to see it.

As well as the famous queue which offers everyday joes a chance to get on-the-day tickets (one of the only major sporting events in the world to offer this), most people – at least those without a follower count or an Oscar nomination – have to head to the ballot for tickets. The mysterious Wimbledon Public Ballot allows anyone and everyone (read: plebs) to get their hands on some highly coveted Centre Court, Court One and Court Two tickets. The powers that be at Wimbledon are pretty hot on keeping things as fair as possible, from the strawberries, which have strict rules (minimum of 10) and a strict price cap (£2.85), to the open queue, so it’s not exactly a surprise they use the ballot system as the easiest way to hand out the seriously sought-after seats.

If you’re looking to enter the ballot, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for the opening date, which is usually towards the beginning of September. Once it kicks off, it stays open for a couple of weeks, meaning you have ample time to enter your name. You can only register once per person, so it’s worth relentlessly messaging your mates’ group chat to remind them to enter too, so you can double your chances and create tension if only one of you makes it.

If successful, applicants are usually informed around January and February. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you will need to accept and actually pay for the tickets pretty quickly, as there’s a strict deadline by which you’re given to do it; otherwise, you’ll find them reallocated. Which would be the biggest fumble since Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter? It’s one entry per household, but the entry allows for two tickets, as Wimbledon knows it’s way more fun watching as a pair.

The ballot allocation is completely random, so you aren’t able to request a specific date or courts. On the plus side, it means you’ve got an equal chance at setting primo seats as everyone else.

To enter the ballot, you need to have a myWimbledon account, which is connected to the AELTC, which is basically the hub of all tennis-related updates, including the main site where you can book public courts around London. You can create an account via Wimbledon’s official website, where you can also opt in to updates that will keep you better abreast of the goings-on (aka ballot stuff).

If you’re not lucky enough to ace the ballot, there’s always the queue, which we have a complete guide on how to master.

The 2027 Wimbledon Championships will kick off (or hit off) on June 28th and run until July 11th, with the qualifiers taking place on the 21st.

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England is out of the running to win the World Cup. Yes, our hearts are broken and we’ll never quite recover.

But it will make getting a seat at a London screening of the actual World Cup final, Spain vs Argentina on Sunday, 19th July, that bit easier.

The bookies reckon Spain will take this one, which may be a relief if you’ll be rage-watching for revenge against Argentina rather than for the love of football.

Here are some of the spots we recommend checking out in London for this Sunday’s momentous match, which kicks off at 8pm.

Belushi’s London Bridge

Peak accessibility for groups of mates spread across London, Belushi’s is just a quick walk away from London Bridge train/underground station, and offers big screens and projectors for games, plus a VIP Dugout area. You can also specify bookings for booths, which is nice.

Boxpark (Wembley/Croydon/Camden/Shoreditch)

A mainstay of TV drop-ins during major matches and the New Year, Boxpark offers four venues across London for the World Cup final. You can book at Wembley, Croydon, Camden or Shoreditch. Tickets start at £11.52 including fees, and that also includes a drink, so you’re not looking at as big a ticketed outlay as it initially appears. Being Boxpark, you’ll also have absolutely loads of food and drink options to hand.

Pub on the Park

Right by London Fields, Pub on the Park has proved to be a World Cup hotspot, although we’re hoping it will be a lot more chilled this Sunday given we’re out of the picture. England matches were listed as walk-in only, but get in touch with the pub if you want to book.

The Shoreditch Arms

Shortditch High Street’s The Shoreditch Arms has a bar area dedicated to the beautiful game, Bar Kick. It’s purposefully arranged to get the most number of people the best view of football and F1 fixtures, while still offering pubby vibes. It’s found in the basement of the pub, although we imagine there’ll be some screens showing the match upstairs too.

Koko

Now here’s something different. Gig venue Koko will display the match on its projector screen before shifting into a club night that cracks on until 2am. Doors open at 6pm and you can get a slightly cheaper ticket if you plan on arriving by 6:30pm.

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You can barely exist in London without someone mentioning they’re training for a Hyrox. Whether you’re in the pub or the park, someone will casually bring it up, or be donning merch items from competitions they’ve completed, or you’ll be scrolling through a dating app and seeing it as a woeful prompt. Either way, it’s a growing epidemic, and the obsession just got yet another unofficial spin-off.

FLATOUT is not just how you feel once you’ve competed but the name of London’s latest “Hyrox-style” fitness race. It’s a full race-day challenge that’s built to test pace, power, and mindset. Similar to Hyrox, it combines running and functional workout zones into one full race. All of this will be coming to the Old Billingsgate Market in Tower Bridge in September.

Across the race, competitors will take on 4km of running in total, all broken down into 8 x 500-metre runs. The zones include: SkiErg, Goblet Squats, BikeErg, burpees (CTFs), Row Erg, Farmer Carry, lunges and GTOs (Ground to Overheads, i.e. you’ll be lifting a weighted object like a barbell or weight plate). Similar to Hyrox, the race format varies depending on what type of entrant you are; as well as the standard solo or doubles (both mixed and single sex), FLATOUT offers Elite, Relay, NextGen, and Sidekicks. Elite is essentially a pro-level, “built for those who want more from their training”, whilst NextGen is built for athletes aged 8-15. Sidekicks is a mix between the two, where one adult and one junior participant race together, sort of like a parent-child bonding for people who take communal electrolytes and green powder in the mornings.

It’s possibly one of the most scenic venues to be puffing away in, looking out over the Thames as you hide your red face. Also, FLATOUT is built around local gyms, with each zone being run by a local gym, meaning a qualified person will be overseeing each wave of competitors and making sure racers get through it properly and safely. Also, unlike most Hyrox arenas, the running sections will be outside, with racers being able to take in historic views of London’s sweeping skyline as they plod.

Tickets are still available for the London competition at Old Billingsgate, which is taking place on the 25th and 26th September. The ticket prices depend a little on what you're going for, but a solo entry is around £99, which will not only give you access to the comp, but a free spectator entry for any patient family members or friends, free professional pics, merch, and a medal, which is what it's all about really, isn't it?

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England's World Cup journey hasn't come to an end just yet, mostly in part thanks to the heroics of Jude Bellingham dragging the nation through to the semi-finals with two goals against Norway.

There were a few personnel doubts ahead of the Norway game, ranging from an ill Declan Rice to Jordan Henderson breaking his arm beforehand, but this time there seem to be fewer fitness issues. Reece James featured, so he's hopefully returning to fitness, with the only omissions from the squad the aforementioned Henderson and Jarrell Quansah, who's suspended.

Standing between England and a historic first World Cup final since winning the competition in 1966, England will take on Messi's Argentina on the 15th of July, kicking off at 8pm BST, a much more suitable time than the last few fixtures.

It does mean pubs and sports bars across London will no doubt be packed with fans, so we've compiled the best places to watch the big match. A few places that have already sold out are not included below, with our list hopefully still accessible for anyone in the city, itching to find a screen after work.

Here are our top picks, ranging from big sports bars to more intimate pubs and everything in between.

Belushi's

Belushi's London Bridge venue still has availability for tickets for the semi-final, promising giant screens and the sort of atmosphere that gets you pumped way before a ball is even kicked.

The venue has multiple floors packed with TVs and projector screens, as well as The Dugout, a dedicated viewing area for fans wanting to be right in the thick of the action. You can also book booths here for larger groups with food and beer, but these are likely to sell out very quickly.

BOXPARK

BOXPARK has been a staple of these guides during the tournament, mainly because big sporting events are what this venue does best. There are a few different locations to choose from: Camden, Croydon, Shoreditch and Wembley, a stone's throw away from the stadium. BOXPARK excels when it comes to atmosphere, usually the birth of multiple clips during the game that are sometimes even picked up by the broadcasters, so who knows, maybe your tears of joy/sadness will be televised.

For groups plagued by indecision, there are 14 different food traders across the venues, as well as multiple bars, so fetching drinks to throw around shouldn't be too much of a challenge. The event is ticketed, with some still available at the time of writing.

Market Place Food Hall

Market Place Food Hall is a great option for the game, with various locations dotted throughout London, including venues in Vauxhall, St Paul's, Peckham, Harrow, and its largest venue, Leicester Square. There are still tables you can book at these locations, with big screens and plenty of food options for groups who can't agree on what to eat before kick-off.

Being a food hall means queues shouldn't be quite as long as a usual pub, and the package deals on offer mean you'll get some beers with your table. It's a good option for larger groups who struggle with decisions.

Pub on the Park

Pub on the Park has become one of East London's more popular locations thanks to the 12 screens on offer, and its walk-ins only, serving the unorganised or spontaneous among us.

If you want a table, you'll need to arrive well before kick-off and plant yourself down in a good spot. It's not all doom and gloom if you arrive late, thanks to the takeaway pints and the outside atmosphere.

Barfly

Barfly, the legendary live music venue, was only reopened recently, but now you can go to the iconic venue to watch one of England's most important matches in years. Naturally, there will be a big screen and big beats coming from DJ Dan, so you can all but guarantee a big atmosphere here.

The event is also free, but you will need to get tickets in advance, and upon arrival, there's a healthy selection of beers on top of a new menu in collaboration with Wings and Springs.

Belleville Brewing Co.

For those seeking a slightly quieter atmosphere, Belleville Brewing Co.'s taproom is near Wandsworth Common. Fresh American-style craft beers are brewed on location and will be the perfect supplement during those nervier moments when Messi is bearing down on goal.

The game's being shown in full, with commentary on, for anyone who wants to listen to the BBC's punditry team. There are reservations for groups, although walk-ins are also accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bar Kick at The Shoreditch Arms

Freshly done up Bar Kick at The Shoreditch Arms is one of East London's strongest options for football fans — and the unorganised thanks to some availability for walk-ins. Tickets have sold out, but if you arrive early enough, you'll be able to find some space.

The venue is downstairs, home to six big screens and a bar perfectly made for tournament nights like this. Plenty of food and drinks are on the menu, so if you're in the Shoreditch area and didn't plan anything, you may be able to find a spot here.

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Whether you’re a die-hard Silverstone goer, someone who once had a model car, or someone who really enjoys watching men drive really, really fast, chances are you’ll have given F1 a bit of a watch. And the wonderful world of wheels just got a little more exciting as, for the first time, McLaren Racing are heading to a new venue: London’s O2.

Swapping the circuit for the stage, the formidable racing four: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Andrea Stella, and Zak Brown are heading to London's O2, pulling back the curtain on the engineering and tactics behind the zoomies, chatting Live in Conversation.

Skirting in on 14th December, the evening will have exclusive interviews from the two drivers, team principal, and CEO, as well as some special guest appearances from legends of the McLaren family from across the ages.

If you’re not familiar with the story behind the legendary team, it really is the stuff of biopics. Well, good biopics. The kind that have really big names playing another really big name. It all began with Bruce McLaren, a racing driver who dared to build his own car, and ended up creating one of the most enduring legacies in motorsport. For the next 60 years, the team took on famous races, won titles, and emerged victorious.

McLaren remains the only team to have ever completed The Triple Crown: winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Get Callum Turner's agent on the phone, stat.

During the evening, the current generation of McLaren racers will reflect on its long racing history, including celebrating their milestone 1000th Grand Prix this year, as well as a sneak preview of what’s to come across every next series, from Formula 1, IndyCar, World Endurance Championship, and F1 Academy.

The evening will be a chance for die hard fans and their patient other halves to geek out on McLaren’s trackside stories, hearing about how the team racked up 203 Grand Prix victories and 13 Constructors' Championships. Plus there’s bound to be all sorts of tales from McLaren of yore, with untold stories about some of the team’s most legendary (and decorated) racers, from Emerson Fittipaldi to James Hunt, Niki Lauda to Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Mika Häkkinen.

It will also be a nice closing review of the 2026 season, catching your breath after the onslaught of changes this season brought — from new engines, to new aero, you’ll hear the professionals talk about “the most sweeping reset of the Formula 1 rulebook in a generation.” It's sort of like a massive team huddle post-season, with fans, racers, engineers, and more all gathering together to look back at the year.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday 17th July at 10am, with the event taking place on 14th December at 6.30 pm.

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Keir Starmer has officially teased an extra bank holiday if England actually does bring it home and return victorious from this year’s World Cup.

Not to jinx anything, and please, have some wood handy to knock on for the duration of this article, but England have actually done pretty well so far during the 2026 World Cup. Whilst there are still two more rounds to go, including a face off against Erling Haarland Norway in a platonic heated rivalry esque match (or at least that’s what most of us are hoping for), there is already whispered, hopeful talk about what will happen if the team manage to bring it home.

Current UK PM Keir Starmer said: “On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.” Although the incumbent Prime Minister is set to resign soon, his official resignation date is 20th July, meaning the match would take place the day before. Call it a sweet sweet parting gift to the nation. Talk about ending on a high.

The Three Lions will have to beat Norway in the quarter finals first with the match set to take place on Saturday 11th July at 10pm. Until 2026, the squad has made it to fourth place twice previously, the first in Italy in 1990, and the second in Russia in 2018. Our last recorded win was in 1966 when we were also the hosts. Considering people who were born in the same year are turning 60 this year, let’s just say it has been a fair while since a big win. (For the men’s team that is).

If England beats Norway on Saturday, July 11, they will face either Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday, July 15 (who play each other in the early hours of Sunday morning). In the final, England could potentially face one of four teams: France, Morocco, Spain or Belgium.

If, if England does do the double, an Early Day Motion had previously been pencilled in for Monday 20th for the bank holiday, however it’s more likely it would actually take place on Friday 24th July as not to clash (and let’s face it, overshadow) the Labour Party leadership election.

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If there's one thing LEGO loves almost as much as launching another Star Wars set, it's building something absolutely enormous.

Its latest creation might just be one of its most ambitious yet. Standing 8.4 metres tall in the heart of New York City's Rockefeller Plaza, the toy giant has unveiled a towering replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy that's been built from an astonishing 1.36 million LEGO bricks.

The gigantic installation arrives as the 2026 World Cup enters its final stages, with Rockefeller Plaza serving as one of FIFA's biggest fan zones during the tournament. While the USA's hopes of lifting the trophy may already be over, supporters still have the chance to get up close to a version that's arguably even more impressive than the real thing.

At 25 times the size of the actual trophy, the brick-built monument is one of the largest LEGO models ever created. It stretches 8.47 metres into the Manhattan skyline, weighs around 4.2 tonnes and is based on the same trophy that has been presented to every World Cup winner since 1974.

It's also far more than a giant stack of plastic bricks. Hidden beneath the familiar gold exterior is a 3.5-tonne steel framework that supports the entire structure, allowing it to withstand both its own weight and the thousands of football fans expected to flock to Rockefeller Plaza over the coming weeks.

Creating it was no small task either. Over a period of eight months, a team of 59 designers, engineers and model builders worked at LEGO's production facility in Kladno, Czech Republic, spending more than 7,000 hours bringing the project to life.

Transporting it across the Atlantic proved almost as complicated. The finished model had to be dismantled into 16 individual sections before being shipped to New York and painstakingly reconstructed on-site, with some sections weighing as much as two tonnes.

"The numbers on this installation are mind-blowing," said LEGO Senior Designer Christophe Vietti. "It's the biggest mobile build ever made."

"The goal of the LEGO World Cup Trophy is to unite people through the love of football and play. This build brings that celebration to a whole new level and creates a landmark for fans visiting the FIFA Fan Festival during the closing stages of the tournament."

The final brick was ceremonially placed by Brazilian football legend Cafu, who officially opened the attraction alongside fans representing nations still competing in the tournament.

The trophy also marks the centrepiece of a new LEGO Fan Zone at Rockefeller Plaza, where visitors can take part in football-themed building challenges, help create a collaborative brick mural and even design their own custom minifigures at the nearby LEGO Store on Fifth Avenue.

The mega-build continues LEGO's recent run of increasingly ambitious real-world creations. Following last year's fully drivable Formula 1 cars and a growing collection of record-breaking installations around the world, the company seems intent on proving that almost anything can be recreated in brick form if you have enough patience... and, in this case, around 1.36 million LEGO pieces.

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Just when it looked like FIFA had finished assembling its all-star cast, it has pulled another global superstar out of the bag.

Justin Bieber has officially joined the line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final half-time show, adding yet another huge name to what is already shaping up to be one of the biggest live performances ever staged at a sporting event.

The Canadian singer will take to the stage alongside Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay and even the Sesame Street Muppets during the 11-minute spectacle at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on the 19th of July.

The performance will make history as the first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin helping curate the event in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative aims to raise $100 million to improve access to education for children around the world, with the show expected to be watched by hundreds of millions of viewers globally.

"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can," Bieber said following the announcement.

His inclusion feels particularly significant given his gradual return to live performance. After cancelling the remainder of his Justice World Tour in 2022 due to health issues, Bieber has largely stayed away from major concerts, making each appearance feel like an event in itself.

Earlier this year, he made his biggest return yet with a nostalgic Coachella set, revisiting early hits including Baby, Never Say Never, One Time and Beauty and a Beat, reminding fans why he became one of the defining pop stars of his generation.

For FIFA, Bieber's arrival only strengthens an already extraordinary bill. Madonna brings decades of pop history, Shakira is arguably football's most iconic musical performer thanks to Waka Waka, BTS remains one of the biggest acts on the planet, and Burna Boy returns following his performances at the tournament's opening ceremony. Together, it's a line-up designed to appeal to every corner of the globe.

The only lingering question is how FIFA plans to squeeze so many headline performers into an 11-minute show without anyone feeling short-changed.

As for the football, the tournament is reaching its dramatic conclusion, with the remaining nations battling for a place in the final while Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane continue their race for the Golden Boot.

Regardless of who eventually lifts the trophy, the final is now guaranteed to deliver one of the most star-studded half-time shows football has ever seen. With Bieber now on board, FIFA's first attempt at bringing a Super Bowl-style spectacle to the World Cup has become even harder to ignore.

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Lord's has welcomed some of the biggest names and greatest moments in cricket history over the past two centuries. This month, it's about to add another landmark occasion to the list.

From the 10th to the 13th of July, the Home of Cricket will stage its very first women's Test match, as England take on India in what promises to be one of the biggest events in the summer sporting calendar.

The four-day fixture marks a historic milestone not just for Lord's, but for women's cricket as a whole. While the famous ground has long hosted international women's fixtures, this is the first time a women's Test match has ever been played on its hallowed turf.

The occasion also arrives exactly 50 years after Rachael Heyhoe Flint became the first England Women's captain to lead her side out at Lord's. Half a century later, current captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will walk out onto the same ground to lead England into another significant chapter of the sport's history.

With England and India regarded as two of the biggest names in international cricket, the match is expected to attract packed crowds across all four days, offering fans the chance to witness a genuine sporting first.

A day at Lord's is about more than just the action in the middle.

Visitors can explore a huge range of food and drink options across the ground, from street food vendors to more upmarket dining experiences, including Tommy Banks' Edrich Restaurant. There'll also be luxury brand activations taking place throughout the venue for fans looking to pick up a special souvenir from the occasion.

Lord's remains one of the few major sporting venues where spectators are welcome to bring their own food and drink, including alcohol, making it an ideal excuse for a summer picnic while watching world-class cricket unfold.

Whether you're a lifelong cricket fan or simply fancy spending a sunny day at one of London's most iconic sporting venues, this is a rare opportunity to witness a genuine piece of sporting history.

England take on India at Lord's from the 10th to the 13th of July, with tickets starting from £5 for children and £30 for adults.

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London's most gripping sporting spectacle this month might involve athletes deliberately climbing 14 metres into the air with absolutely nothing underneath them except a stretch of dock water.

The North Face Climb Festival returns to Royal Victoria Docks this July after selling out in 2024, bringing a weekend of world-class climbing, live music and family-friendly activities to East London. Better yet, it's completely free to attend.

The headline attraction is a towering 14-metre Deep Water Solo climbing wall, built directly above the docks. Unlike traditional climbing competitions, there's no harness, no ropes and no safety mats. If competitors lose their grip, there's only one place to go: straight into the water below.

It's one of the fastest-growing disciplines in climbing and easily one of the most entertaining to watch. Equal parts sporting contest and spectacle, Deep Water Solo climbing rewards strength, precision and nerve, with every attempt carrying the risk of an unavoidable splashdown.

This year's competition will see some of Europe's best climbers descend on London after qualifying through events held across the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. They'll battle it out for a share of a £20,000 prize pot, with spectators able to watch every nail-biting ascent from the waterfront.

Even if you've never watched competitive climbing before, it's surprisingly addictive. One moment an athlete is gliding effortlessly up the wall, the next they're making an unplanned dive into the docks. It's tense, unpredictable and a lot more dramatic than your average afternoon at the climbing gym.

The festival isn't just about watching the professionals, either.

Across the weekend there'll be climbing experiences for visitors of all abilities, athlete-led workshops, family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn more about the sport from some of the world's best climbers. Whether you're a seasoned boulderer or someone who's never set foot on a climbing wall, the event is designed to be as hands-on as you want it to be.

Once the climbing finishes each day, the festival swaps chalk bags for turntables.

The live music line-up includes internationally renowned DJ Jyoty, dance music collective Girls Don't Sync, Femi Koleoso from Mercury Prize-winning jazz outfit Ezra Collective, alongside Rinse FM, bringing a festival atmosphere to the Royal Docks long after the final climber has made their descent.

Following a packed-out debut last year, organisers are expecting another bumper turnout, with the festival continuing its mission of bringing elite climbing into the heart of the city in a way that's accessible to everyone.

Whether you're there to cheer on Europe's best climbers, catch a DJ set in the sunshine or simply watch people willingly throw themselves into a dock in the name of sport, this is shaping up to be one of London's most unique free weekends of the summer.

The North Face Climb Festival takes place at Royal Victoria Docks this on the 17th of July, with entry free across the entire weekend.

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Japan's J.League has announced one of the most delightfully unexpected collaborations of the year, teaming up with The Pokémon Company to assign every single one of its 60 professional football clubs an official Pokémon.

The campaign, called Pokémon J.League Fest 'EVOLUTION!', launches ahead of the 2026-27 season and celebrates two major milestones at once. Not only does it mark the start of a new J.League campaign on the 7th of August, but it also forms part of Pokémon's 30th anniversary celebrations, with the franchise first launching back in 1996.

The theme of the collaboration couldn't be more fitting. With the J.League's current slogan being "Evolution! The J.League is evolving," each club has been paired with a Pokémon that will "evolve" alongside the team throughout the season. Expect official artwork, matchday graphics, social media content and promotional material featuring every club's designated Pokémon as the campaign unfolds.

It's a wonderfully simple idea that feels tailor-made for both football fans and Pokémon lovers. Whether your club has been matched with a powerhouse, a fan favourite or one of the franchise's more obscure creatures, there's bound to be plenty of debate over who got the best pairing.

Supporters attending matches won't be leaving empty-handed either.

To mark the launch, the league is giving away one million exclusive EVO BAGs across the season. Available only at home matches, each reusable bag features Pikachu alongside the home club's official Pokémon and club badge, making them a stadium-exclusive collectable. The bags won't be sold in shops, so the only way to get hold of one is to attend a fixture in person.

While the bags are the headline giveaway, the J.League has also confirmed that additional Pokémon merchandise will be released throughout the campaign, although exactly what that includes is still being kept under wraps.

This isn't unfamiliar territory for either side. The J.League and Pokémon first collaborated back in 2014 with the Family Join Days campaign, which saw young supporters receive exclusive Pikachu trading cards at stadiums across Japan.

Elsewhere, Pokémon has steadily built an impressive footballing CV. The franchise has partnered with FC Seoul in South Korea for themed fan events and merchandise, while UK fans may remember the Pokémon Futsal promotion launched alongside the English FA in 2019. That campaign produced a small collection of highly sought-after Pokémon Trading Card Game cards featuring Pikachu, Eevee, Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble showing off their ball skills.

The latest crossover, though, is comfortably the biggest yet. Rather than focusing on a single club or promotional event, every professional side across Japan's top three divisions is getting involved, making it one of the most ambitious sporting collaborations Pokémon has ever attempted.

With the new season kicking off in August, fans won't have long to wait before stadiums across Japan are filled with football shirts, scarves and a healthy dose of Pikachu.

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England's World Cup dream is still alive after a breathtaking win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, with Thomas Tuchel's side edging one of the tournament's greatest matches to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Next up is Norway, who stand between the Three Lions and a place in the last four. The match kicks off at 10pm BST on Saturday the 11th of July, a much friendlier time for supporters than England's 2am Round of 16 victory, meaning pubs and sports bars across London are expected to be packed with fans.

England could receive a timely boost with Reece James expected to return at right-back after recovering from injury. However, Tuchel will be without Jarell Quansah, who serves a one-match suspension after his red card against Mexico, while Jordan Henderson has also been ruled out after injuring his arm after tumbling over the advertising hoardings after the dramatic victory.

Whether you're after a giant fan zone, a dedicated sports bar or simply a great pub with plenty of screens, here are some of the best places in London to watch England vs Norway.

Market Place Food Hall

If you're after something a little different from the traditional sports pub, Market Place Food Hall is screening England's quarter-final across its venues in Vauxhall, St Paul's, Peckham, Harrow and its biggest venue, Leicester Square. Big beautiful screens are dotted throughout each location, so you won't have to fight for a decent view when the action gets underway.

With multiple bars and a wide choice of independent street food traders all under one roof, it's a great option for groups who can't agree on what to eat or drink before kick-off. The food hall setting also means shorter queues than your average packed pub, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to settle in for England's biggest game of the tournament so far.

BOXPARK

BOXPARK is once again going all out for England's World Cup campaign, with screenings taking place across its Wembley, Camden, Croydon and Shoreditch venues. If you're after atmosphere, this is about as close as you'll get without hopping on a plane, with giant screens, hundreds of fellow England fans and plenty of food and drink to keep you going through another huge knockout night.

With 14 independent street food traders across its venues and plenty of bars serving drinks throughout the evening, it's one of the capital's biggest football fan zones. Tickets are required, so it's worth booking ahead to avoid missing out.

TOCA Social

If you want to lean into the football theme, TOCA Social is an easy shout. The interactive football venue is screening England's quarter-final at both its O2 and Westfield White City locations, giving fans the chance to soak up the atmosphere well before kick-off.

Every ticket includes a free drink from the standard menu if you arrive early, while a matchday happy hour runs in the build-up to the game. Just bear in mind that this is a ticket-only event, and the football games themselves aren't included with your screening ticket.

Belushi's

Belushi's has been showing international football for years, so it knows exactly what supporters want on matchday. Both its London Bridge and Shepherd's Bush venues are screening England's clash with Norway, promising giant screens, booming commentary and the sort of atmosphere that starts building long before kick-off.

The London Bridge venue is the standout, with multiple floors packed with TVs and projector screens, plus The Dugout, a dedicated viewing area for fans wanting to be right in the thick of the action. There are also semi-private booths available for larger groups, alongside burgers, wings, loaded fries, craft beer and cocktails.

Tank & Paddle Bishopsgate

For City workers or anyone heading into central London, Tank & Paddle Bishopsgate is another excellent option. Just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, the venue offers both seated table bookings and standing tickets depending on how you'd rather experience the game.

Spread across two floors, Tank & Paddle pairs live football with its famous yard-long stone-baked pizzas and fresh tank beer brewed by Meantime. Arrive early and you can even squeeze in a game of shuffleboard before England kick off.

40ft Brewery

If craft beer is as important as the football, 40ft Brewery should be firmly on your shortlist. Both its Blackhorse Road brewery and Dalston taproom will be screening England's quarter-final, with free entry available for supporters.

Expect giant screens, fresh beer brewed on site and food from Acme Taco, alongside DJs helping build the atmosphere before kick-off. It's a brilliant alternative to the traditional sports pub if you fancy something a little different.

Bar Kick at The Shoreditch Arms

Fresh from a recent revamp, Bar Kick at The Shoreditch Arms is one of East London's strongest options for football fans. Head downstairs and you'll find six giant screens showing every minute of England's clash with Norway, alongside a lively sports bar atmosphere that's made for big tournament nights.

There's also a strong selection of classic pub food and drinks, making it an easy choice if you're based around Shoreditch or Liverpool Street and want somewhere dedicated to live sport.

Pub on the Park

Overlooking London Fields, Pub on the Park has become one of East London's most popular places to watch major sporting events. With 12 screens spread throughout the venue, you won't struggle to find a good view of England's quarter-final.

England matches are walk-ins only, however, so expect it to get busy. If you want a table, you'll need to arrive well before kick-off. Even if you end up watching from outside, takeaway pints mean you'll still be able to soak up the atmosphere.

The Golden Tooth

The Golden Tooth in Newington Green is throwing itself behind England's World Cup run by transforming both its pub and restaurant into one giant football venue for the evening.

Alongside ice-cold beers, fans can tuck into a special match-night menu created by chef Matthew Scott, featuring dishes including the Shearer's Bun, Steak and Ale Slice and a Yorkshire Hogget Vindaloo. Finish things off with the Builders Tea Basque Cheesecake if you need a sugar boost before the final whistle.

Belleville Brewing Co.

If you'd rather avoid the biggest crowds, Belleville Brewing Co.'s taproom near Wandsworth Common offers a more relaxed setting for England's quarter-final. The brewery will be showing the match with full commentary across all of its screens while extending its opening hours for the occasion.

Fresh American-style craft beers brewed on site are the main attraction, with World Cup specials often available during England games. Tables can be reserved for groups, although the best spots are first come, first served, so arriving early is still recommended.

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You can keep your glitzy Monaco, your high-speed Monza, and your tempestuous Interlagos. For sheer historical weight and Formula 1 racing pedigree, it’s the British Grand Prix all the way.

When the drivers line up at the Silverstone Circuit in rural Northamptonshire on 5th July, it will have been almost 100 years since the first ever British Grand Prix.

What’s more, Silverstone itself was the venue for the first ever Grand Prix of the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship back on 13th May, 1950.

Rather than continue spouting out fascinating trivia about this most prestigious of racing events (which would be interesting in itself), we thought we’d mark its big birthday by recalling some of the most memorable moments from British Grand Prix history.

Lights out – Go! Go! Go!

1. Ferrari’s first ever World Championship win

Ferrari secured its first ever Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix win at Silverstone on 14th July, 1951. Argentinian racer Jose Froilan Gonzalez beat the Alfa Romeo driven by Juan Manuel Fangio (who would go on to win the Championship) to secure maximum points.

Founder and all-round motor racing legend Enzo Ferrari famously said that his company’s maiden win in the now-established World Championship format had felt like he had killed his mother. Which sounds like an odd thing to say, until you consider his history as an Alfa Romeo test driver and the subsequent head of the Milan-based marque’s racing department.

2. Senna hitches a ride

Not all of the most iconic moments in motor racing come between lights out and the chequered flag. Back at 1991’s British Grand Prix, it was a casual piece of camaraderie between two fierce rivals that sticks in the memory.

When Ayrton Senna’s Ferrari ran out of fuel on the final lap, he was left stranded on the side of the track. Britain’s Nigel Mansell, fresh from a second-place finish, stopped to render assistance. The Brazilian legend hopped onto the side of Mansell’s Williams and, with a withering dismissal of an anxious marshal, they were off.

3. Hamilton’s soggy first win

Lewis Hamilton was a hungry young 23-year-old in only his second season as an F1 driver when he rocked up to Silverstone in 2008. He had finished third in his home debut the previous year, and hadn’t managed to score any points at all in his two most recent races.

The future superstar reminded the world of his prodigious talent with a masterful win from fourth on the grid. It was notable for being an early demonstration of Hamilton’s mastery in wet conditions, as he overtook his team mate Heikki Kovalainen and won the race by more than a minute.

4. Hunt’s non-win win

The 1976 British Grand Prix took place at Brands Hatch (which hosted all of the even years between 1964 and 1986, with Silverstone taking the odds), and produced one of the most thrilling races in the event’s history.

It was here that mercurial Brit James Hunt crashed on the first lap, initiating a red flag, and limped his McLaren back to the pits. Having initially been barred from joining the restart, the partisan crowd threatened to riot, prompting the stewards to acquiesce. Hunt went on to win the race, but was subsequently disqualified following an appeal from Niki Lauda’s Ferrari team.

5. Max crashes hard

The 2021 season was badly marred by a botched race control decision that led to Max Verstappen winning his first World Championship on the final day. It’s a shame, because the season that led up to that infamous mistake was an all-time great.

Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton went wheel-to-wheel throughout the year in what became an increasingly bitter rivalry, culminating in a huge high speed crash at Silverstone’s 190mph Copse Corner. Contact between the two sent the young Dutch driver into the tire wall at a frankly staggering 51G of force. Hamilton would go on to win the race, if not the war.

6. Mansell’s late dash

A series of reliability issues and unfortunate events, together with an elite team mate in Brazil’s Nelson Piquet, would deny Mansell his first championship in 1987. However, the British Grand Prix that year would provide a solid consolation prize.

Hot on the heels of his fellow Williams driver, Mansell was forced to pit for new tires. Rejoining the track with a 28-second gap and only 29 laps left, he embarked on a breathtaking effort to haul the then-two-time champion in. He finally caught up and overtook with just three laps to spare, completing a hugely unlikely home victory.

7. Holy track invader!

At most sporting events, pitch or court invaders are a source of mild amusement at best, and bored annoyance at worst. In a sport that involves 600kg chunks of metal and carbon fibre hurtling across the ‘playing field’ at speeds of 200mph, they’re downright dangerous.

That was precisely the situation during the 2003 British Grand Prix when, on lap 11, former Irish priest Cornelius Horan managed to jump the hoardings and started running up the high-speed Hangar Straight, right into the path of oncoming cars. Thankfully, the safety car was swiftly deployed, and Horan was removed into police custody.

8. A wheel-ly weird year for Silverstone

The 2020 British Grand Prix was notable for a couple of reasons. The usual fanatical crowd was absent, for one thing, due to the then-raging coronavirus pandemic. This was also to be the first of two Grands Prix taking place across consecutive weekends at the same historic venue – the second being a 70-year commemoration of the first ever Grand Prix season.

Reigning champ Lewis Hamilton topped the opening event off in thrillingly unexpected fashion when he sustained a puncture on the final lap, just about managing to fend off a rapidly closing Max Verstappen to win the race on three wheels.

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The England football team play Mexico at 1am on Monday morning. It's likely to be a hectic one following Keir Starmer’s confirmation pubs will be allowed to open until 5am for the occasion.

“Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to,” Starmer said during the announcement.

If you plan to go big for this one, check out our guide to where you can see the match.

Based on some recently-commissioned research, you won’t be alone.

According to stats compiled by tech brand Honor, London has the highest proportion of football fans planning to stay up for the 1am match — at 80 per cent compared to a 68 per cent average across the country.

55 per cent of Londoners also have, or plan to, take time off work for World Cup matches, while around eight per cent even have plans to “pull a sickie” according to the research. Public service announcement: we don’t think you’ll get away with that following the England v Mexico match.

Late night adrenaline rush

The match itself takes place at Azteca stadium, and England captain Harry Kane is already making excuses should the team foul this one up. Azteca stadium sits 2240m above sea level in Mexico City, which both he and manager Thomas Tuchel claim puts the England team at a “huge” disadvantage — given their lack of training at altitude.

At the time of writing the betting odds place England as favourites to win the upcoming match, despite playing on Mexico’s home turf.

Research stats suggest 52 per cent of Greater London viewers struggle to sleep after a World Cup match thanks to all the adrenaline. But we imagine a few of you might have some sleepless nights over the weekend too.

Why is a Chinese tech brand like Honor commissioning research about London football fans? It’s all part of the marketing push for its new Honor Watch 6, which came out last month (and has an £80-off early bird offer until the end of this month, if you're interested).

The research also, to the surprise of no-one, also revealed we’re already unusually tech-pilled in London. Apparently 10 per cent of us already use a smartwatch, and even more — a full 15 per cent — use sleep headphones. Those ambulance sirens and snoring partners won't drown themselves out, right?

Don’t take these stats too seriously, though. Honor only commissioned a 2000-strong survey for these figures.

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England's World Cup campaign continues this weekend as Thomas Tuchel's side take on Mexico in the Round of 16, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.

After edging past DR Congo 2-1 to reach the knockout stages, England now face one of their toughest tests of the tournament. The only downside for supporters back home is the kick-off time, with the match getting underway at 1am BST on Monday the 6th of July.

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While pubs and bars can stay open later if they have the appropriate licensing or council permission in place, not every venue will be screening the game. If you're planning to watch alongside fellow England fans, it's worth booking ahead as many places are taking reservations for the late-night fixture.

From giant fan zones and dedicated sports bars to pubs staying open into the early hours, here are some of the best places in London to watch England vs Mexico.

TOCA Social, The O2

Football-themed entertainment venue TOCA Social is showing England's clash with Mexico at its Greenwich home. While it's best known for its interactive football games, the venue also transforms into a lively sports bar on major matchdays, complete with large screens, cocktails, sharing platters and plenty of seating. It's a great option if you're planning to make a full night of it before the early morning kick-off.

BOXPARK (Croydon, Shoreditch and Wembley)

BOXPARK's venues in Croydon, Shoreditch and Wembley have become some of London's go-to destinations during major football tournaments, and England's last 16 clash with Mexico is no exception.

Expect giant screens, buzzing fan zones, street food from a range of independent traders and plenty of bars serving drinks into the night. Tickets and advance bookings are recommended, especially given the unusual 1am kick-off.

Box (Piccadilly)

Located in the heart of the West End, Box Piccadilly has built a reputation as one of London's best sports bars thanks to its wall-to-wall screens and lively matchday atmosphere.

England's showdown with Mexico will be shown live into the early hours, with food, cocktails and beers available throughout the night. Booking ahead is recommended as tables are expected to fill quickly.

Hope & Anchor (Brixton)

Another south London favourite opening specifically for England vs Mexico, the Hope & Anchor is taking advance bookings for the overnight screening. With more than 20 indoor and outdoor screens, it's one of the biggest sports pubs in the area and is known for its lively football atmosphere. If you want to watch the game surrounded by fellow England fans, this should be high on your list.

Long Arm Brewery & Tap Room (Shoreditch)

Located inside Montcalm Royal London House in Finsbury Square, Long Arm Brewery & Tap Room will be screening every England match throughout the tournament.

The venue combines fresh craft beer brewed on site with large screens and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great option if you want something a little different from the traditional sports pub. Food and drinks will be available throughout the evening as fans settle in for another late-night fixture.

Arcade (Battersea, Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road)

For those who'd rather pair the football with dinner, Arcade is showing England vs Mexico across its Battersea Power Station, Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road venues.

The food hall brings together kitchens serving everything from burgers and pizza to Thai and Indian dishes, alongside a well-stocked cocktail menu. Large screens throughout the venues mean you can catch every minute without sacrificing your dinner plans.

Rae's Summer Sports Lounge

Formerly known as Omeara, Rae's Summer Sports Lounge at The Lowline near London Bridge is showing every England match throughout the tournament, including the last 16 clash against Mexico.

The venue will feature more than eight large screens, DJs before and after the match, six beers on tap and premium cocktails, plus plenty of food options from The Lowline's traders. Doors open from 10pm, giving fans plenty of time to settle in before the 1am kick-off. Next door is one of our favourite London pizza spots too — Spring Street Pizza.

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The idea of doing exercise, especially in summer, falls into the same category as volunteering or homecooking – something that works far better in theory than in reality, and is usually thought about with most vigour right before you fall asleep on a Sunday evening having spent the entire weekend horizontal. But by the time you Google "London gym membership prices" and see the gallery of impressively fit, somehow attractively sweaty people splashed across the website, it all gets a little off-putting.

Enter the BON CHARGE method, a new series of expertly crafted workouts that you can do from the comfort of your own home.

BON CHARGE is the wellness company behind the kind of red light products that look like they could have fallen out of a Steven Spielberg / Gore Verbinski set. As well as the red light masks you’ll have seen all over your girlfriend’s fyp, BON CHARGE offer things like red light caps (to help with hair growth, yes really), infrared sauna domes, and EMF-blocking blankets. Their new ‘method’ has been created by celebrity trainer Flik Swan, and it’s all about bringing elite training to busy Brits without them even needing to leave their home.

Rather than a subscription-based model that requires your life savings for the vague promise of lightly visible abs, every workout episode is free to watch (and pant at) on YouTube. Hear the words ‘celebrity personal trainer’ and ‘wellness brand ’, and you might be panicking that you’re about to be subjected to some kind of medieval-style torture via burpees that you’ll end up pausing four minutes in.

However, this workout series follows four different segments: movement, breathwork, performance, and relaxation, meaning the whole thing is less about getting shredded and more about building up a more balanced inner wellness. It's all about helping busy Londoners squeeze in a bit of wellness without needing to sign up for a 12-month boot camp.

The classes include:

• 360 Sculpt: A full-body, high-energy, and calorie-burning session that focuses on strength and resistance. An immersive session that combines body weight movement, light exposure and recovery.
• Sound Bath Meditation: Guided recovery experience blending sound, breathwork and deep rest. Best utilised for evening wind-down rituals to support moments of calm, relaxation and reset.
• Sculpt & Stretch: A restorative new category of wellness exploration combining performance and recovery. Specifically designed for time-poor Brits, this daily wellness ritual focuses on light, mobility, flexibility and movement.

Each class is designed to use a different Bon Charge tool, from the red light panel to the infrared PEMF Mat, red light face masks and blankets. Whereas you can often buy a wellness product and end up tugging at a few buttons and hoping for the best, the sessions are meant to help Londoners get the most out of their existing wellness toys tools so just maybe, you can justify that Black Friday purchase which has been used approximately twice.

It’s a demystifying-the-wellness-and-fitness-scene kind of series which has been created around science, and executed by a professional trainer, which makes a nice change from vaguely trying to copy something you saw a part-time fitness influencer post on Instagram.

You can find The BON CHARGE method workout series, on their YouTube channel.

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Getting Wimbledon tickets can feel more elusive than Glastonbury tickets at times, leaving some Brits (me) wishing that bribery was an acceptable way to get around the ballot. Even if the bribe would probably consist of things currently listed on my Vinted page and whatever unopened bottle of wine is in the back of our kitchen cupboard. And if you’re not prepared to do the whole 4am queue thing, then often the closest you end up getting to the prestigious courts is watching it on a large screen in a busy area of London. This year might be an exception, however, as tennis legend Maria Sharapova is set to give away eight Wimbledon tickets to some very lucky Londoners.

Technically, Stella Artois is the one actually supplying the tickets, with Sharapova hosting the competition, which will be taking place at The Audley in Mayfair. The only catch? It's a one-day-only gig happening on Thursday, 2nd July.

To actually be in the running for the tickets, you’ll need to head down to The Audley pub in Mayfair on 2nd July between 5-7pm. You’ll need to buy a pint or half pint of Stella Artois (or Stella 0.0), which will be served in an exclusive glass, and scan the QR code on the coaster it comes on. You’ll upload a photo of your chalice of beer with your details, which will be your entry into the prize draw. The competition kicks off at 5pm and the winners will be announced by Sharapova between 6-7pm so this is definitely one of those occasions where you do not want to be running late.

All the tickets are for the highly coveted Finals Weekend with a pair of tickets up for grabs for Court 1 across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Plus, there are two Ground Pass tickets for the Sunday, too.

Currently, we’re three days into Wimbledon, and have seen the Venus sisters return to the grassy courts, Naomi Osaka making tennis fashion history, and a plethora of British celebs guzzling Pimms. The lineup for the Finals Weekend is yet to be determined, as the current seeded players are battling it out to progress.

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Finally, the group stage is done, and now the real World Cup begins. England's reward for topping Group L is a Round of 32 clash with DR Congo, kicking off at 5pm on Wednesday the 1st of July.

It's an awkward start time that means thousands of fans will be making a beeline from the office straight to the pub, but that's all part of the fun. If Thomas Tuchel's side are going to keep their World Cup dream alive, you'll want to be somewhere with a decent atmosphere.

As ever, London's biggest football venues have gone all in for the occasion, with giant screens, fan zones and plenty of pre-match pints on offer. You might notice one or two familiar names missing from this list. That's because some of the capital's biggest World Cup destinations, including Flat Iron Square, have already sold out for England's knockout opener.

If you haven't locked in your plans yet, don't panic. These are the best places still worth booking, or getting to early, for England v DR Congo.

TOCA Social (The O2 and Westfield White City)

If you want to lean into the football theme, TOCA Social is an easy shout. The interactive football venue is screening England's World Cup Round of 32 clash against DR Congo at both its O2 and Westfield White City locations, with doors opening from 3pm to give you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere before the 5pm kick-off.

Every ticket includes a free drink from the standard menu if you arrive before 4pm, plus there's a match-day happy hour running in the two hours before kick-off. Just bear in mind that this is a ticket-only event, so you won't be able to rock up on the day, and the football games themselves aren't included with your screening ticket.

BOXPARK (Wembley, Camden, Croydon and Shoreditch)

BOXPARK is once again going all out for England's World Cup campaign, with screenings taking place across its Wembley, Camden, Croydon and Shoreditch venues. If you're after atmosphere, this is about as close as you'll get without hopping on a plane, with giant screens, hundreds of fellow England fans and plenty of food and drink to keep you going through the knockout drama.

Tickets are required for entry, with doors opening from 2pm ahead of the 5pm kick-off and last entry at 4pm. With 14 independent street food traders on site, it's also one of the better options if your group can't agree on what to eat before kick-off.

Greenwood, Victoria

If you're looking for somewhere central, Greenwood is hard to beat. Just a couple of minutes from Victoria Station, it's an easy option for anyone escaping the office before England's 5pm kick-off. With more than 30 HD screens spread across two floors, plus a huge 150-inch LED video wall, you won't have to worry about missing a moment of the action.

The atmosphere is firmly geared towards live sport, but Greenwood also scores highly on the food front. Think chicken wings, burgers and stone-baked pizzas alongside a solid drinks menu, while the spacious terrace is ideal if you fancy making an afternoon of it before heading inside for kick-off. It's one of the strongest all-round options in central London for watching England's World Cup knockout clash with DR Congo.

Tank & Paddle, Bishopsgate

For City workers who'd rather skip the mad dash across London, Tank & Paddle Bishopsgate is a solid shout. Just a short walk from Liverpool Street, it's screening England's World Cup Round of 32 clash against DR Congo with both seated table bookings and standing tickets available, depending on how you like to watch your football.

The venue is spread across two floors, serving up stone-baked pizzas that stretch up to a yard long alongside fresh tank beer brewed by Meantime. There's also shuffleboard and classic board games if you fancy arriving early and making an afternoon of it before kick-off.

Belushi's (London Bridge and Shepherd's Bush)

Belushi's has been showing international football for donkeys, so it knows exactly what fans want on matchday. Both its London Bridge and Shepherd's Bush venues are screening England's World Cup Round of 32 clash, promising huge screens, booming commentary and the sort of atmosphere that starts building well before kick-off.

The London Bridge venue is the standout, with multiple floors packed full of TVs and projector screens, plus The Dugout, a dedicated viewing area for fans who want to be right in the middle of the action. If you're heading out with a bigger group, you can also book one of the semi-private caves or booths with their own screens. Throw in burgers, wings, loaded fries, craft beer and cocktails, and it's an easy choice for anyone wanting a proper sports bar experience.

Belleville Brewing Co., Wandsworth Common

If you'd rather swap the packed sports bars for something a little more laid back, Belleville Brewing Co.'s taproom near Wandsworth Common is a great alternative. The South West London brewery is showing England's World Cup Round of 32 clash with full match commentary across all of its screens, while extending its opening hours for the tournament.

As you'd expect from a working brewery, the beer is the main attraction, with fresh American-style craft brews pouring straight from the source and special World Cup beers often available at discounted prices during England matches. Tables are available to reserve for groups, but the best viewing spots are first come, first served, so it's worth arriving early if you want the pick of the seats.

Bar Kick at The Shoreditch Arms, Shoreditch

Fresh from a revamp, Bar Kick at The Shoreditch Arms is one of East London's strongest options for catching England's World Cup Round of 32 clash. Head downstairs and you'll find six giant screens showing all the action, with the venue able to screen multiple games at once, although England will undoubtedly be taking centre stage on Wednesday evening.

Expect a lively sports bar atmosphere, classic pub grub and a solid drinks menu to fuel the knockout nerves. If you're based around Liverpool Street or Shoreditch, it's an easy after-work option that delivers exactly what you want from a big tournament screening without trying to reinvent the wheel.

The Volley, Old Street

The Volley was created with one simple idea: combine excellent beer with excellent football. Located just off Old Street, the independent sports bar has quickly become a favourite among fans who care as much about what's in their pint as what's happening on the pitch.

It's showing England's World Cup Round of 32 clash with DR Congo on its screens, but there's one thing to bear in mind. The venue is walk-ins only, so if you want to secure a spot for the 5pm kick-off, you'll need to get there early. For those who do, expect quality craft beer, a lively football crowd and one of the better matchday atmospheres in East London.

Pub on the Park, London Fields

If you're after a lively East London pub rather than a dedicated fan zone, Pub on the Park should be high on your list. Overlooking London Fields, the popular boozer has 12 screens dotted throughout the venue, making it one of the area's best places to catch England's World Cup Round of 32 clash with DR Congo.

There's one catch, though: England games are walk-ins only. Given the demand, the pub is expecting a packed house, so you'll need to arrive well before the 5 pm kick-off if you want any chance of grabbing a table. If you do end up spilling onto the pavement, at least they've got takeaway pints to soften the blow.

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The 139th Wimbledon Championships begin in earnest this coming Monday 29th June, kicking off a fortnight of impeccably manicured lawn tennis in London.

For attendees it’s a chance to dress up like a posh person, eat extortionately priced strawberries, and get slowly trolleyed on weak Pimms and smuggled-in cans of G&T.

For the plebs following along at home, it’s a chance to witness a genuine slice of sporting history. As the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, it’s the sporting highlight of the year for many, even in this World Cup year.

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With 149 years of service behind it, you’d better believe that the Wimbledon Championships have a storied history. We dare say there’s plenty about this tournament that you don’t know, no matter how much of a tennis fan you consider yourself to be.

Aided by a member of the Shortlist team’s recent trip to the on-site museum (which really is worth a visit, by the way), here’s a round up of some of the most interesting facts concerning the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Talking of which, what’s up with that name? It’s as good a place to start as any...

It’s just not croquet

What’s the name of the world’s most famous tennis club? If you said ‘Wimbledon’, you’ve fallen into an obvious trap. Rather, the Wimbledon Championships are played at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which nods to another fascinating fact: it wasn’t initially a tennis club at all. As hinted at by the last two words of the club’s name, the AELTaCC (as literally no-one calls it) was established in 1868 to play the distinctly un-tennis-like sport of croquet, which was massive in the Victorian era. Lawn tennis wasn’t added to the roster until 1875, though it quickly took precedence.

A Major breakthrough for the Welsh

Wimbledon, and the sport of lawn tennis that is inextricably associated with it, has come to be viewed as being quintessentially English. However, it was Welsh-born Major Walter Clopton Wingfield who popularised the sport in Victorian London. He patented a portable equipment set and ruleset for an outdoor variation of real tennis, which the British Army officer called Sphairistikè, in 1874. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club built its first tennis court the following year.

The first ever Wimbledon Championships

The inaugural Wimbledon Championships took place in July of 1877, and were won by local sports star Spencer Gore – an accomplished all-round athlete who also played high-level cricket for Surrey County Cricket Club. He won the first ever final in straight sets – numbering just three at the time – and was said to be the first player to implement volleying into his game. While he might have been a trailblazing sportsman, though, Gore evidently lacked vision, reportedly stating that “lawn tennis will never rank among our great games”. Fault!

Not the OG Wimbledon

The modern day All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club isn’t where the Wimbledon Championships were originally played – nor indeed where they took place for the first 45 years of their existence. Those early tournaments took place on Worple Road, about a mile south of the club’s present location. The club and competition moved up to its spacier Church Road venue in 1922, partly in response to the popularity of French tennis superstar Suzanne Lenglen. It should surprise no-one to learn that the first championship at this new location was blighted by rain delays.

A right royal achievement

Tennis fanatics will tell you that this is the sport of kings, and Wimbledon proved that point exactly 100 years ago. Back in 1926 the Duke of York took part in the gentleman’s doubles. That’s the same Duke of York who would go on to become King George VI – wartime monarch, last Emperor of India, and Liz’s dad. Yes, him out of The King’s Speech. This was to be the one and only time (to date) a royal participated in the championship – unless you count sitting in the best seat in the house, waving benignly, as participating.

When Wimbledon turned into a farm

What does one do with 42 acres of pristine grass and prime real estate during a time of war, when the capital is being bombed and your people are on rations? Why, one puts said verdant sports club to work, of course. Nursing sisters, the Red Cross, and the St John Ambulance all moved into SW19, as did the Fire Service and Civil Defence forces. Meanwhile, the main concourse was turned into a parade ground, and the car parks were turned into vegetable patches. If you had visited the club between 1939 and 1945, you would have been more likely to encounter a pig than a tennis ball.

Wimbledon went Pro later than you might think

Wimbledon is one of the most highly regarded professional sports tournaments in the world, yet it has only been this way for less than half of its life. It only ‘went pro’ – becoming an ‘open’ tournament and thus allowing professionals to compete alongside amateurs – in 1968, two years after England won the football World Cup on home turf. It was the first lawn tennis tournament to do so. The first winners of this Wimbledon Open era were the mighty Rod Laver for the gents and the legendary Billy Jean King for the ladies.

Even the ball girls and boys are elite

What does it take to become a ball girl or boy at the world’s best tennis tournament? It’s not as easy as being a football mascot, that’s for sure. Some 250 candidates are drafted from schools around the club, at which point they’re put through a tough training regime online, at school, at the Raynes Park Community Sports Ground, and on the Wimbledon courts themselves. After being assessed on their general fitness, ball skills, knowledge of the game, and handling of tie breaks and ball changes, only about a quarter of the entrants will make the grade.

The strawberries and cream tradition goes way back

The cynics among you might suspect that the whole strawberries and cream thing is but a modern ruse to part visitors from more of their cash. However, it’s actually a tradition that goes way back to shortly after the tournament began in 1877. Fruit consumption was strictly seasonal at that time, and the Wimbledon Championships just happened to coincide with the availability of this juicy ingredient. Strawberries might be easier to come by in modern times, but they continue to be viewed as a luxurious treat to this day – set off by an indulgent dollop of cream, of which 13,000 gallons are consumed every year.

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The Wimbledon tennis tournament holds the crown for the most wholesome sporting event in the world. It’s the Paddington Bear of professional tournaments. After all where else has quite the same dress code, the same calibre of National Treasures falling asleep in the Royal Box, and strawberries which have a strict price cap of £2.85? Borough Market could never. And perhaps the most wholesome fact very few people know… The whole staff eat together at the free canteen – from groundsmen to publicity, everyone is welcome at the on site eatery.

Given its Winne-the-Pooh-esque credentials, it’s not surprising that Wimbledon keeps things fair by offering up on the day tickets on a first-come-first-served basis, thanks to the famous Wimbledon queue.

The queue is perhaps the most democracy you’ll see in the UK, other than Twitter fan casting. From how to bag a spot in the queue to mastering your packing list, this is our complete guide to perfecting your Wimbledon day.

What you need to know

Where do I go?

The queue starts in Wimbledon Park, which is pretty easily accessible. It winds its way round to Gate 3 of Wimbledon Court where the tickets are actually sold. Once you join the queue, you’ll get an official Queue Card which helps keep track of who exactly has put in the grunt work (namely, got there at silly O'clock), and means no jumping or cutsies.

When does the queue officially open?

The queue runs every day of Wimbledon, and opens up the evening before with some die hard fans camping overnight to make sure they get tickets.

What time should I get there?

Obviously, the further into the tournament it gets, the more people it attracts. Generally if you’re wanting to make sure you get a ticket, you want to be in the queue before 6am. However, there’s going to be a difference between trying to get a ticket for Day 1’s early rounds, or if you’re trying to blag a ticket for the grand final. The earlier you go, the more likely you are to get a ticket, and if you’re heading for one of the earlier days, you’ll be fairly safe getting there for early hours. Go on weekdays if you want to avoid the huge crowds.

Is there a limit to how many people can queue?

Yes. There is a maximum of 10,000 queue cards given out each morning. Also, once the venue reaches it’s daily capacity (which is around 42,000 spectators), the queue will also close for new arrivals.

How much will it cost?

A Grounds pass is £30, which is a straight up bargain. Obviously your day will end up being a little more in total depending on how many strawberries you consume.

How many tickets can I get?

It’s limited to strictly one queue card (and ticket) per person – see earlier about Wimbledon being very fair. This means that you can’t take one for the team and do the queue by yourself, and you do need to be fairly organised if you’re going with a group of friends. We’re talking Ubers booked, phones charged with signal, and group snacks.

7 essential tips to absolutely boss the queue

1. Download the MyWimbledon app

AND do it whilst you have signal (i.e. before you join the queue). We’ll explain why later.

2. Register for court resale tickets straight way

Once you’ve got your grounds pass, you can head straight to the resale booth to register for resold court tickets. Basically, when people leave, their tuckets become available at a heavily discounted price (around a tenner) which means you can get onto the main courts to watch the big matches. You’ll need to fill in a form on the app in order to join the online queue, and be strategic about which courts you apply for, as the bigger the court, the less likely your chances. You can apply for two resale tickets.

3. Raid your nearby supermarket for snacks

Wimbledon is one of the only sporting venues where you can bring in your own food, and if you are braving the queue at 4am, it’s surprisingly hungry work. Make sure you’ve packed up the snacks, with something for breakfast as well as your picnic picky bits essentials.

4. BYOB

Again, Wimbledon is seriously fair when it comes to rules, and rather than banning outside food and drink and inflating the prices from in house vendors, you’re allowed to bring in your own fare. And that includes booze. Obviously you can’t bring in a trollyfull of Majestic’s finest, and there is a limit to how much you can bring in (usually one bottle per person), but definitely take advantage of it.

5. Bring a change of clothes

You do not want to be queuing in your finery – especially if it’s one of those record-breaking, hottest day-of-the-year days. Bring something comfy to queue in, and then change into your dress / suit / fancy gear once you’re in.

6. Bring entertainment

The queue is long, yes. You’ll be surroubnded by approximately 5,000 people. However, everyone seems to have that same kind of cheat-code day-off-school energy and it’s a pretty wholesome affair. If you have a pack of cards, Monopoly Deal, or Pass the Pigs at home, definitely pack them in the bag to make your queue time fo quicker. Also, as you’ll be queuing in the outdoors in (hopefully) lovely sunshine, bring outdoor games if you fancy it. A game of Twister in a London park with people you just met whilst you’re having a cheeky midday Pimms is surprisingly fun, to the point you could forget you’re actually waiting for something more exciting.

The Packing List

• Plastic cups to pour alcohol into: Rewash and reuse them on the grounds to avoid swigging out of the bottle like a drunk on Henman Hill).
• Sun essentials: Suncream, hat, a fan, a small foldable umbrella if you have one. You’re in the sun all day, and you will have put a lot of effort into actually getting into Wimbledon, so don't ruin it by having to leave early because of suspected sunstroke
• A picnic blanket – ideally not a towel, this doesn’t offer much space to sit on all day
• A 2L water bottle. Freeze it the night before and refill it throughout the day
• A change of clothes if you’re queuing – worth repeating so you don’t end up queueing in a dress/smart clothes
• A power bank - you’re in the wild (aka away from mains power) from about 4am until the end of the Wimbledon day, so bring a portable charger to make sure you can snap away throughout the day

You can find more information about getting tickets to Wimbledon at the Wimbledon official website.

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With $2.4m you could buy a top-spec three bedroom condo in New York or a Ferrari Daytona. The more artistically-minded might pick up a small painting by Picasso or Degas, or a Shakespeare First Folio. And music fans might buy a Gibson J0160E electric guitar - specifically the one previously owned by John Lennon.

On the other hand, the same money will buy you a couple of armchairs.

They’re not exceptional chairs in themselves, though, as Stuart McNeill notes, “they’re not IKEA” either. What makes them so valuable is that they will be pitch-side at next month’s World Cup final in New Jersey, the culmination of what’s been dubbed the most expensive football tournament in history.

Those sitting there will be able to mingle with the elated/dejected players at full time. They’ll be at the trophy presentation. They are, in short, the best armchairs in the house.

"We told them that was insane”

“This World Cup is such a big deal: because it’s in America, which is a place where wealthy people are interested in staying for a long time while the tournament is on; because FIFA has really opened the doors [to special access]; but also because there’s been a lot of controversy about ticket prices,” says McNeill, the founder of London's Knightsbridge Circle, a concierge company that’s making these seats available to its membership of some 100 families, seven of which, funnily enough, include world famous footballers.

There’s been no controversy about these eye-watering ticket prices though. Knightsbridge Circle has already sold another four seats. And it’s even managing to offer a discount. FIFA originally wanted $3m per pair - the money goes not to Knightsbridge Circle but to the association’s programmes supporting grassroots football - “but we told them that was insane,” says McNeill, with maybe just a hint of irony.

That there are those willing to pay quite so much to watch 90 minutes of sport (note the ticket price doesn’t include private jet travel, hospitality or security, which the concierge company will also arrange) is a prime example of a post-Covid shift in mentality, says McNeill.

“People sat down [during the pandemic] and thought, ‘I already have dozens of watches or handbags’ and maybe had a sense of not being able to take any of it with them,” he explains.

“The shift has been towards having experiences. And money can buy you access to once in a lifetime experiences. Once the first ball is kicked interest in the World Cup suddenly picked up, though [buying tickets] can be very last minute as clients find out how their team does.”

Sit with the stars

FIFA’s byzantine lottery system and the long wait to see if your application is successful? Fuggedaboudit, as Not Yoikers might have it. Having to peer around a pillar at the MetLife Stadium? Get the F outta here!

Indeed, for those unable to stretch to $2.4m, Knightsbridge Circle — which is the kind of company that can get Elton John to sing at your Christmas party, and has — is also offering some middle-tier seats at the final, with “pre-match hospitality”, for $48,000 a pair.

Nor is it alone among businesses aiming to make July a month to remember for the well-heeled. New York hotel The Mark, for instance, has a million-dollar package including penthouse stay and tickets to the final. Some are even providing swanky ways to watch a match on TV. Around $25,000 gets you four hours on a yacht cruising Biscayne Bay, off Florida, plus a meet-and-greet with 1997 FIFA World Player of the Year (...runner-up) Roberto Carlos.

That, presumably, is if Brazil doesn’t make it to the final, in which case he probably has his own armchair to fill.

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Whilst tennis fashion is creeping into a fashion category in its own right, the 'fits that immediately spring to mind when you hear the phrase are probably more along the lines of Serena Williams’ trendy gear, Naomi Osaka’s striking Aussie Open 2026 fit, or the chic lines of Roger Federer. However much like how cricket jumpers have crept out of Lord's and into loungewear, Wimbledon’s yearly collection is proving that tennis-inspired chic is quietly carving out its place in the fashion world.

From varsity inspired track-style jackets to functional, match-ready workout gear which will have you looking like you can clean up a 7-0 set even if the reality is your backhand can’t make it over the net, the 2026 collection is stacked. Here are our favourite picks.

1. Mens Racket T-Shirt, Green

There is a fine line between sportswear, merch, and a really nice basic done well, and that line is actually a fine-lined tennis racket logo. We seem to be in a deficit of classy but fun basics at the moment, and this tee shirt really helps to remedy that. Rock up to a chilled match in it, or wear it to the pub – the choice is yours and it works for both.

2. Navy Wimbledon Script Varsity Jacket

If one thing Americans do better than the UK it's sports merch – and specifically Varsity jackets. If you’ve also binged watch Off Campus and then pretended you’ve never heard of it, let alone seen it, you may have found yourself a). Believing in love again and b). Googling “Varsity Jackets” and trying to find one that doesn’t scream imposter. The Wimbledon take on the Varsity jacket adds a classy spin on the classic silhouette in a casual navy tone.

3. Men’s Performance Pique Swearshirt in White

Picture the scene – or rather the temperature: you’re heading to a casual game with your mates, and whilst you know you’ll heat up approximately 35 minutes into the game, shedding layers and sweating more than the Buckingham Palace press team during Newsnight. However, the only niggle is that it’s seriously cold out, and you need a jumper that isn’t from your floordrobe and doesn’t undermine your ensemble. Enter this jumper. The pique fabric is sweat-wicking so you can keep it on even when you do start feeling the heat too. Ideal.

4. Men’s Performance Court T-Shirt

Whilst our picks so far have leaned on the fashion side rather than the sporting gear, this performance tee earned a spot. You’ll probably be familiar with the MO of the strict Wimbledon palatte for the players – i.e. they’re required to wear whites, with only a small amount of colour shown across the whole outfit. One of the things that’s cool about the collection is that those rules apply to all the pieces, meaning you’re basically playing to the same level in some respect as the pros. The upshot of this is that the design team have to be a lot more creative with how they construct each piece. This sport top mirrors the classic lines of the court, bringing the architecure and design core of Wimbledon into the pieces. Plus, it looks cool and has great sweat wicking fabric. Win win.

5. Ottoman Bomber Jacket

Speaking of the strict colour rules, another way the design team creates interesting pieces is by playing with texture. This jacket which would undoubtedly make you look like your serve is more deadly than anything someone can cook up on Wii Sports is a prime example of this, using a classic silhouette updated with contrasting textures. Obviously the key thing we look for in any sports collection is the ability to wear the pieces from the court to the pub without looking out of place at either. Needless to say this jacket is a perfect example.

6. Cotton Sweatshirt with Crest Embroidery

Wimbledon holds the same kind of reverence as ‘Eton’ and ‘Oxford’, feeling indulgently traditional although luckily with less elitism and more athleticism. And whilst we love the collection pieces for being chic and sporty, sometimes you do just want a classic sweatshirt that screams merch (in a good way). This cotton sweatshirt brings all the old lines and old-school style you’d want with a clean, updated look. Whether you want to pretend you’re a preppy teen in The Crown or just want a comfy jumper that can be worn to gym classes instead of your brother’s baggy hand-me-down, this is one to have on your list.

• Lidl’s new England football shirt is designed to survive a soaking from flying pints

If you’re reading this, congratulations! You’ve, presumably, missed out on a ticket to the World Cup that actively hates its attending fans. No matter, because you can watch every game of the tournament for free in the UK (as long as you’re prepared not to sleep for about 25 of the next 39 nights).

The bad news? The Three Lions' hurt has now stretched to 60 years - and confidence is in short supply ahead of England vs Croatia. But for the first time since 1998, the Tartan Army’s back in the big time!

Hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada – but mainly the U.S. – World Cup 2026 stands to be the ultimate summer hate-watch. Remember Brazil vs Germany in 2014? It’ll be just like that, only with football’s soul clad in yellow and blue, and the pummeling spread over five and a half weeks and 104 games.

That’s at least 62.5% more football than you’d have got at any previous editions, which technically makes this the biggest World Cup ever. And as any American would tell you, bigger is always better.

Yet football’s rose-tinted light has an annoying way of beautifying everything it touches. Behold Lamine Yamal, 18 years of age and already the most mesmerisingly assured footballer on the planet. Harry Kane, as pacey as a pensioner running for the bus with a cart full of groceries, yet deadly in the box. Kylian Mbappe, derided but far more effective on the international stage than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The unknown who lifts the roof off with a wonder-strike and earns a £60m move to Chelsea on a 12-year contract.

Like Roger Milla’s dance, Roberto Baggio’s penalty and Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt, let’s hope the enduring image of this World Cup is something that happens on the pitch rather than off it.

The heat is literally on. Leave your refillable water bottles at home, beware of the ICE and things might be okay. FIFA was right about one thing, it turns out: football has united the world in some respects.

How to watch World Cup 2026 live streams in the UK

In the UK, every game of the World Cup is free-to-air courtesy of either the BBC or ITV. Scroll down to find out whch games are on which channels.

Each of the broadcasters will also live stream their coverage on BBC iPlayer and ITVX respectively.

It's not something to be taken for granted, seeing as virtually every game is locked behind a paywall in some places, such as the U.S..

Abroad right now? Can't get BBC or ITV? Don't panic. Tap into that free coverage with a good VPN, such as Norton VPN, which is fast, easy-to-use and comes with a nifty 60-day money-back guarantee.

Use a VPN to watch World Cup 2026 from anywhere

So, a VPN is basically an app that lets you access your usual (geo-restricted) streaming services from anywhere in the world, all while protecting your data. Well worth a few pounds a month – especially if you value your privacy.

We recommend Norton VPN for its speed and reliability. Give it a whirl risk-free for 60 days:

2026 World Cup fixtures

(All times BST)

GROUP STAGE

Thursday, June 11
8pm – Mexico vs South Africa | ITVX

Friday, June 12
3am – South Korea vs Czech Republic | ITVX
8pm – Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina | BBC iPlayer

Saturday, June 13
2am – USA vs Paraguay | BBC iPlayer
8pm – Qatar vs Switzerland | ITVX
11pm – Brazil vs Morocco | BBC iPlayer

Sunday, June 14
2am – Haiti vs Scotland | BBC iPlayer
5am – Australia vs Turkey | ITVX
6pm – Germany vs Curacao | ITVX
9pm – Netherlands vs Japan | ITVX

Monday, June 15
12am – Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | BBC iPlayer
3am – Sweden vs Tunisia | ITVX
5pm – Spain vs Cape Verde | ITVX
8pm – Belgium vs Egypt | BBC iPlayer
11pm – Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | ITVX

Tuesday, June 16
2am – Iran vs New Zealand | BBC iPlayer
8pm – France vs Senegal | BBC iPlayer
11pm – Iraq vs Norway | BBC iPlayer

Wednesday, June 17
2am – Argentina vs Algeria | ITVX
5am – Austria vs Jordan | BBC iPlayer
6pm – Portugal vs DR Congo | BBC iPlayer
9pm – England vs Croatia | ITVX

Thursday, June 18
12am – Ghana vs Panama | ITVX
3am – Uzbekistan vs Colombia | BBC iPlayer
5pm – Czech Republic vs South Africa | BBC iPlayer
8pm – Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina | ITVX
11pm – Canada vs Qatar | ITVX

Friday, June 19
2am – Mexico vs South Korea | BBC iPlayer
8pm – USA vs Australia | BBC iPlayer
11pm – Scotland vs Morocco | ITVX

Saturday, June 20
2am – Brazil vs Haiti | ITVX
5am – Turkey vs Paraguay | ITVX
6pm – Netherlands vs Sweden | BBC iPlayer
9pm – Germany vs Ivory Coast | ITVX

Sunday, June 21
1am – Ecuador vs Curacao | BBC iPlayer
5am – Tunisia vs Japan | BBC iPlayer
5pm – Spain vs Saudi Arabia | BBC iPlayer
8pm – Belgium vs Iran | ITVX
11pm – Uruguay vs Cape Verde | BBC iPlayer

Monday, June 22
2am – New Zealand vs Egypt | ITVX
6pm – Argentina vs Austria | BBC iPlayer
10pm – France vs Iraq | BBC iPlayer

Tuesday, June 23
1am – Norway vs Senegal | ITVX
4am – Jordan vs Algeria | ITVX
6pm – Portugal vs Uzbekistan | ITVX
9pm – England vs Ghana | BBC iPlayer

Wednesday, June 24
12am – Panama vs Croatia | BBC iPlayer
3am – Colombia vs DR Congo | ITVX
8pm – Switzerland vs Canada | ITVX
8pm – Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar | ITVX
11pm – Morocco vs Haiti | BBC iPlayer
11pm – Scotland vs Brazil | BBC iPlayer

Thursday, June 25
2am – South Africa vs South Korea | BBC iPlayer
2am – Czech Republic vs Mexico | BBC iPlayer
9pm – Curacao vs Ivory Coast | BBC iPlayer
9pm – Ecuador vs Germany | BBC iPlayer

Friday, June 26
12am – Tunisia vs Netherlands | BBC iPlayer
12am – Japan vs Sweden | BBC iPlayer
3am – Turkey vs USA | ITVX
3am – Paraguay vs Australia | ITVX
8pm – Norway vs France | ITVX
8pm – Senegal vs Iraq | ITVX

Saturday, June 27
1am – Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | ITVX
1am – Uruguay vs Spain | ITVX
4am – New Zealand vs Belgium | BBC iPlayer
4am – Egypt vs Iran | BBC iPlayer
10pm – Panama vs England | ITVX
10pm – Croatia vs Ghana | ITVX

Sunday, June 28
12.30am – Colombia vs Portugal | BBC iPlayer
12.30am – DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | BBC iPlayer
3am – Algeria vs Austria | BBC iPlayer
3am – Jordan vs Argentina | BBC iPlayer

KNOCKOUT STAGE

ROUND OF 32

Sunday, June 28
8pm – A2 vs B2

Monday, June 29
6pm – C1 vs F2
9.30pm – E1 vs A/B/C/D/F3

Tuesday, June 30
2am – F1 vs C2
6pm – E2 vs I2
10pm – I1 vs C/D/F/G/H3

Wednesday, July 1
2am – A1 vs C/E/F/H/I3
5pm – L1 vs E/H/I/J/K3
9pm – G1 vs A/E/H/I/J3

Thursday, July 2
1am – D1 vs B/E/F/I/J3
8pm – H1 vs J2

Friday, July 3
12am – K2 vs L2
4am – B1 vs E/F/G/I/J3
7pm – D2 vs G2
11pm – J1 vs H2

Saturday, July 4
2.30am – K1 vs D/E/I/J/L3

ROUND OF 16

Saturday, July 4
6pm – Round of 16 game 1
10pm – Round of 16 game 2

Sunday, July 5
9pm – Round of 16 game 3

Monday, July 6
1am – Round of 16 game 4
8pm – Round of 16 game 5

Tuesday, July 7
1am – Round of 16 game 6
5pm – Round of 16 game 7
9pm – Round of 16 game 8

QUARTER-FINALS

Thursday, July 9
9pm – Quarter-final 1

Friday, July 10
8pm – Quarter-final 2

Saturday, July 11
10pm – Quarter-final 3

Sunday, July 12
2am – Quarter-final 4

SEMI-FINALS

Tuesday, July 14
8pm – Semi-final 1

Wednesday, July 15
8pm – Semi-final 2

FINALS

Saturday, July 18
10pm – Third-place playoff

Sunday, July 19
8pm – 2026 FIFA World Cup final

• "I miss the team dearly": Sir Geoff Hurst on the pressures, memories and legacy of England's 1966 World Cup win — and whether the 2026 squad have a chance

For all the technological changes that have transformed football over the past two decades, some things remain reassuringly familiar.

Major tournaments still send people flooding into pubs. Pals still gather around screens, piling into homes, and entire communities still find themselves living and dying by every kick of the ball.

It's a tradition Samsung is celebrating through its Raise The Bar campaign, which has awarded Margate pub The Lord Byron a major technology upgrade ahead of the World Cup after thousands of public votes. To mark the occasion, former England midfielder Joe Cole paid a visit to the pub and joined locals gearing up for another summer of football.

The campaign may be focused on improving the viewing experience, but for Cole, football has never really been about the screen itself. It's about the people standing around it.

Ahead of the tournament, we spoke to the former England star about football's unique ability to bring communities together, the greatest atmospheres he experienced during his playing career and why England's fortunes this summer may ultimately come down to moments rather than performances.

Why football still matters

For Cole, football's enduring appeal comes down to something fundamentally human. "Football cuts every corner of the globe, every nook and cranny," he says. "Ultimately, we're human beings, and we love to play. It's a release of pressure."

Part of the sport's power lies in its simplicity. Anyone can play it. Anyone can understand it. And when the world's best players gather every four years, it becomes something far bigger than a game. "We're playful creatures," he says. "The game is simple, it's beautiful, and it can be played by everyone."

At a time when so much feels increasingly polarised, Cole believes football offers something increasingly rare. "So much is divisive and so much is easy to compartmentalise. The pureness of football is a beautiful thing and something that should be cherished and celebrated."

The importance of watching together

That sense of togetherness is one of the reasons Cole remains such a believer in watching football with your pals. After visiting The Lord Byron in Margate, he was reminded of how much local pubs still matter during major tournaments.

"The people were so happy for it," he says. "You could sense them getting excited." For Cole, football remains one of the few places where people from completely different backgrounds can gather around a common passion.

"Regardless of race, religion or politics, people come together at football," he says. "Especially when it's England."

As the tournament approaches, he hopes supporters across the country can rally behind the national team and enjoy the occasion together.

"Hopefully, England sends their support and their love, and we go and have a great tournament."

The greatest atmospheres of his career

We asked Cole about the best atmosphere he experienced as a player, and the answer isn't straightforward. Football crowds can transform in an instant, he says. A tense game can explode into life through a goal, a tackle or a moment of brilliance.

Still, a few nights stand above the rest despite such an illustrious career.

"The Champions League semi-final away at Anfield was a really brilliant, hostile atmosphere," he recalls. Chelsea's famous victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge also remains etched in his memory.

"It was really rocking that night," he says. "That's probably the best I've heard at Stamford Bridge." This was the game featuring that Ronaldinho goal that many still regard as one of football's greatest moments. "That's a wild goal," Cole laughs. "But it came from a wild player."

Why tournaments are decided by moments

Few players understand tournament football better than Cole, and his theory on what separates winners from everyone else is refreshingly simple. "It's about moments."

He points to the tiny gap that exists between the world's elite teams. "The margins between the top ten teams are minuscule," he says. "To win a tournament, you need the football gods with you." That's why he likes much of what Thomas Tuchel has been saying ahead of England's campaign.

Rather than obsessing over systems and tactics, Cole believes international football is often decided by individual moments of quality, resilience and fortune. "A goal, a goal-line clearance, a save, a sending off, a referee decision," he says. "You have to get the big moments right."

With extreme temperatures expected to play a role and squads likely to be stretched throughout the competition, Cole believes depth could prove just as important as star quality. "It's a 15 or 16-man game now," he says. "You'll use every substitution."

A World Cup memory that never fades

Cole's own defining England moment arrived on the biggest stage of all. "Scoring against Sweden at the World Cup was the highlight," he says. "To score a great goal on the biggest stage means it lives long in people's memory."

What continues to surprise him is how often supporters still approach him to share where they were when they watched it. "I must have heard everyone's story of where they were when I scored that goal," he says. For Cole, that's one of football's greatest gifts. "You can have a moment that affects someone's life where they can say, 'I remember that.' That's incredible."

This England team feels different

Cole believes England's current squad has evolved beyond being reliant on one or two stars. While Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain the standout names, he sees a more balanced team than in previous tournaments.

"Under Gareth Southgate, it was often very Harry Kane-driven, and then it became Jude Bellingham," he says. Now, he believes the collective is becoming just as important as the individuals.

"I think people are buying into the team."That doesn't diminish the importance of England's biggest stars, however. "We have two absolute major stars in Bellingham and Kane."

• Best football books: brilliant books about the beautiful game

For most footballers, a World Cup final is the biggest game they'll ever play. For Sir Geoff Hurst, it became something much bigger than that.

The former England striker remains the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final and go on to win, a feat that helped secure England's one and only World Cup triumph back in 1966. Sixty years on, that afternoon at Wembley still looms large over English football, revisited every time another tournament rolls around and another generation dares to dream that this may be the year.

Now, as England prepares for another shot at the big one, Hurst is teaming up with The Ivy Collection to launch its limited-edition 1966 menu, a World Cup-inspired lunch offering celebrating the year that changed English football forever.

Ahead of the tournament, we caught up with the England legend to talk heritage, penalty pressure, Harry Kane's chances of claiming the Golden Boot and why he believes England could still be lifting the trophy this summer.

Becoming part of football history

For Hurst, his place in football history is less about medals and memories and more about belonging to something bigger than yourself.

"Heritage is about pride and being part of something that lives far beyond your own career," he says. "It's knowing that what you did on the pitch becomes part of the nation's memory."

That feeling has only grown as the decades have passed. What happened at Wembley in 1966 has transcended British football, becoming a cultural touchstone that continues to shape how England supporters view every major tournament that follows.

Looking back, Hurst says he never imagined the final would take on such significance. "In some ways it's strange," he says. "You're just focused on the game. It's only afterwards that you realise what it has come to mean to people. It's a privilege."

The qualities that would still thrive today

Football has changed dramatically since England's World Cup-winning side lifted the trophy, but Hurst believes some qualities never go out of fashion.

"Our teamwork and resilience," he says when asked what elements of the '66 squad would translate into the modern game. "What made us successful was how well we worked as a unit and supported each other."

It's that collective spirit that stands out most when he reflects on the squad. "I miss the team dearly," he adds.

While tactics, technology and athleticism have evolved, Hurst believes the emotional side of football remains remarkably consistent.

"The pressure of big moments," he says. "Penalty shootouts will always feel the same, no matter the year or event. They're scary and thrilling."

Why the World Cup magic hasn't disappeared

Football's relationship with fans looks very different in 2026 than it did in 1966. Players live under constant scrutiny; every moment is analysed online, and supporters can follow every detail of a tournament from their phones.

Yet Hurst believes the essence of the World Cup remains untouched. "It's changed, but mostly for the better."

"Fans are closer to the action than ever before, but the excitement of a World Cup and what it means still feels exactly the same."

As another England squad prepares to shoulder the expectations that come with representing the country on football's biggest stage, Hurst's advice is simple.

Geoff stressed its importance, stating, "Enjoy it, first and foremost, because it can go quickly."

"Stay grounded, stay together as a group and don't lose sight of what got you there in the first place."

It's advice that comes from experience. Few people understand the aftermath of World Cup success better than a man defined by it.

Why England should believe

Few people understand the unique pressure that comes with representing England at a World Cup. Every generation carries the weight of expectation, the constant comparisons and the lingering question of whether they can achieve what Hurst's side managed in 1966.

Yet despite six decades of near misses, his belief in England remains undimmed.

"England have a very good chance," he says.

It's a measured assessment rather than blind optimism. Hurst expects France and Spain to be among the leading contenders, with Portugal his choice as dark horses, but he sees enough quality in the current squad to mount a serious challenge.

"At least the semi-finals," he says. "Anything beyond that and you're in the final and anything can happen."

• Best football books: brilliant books about the beautiful game

It’s a World Cup summer, which means we once again unite as a nation in the hope that England's men's team can finally end the years of hurt. It’s also that time to get weirdly invested in the fortunes of underdog nations or seeing whether Messi still has the legs to guide Argentina to a fourth World Cup.

If you’re not wedded to seeing how the team with the three lions on their shirt progresses, and quite like the idea of watching Brazil in a sea of yellow, we’ve picked 10 spots around the capital where you can watch the World Cup with supporters from other nations competing to beat England to that Jules Rimet trophy...

1. The Garden Vauxhall

6 South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP
Whether you’re hoping Mexico is the co-host to go the furthest in the competition or you want to join London’s contingent of Ecuadorian supporters, The Garden Vauxhall is giving its beer garden a full Latino makeover. Along with showing live matches (including the early morning kick-off ones), there’ll be Latino street food to soak up cocktails with, and DJs on hand to amp up the celebrations when Neymar scores a worldie. It’s also worth mentioning that there are areas to take cover if the British summer does its usual and rain interrupts play.

2. Nordic Bar

25 Newman St, London W1T 1PN
The clue is in the name. This is a place to join Norwegian and Swedish supporters, with the Fitzrovia spot just a few minutes walk from Tottenham Court Road station. The Nordic Bar invites you to watch the World Cup like a viking with bookings and walk-ins welcomed. You can look forward to enjoying a pint of Thor’s Piss Lager, dining on Swedish meatballs and swapping a pint glass for a viking horn. Doors will remain open at 2am to cover any games kicking off later in the evening too.

3. Gold Coast Bar & Restaurant

224 Portland Rd, London SE25 4QB
Head south of the river and you’ll find a place where Ghana’s World Cup hopes are the priority. You can knock back a bottle of Ghanian beer and it won’t take long for that food aroma to hit you and have you grabbing a menu. Tuck into some nyma choma or some yam balls. Gold Coast is offering entry packages for the World Cup, which gets you some food, your first drink and entry. There’ll also be DJs and giveaways to get you in the mood to get behind the Black Stars this summer.

4. A Toca

341 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 2JH
This restaurant is roughly ten minutes walk from Stockwell or Nine Elms underground stations and one for the Portugal fans, and maybe the Cape Verde ones as well. You can fill up on Francesinhas, grilled meat or tackle the tapas menu, then slump back and take in the action on the big screens. You will need to book a table to secure your viewing and eating spot.

5. Tia Maria

126 S Lambeth Rd, London SW8 1RB
Pull on something yellow and make your way to South Lambeth to the Brazilian bar and restaurant known for its live music (that does like to stick on the football as well). The food and drink menu has everything from Fejioda to Caipirinhas and aims to give you a bit of Brazil — minus the weather, sadly, and definitely the beaches. If you like your drinking or eating spots lively and want to get swept up in the sights and sounds of the nation that’s lifted that trophy five times already, this is a place to be.

6. De Hems

11 Macclesfield Street, W1D 5BW
One of the most iconic images of any World Cup is when the Orange Army makes it to the tournament. Expect a flood of orange to descend on this Dutch cafe and bar just a short walk from Covent Garden underground station. You’ll need to book a spot with confirmed viewings of the Netherlands’ three group stage matches. There’s an extensive drinks menu and plenty of small plates and larger ones to tuck into here as well. It might also be a spot to find Curaçao supporters as this will be the Dutch Caribbean island’s first ever World Cup appearance.

7. The Maple Leaf

41 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LJ
Canada is co-hosting this year’s tournament, so if you want to join fellow Canadians and root for the team nicknamed the Canucks, this is the best-known Canadian-themed bar in London. There’s poutine on the menu, you can sip on Canadian beers and get distracted by the sports memorabilia as you wander to the toilets. They’ve got 14 screens to stare and shout at, so you should have no problem finding a prime spot to watch the action.

8. Munich Cricket Club

Tower Hill location - 9 Crutched Friars, London EC3N 2AR
Don’t be confused by cricket in the name, as the Bavarian-themed Bierkeller is a hot spot for German Bundesliga football action and will also be a place to see how the national side fare. All of Germany's matches will be shown here letting you sink steins of beer, and feast on bratwursts with offers available if you’ve turned up in a big group. Along with its Tower Hill location, you can also have a Germanfest at Munich Cricket Club locations at Canary Wharf and Victoria.

9. The Volley

211 Old St, London EC1V 9NR
The East London pub dedicated to football has become a hub for French domestic football viewing and should be a prime spot to watch Mbappe and company try and make it to the final... and be on the right side of the result this time. There’s plenty of screens dotted around including private ones, craft beers aplenty and unlike most pubs, it takes its pre-match and half-time grub a little more seriously.

10. Club 360

Unit 10, The High Cross Centre, Fountayne Rd, London N15 4QN
Scottish scran spot Auld Hag is hosting a World Cup fan zone for the Tartan Army where all three of Scotland’s group games will be shown. They’ve got a license until 6am if you want to keep drinking through the night and there’ll also be plenty of food including Auld Hag’s morning rolls and pies. It’s a ticketed event if you want to join the Tartan Army and you’ll need to get to Club 360 in North London, which is about a five minute walk from Tottenham Hale station.

• Best football books: brilliant books about the beautiful game

Football shirts have long been built to handle rain, sweat and the occasional muddy slide tackle. Flying pints, however, are another matter entirely.

With a summer of tournament football around the corner, Lidl has unveiled what it claims is the world's first drinks-proof football jersey. Dubbed the Three Lidls Jersey, the limited-edition shirt has been designed specifically for supporters who find themselves caught in the crossfire whenever a goal hits the back of the net.

Created using what Lidl calls POUR-TEX (a play on GORE-TEX) technology, the shirt features liquid-resistant and odour-resistant fabric, breathable underarm panels and even a waterproof pocket designed to keep phones, wallets and other valuables safe from celebratory spillages.

The shirt has been launched alongside England superfan Andy Milne, a familiar face to anyone who has spent time in fan zones or followed the national team abroad. According to Lidl, the jersey was designed with real supporters in mind, whether they're watching from the pub, a packed fan park or the sofa at home.

Available in both short and long-sleeve versions, the Three Lidls Jersey will go on sale from 10am on the 11th of June, priced at £19.66, a nod to England's World Cup triumph.

There is a catch, though. Just 104 shirts will be available, matching the number of goals scored by the England men's team at major international tournaments. All proceeds will be donated to the Neighbourly Foundation, which supports community projects across the UK.

Whether it solves the age-old problem of wearing someone else's beer after a last-minute winner remains to be seen, but it's certainly one of the more inventive pieces of merchandise we'll see this summer.

• Chris Kamara's big predictions ahead of the summer and why fans should "just enjoy what you see"

Hear the names Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in a news title, and there are many projects that spring to mind as potential blockbusters. It’s Deadpool and Wolverine after all; they could pitch a show about paint drying and still get a greenlight from a production studio.

Reynolds proved there was some serious interest in a sports-based sports docuseries with his show Welcome to Wexham, following the ups and downs of the Welsh team’s season following his personal stake in the club. Now, he and Hugh Jackman will be fronting a new series all about sailing – Welcome to, erm, Water, anyone?

Disney+ has officially greenlit a docuseries following SailGP’s Australian team, Bonds Flying Roos, co-owned coincidentally by Reynolds and Jackman. The series will follow the Flying Roos across a global racing season defined by speed, pressure, and high stakes, according to the synopsis. The media release announced “a stadium style championship where identical 50-foot catamarans race in close-to-shore courses at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

If you’re not a banking nepo baby with a house in the Hamptons, nor raised in a small fishing village on the British coast and therefore not au fait with sailing, SailGP is basically the sailing racing league. Imagine Wimbledon or Silverstone but for sailing. SailGP - officially known as the Rolex SailGP Championship - is a yearly competition where national teams race identical high-performance catamarans (a type of boat).

The competition is a series that runs over 11-12 months, with multiple grands prix taking place across the world, with teams earning points at each event, contributing toward an overall season championship. The competition kicked off its inaugural season in 2019; currently, X-Men and almost X-Men Jackman and Reynolds’ team, the Bonds Flying Roos, hold the most titles with three wins, with the more local Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team being the most recent champions.

Jackman and Reynolds’ team is led by driver and CEO Tom Slingsby who also happens to be an Olympic gold medallist, America’s World Cup winner, and a three-time SailGP champion.

“This is our first collaboration since Deadpool & Wolverine and we once again anticipate action, comedy, heart but with a lot more water. And (fingers crossed) pirates. We hope there’s pirates inSailGP,” said Jackman and Reynolds, co-owners of the Bonds Flying Roos.

“Following Ryan, Hugh and the SailGP’s Bonds Flying Roos Australian team’s journey gives us a remarkable inside view of this thrilling sport and what it takes to compete at the highest level. We couldn’t be more excited to bring this story to Disney+ audiences around the world,” said EricSchrier, president, direct-to-consumer international originals, strategic programming, and emerging media.

Is the show essentially Welcome to Wrexham on the high seas? Quite possibly, yes. The docuseries will have Wrexham AFC co-chairman and exec producer Rob Mac on board as a producer.

We don’t have a date yet for when the series will be available, but we know it will stream exclusively on Disney+ internationally and on Disney+ and Hulu in the US.

• “Crises of the imagination”: In Other Worlds at the Barbican is a sci-fi-fuelled blueprint for surviving the end of the world

In news that might sound made up, Ninja Warrior is officially heading to the Olympics.

The obstacle-course format made famous by Japanese series Sasuke and later adapted internationally as shows like American Ninja Warrior will become part of the Modern Pentathlon at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Which means there is now a very real possibility somebody wins an Olympic medal after sprinting across rotating platforms and hanging from monkey bars while millions of people scream at their television.

The deal was confirmed after Japanese broadcaster Tokyo Broadcasting System Television partnered with the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne, the organisation that oversees Modern Pentathlon worldwide.

Modern Pentathlon has technically been part of the Olympics since 1912, traditionally combining fencing, swimming, horse riding, running and shooting. But after years of criticism surrounding the equestrian section, officials voted in 2023 to replace horse jumping with obstacle racing for the LA 2028 Games.

Replacing confused horses with people flinging themselves through Ninja Warrior-style assault courses feels like a natural solution.

The new obstacle racing format has already been tested through multiple events since 2022, with the first official Obstacle World Championships taking place in Beijing last year. Under the agreement, UIPM will now officially use elements of the Sasuke format, including some of its famous obstacle designs.

It’s a wild evolution for a franchise that started life as a niche Japanese TV competition back in 1997 before eventually exploding into a global phenomenon. The format now airs in more than 160 countries, while American Ninja Warrior is somehow entering its 18th season this summer.

You have to wonder whether former Ninja Warrior contestants could eventually become Olympians, which feels extremely possible given that the event now involves doing Ninja Warrior.

While some recent Olympic additions haven’t exactly landed smoothly, looking directly at the breakdancing discourse from Paris 2024, this one at least feels weird in a way people might actually enjoy watching.

Because if the Olympics are going to keep modernising, there are definitely worse ideas than turning one of television’s most entertainingly ridiculous competitions into an actual medal event.

• The Little Door Co opens up a new Shoreditch location which is all about the houseparty

Wimbledon and food go together like, well, strawberries and cream. The historic tennis tournament has been serving up delicious near-court treats throughout its 150 year+ lifespan. But this year is the first time ever that they have invited folks to try some of the food before a ball is played.

Shortlist was among the select few that recently taste tested a sampler menu — all within the prestigious walls of the Champions’ Room no less — which took in the breadth of the upcoming restaurant menus available to the general public.

We are pleased to report that each dish tried was a Grand Slam when it came to taste; the food on offer laced with sustainability, provenance and the occasional cheeky nod to the championship itself.

The new menu was created under the umpire-like precision of Sam Morgan, who enters his fifth Championships at the AELTC, but marking his first year leading the line as Executive Chef.

There was a lot on offer and the sample menu took in the myriad restaurants available — including The Cavendish, Centenary Restaurant and Brasserie, The Wingfield and Walled Garden — to the public.

While most of these are already booked up, if you manage to squeeze yourself into one while watching the tournament, here are 5 of our favourite dishes you need to try out…

1. Fried artichokes and roasted cauliflower

• Starring in: The Cavendish

This starter can be found in the Cavendish and is a real treat for the senses. The cauliflower — from Hammonds in Nottingham — had a nuttiness in both texture and taste, while the earthiness of the fried artichoke was a delight. All of this was topped off with a rich whipped cauliflower yoghurt and chimichurri for added spice.

2. Royal Parks Venison Tartare Croustade

• Starring in: Centenary Brasserie

Wow. This was our first ever venison tartare and it did not disappoint. The meat is quite lean so it made for a really strong taste, complemented by an unctuous caramelised onion purée, spring onion emulsion and pickles. This dish was truly fit for royalty and there may be a reason for this: the venison has been sourced from the Royal Windsor Park in Berkshire.

3. Grilled Crevettes

• Starring in: Century Restaurant

The title of this dish is deceptively simple. Yes, this dish is grilled crevettes (essentially large prawns) but a punch of chimichurri, the char of the prawns and it being bathed in a superb nduja butter sauce elevates this dish to a whole other level.

4. Fried Chicken with Hot Strawberry Sauce

• Starring in: Walled Garden concessions

This was something of a game changer. The fried chicken was crispy with a lovely heat, but it was the accompanying dipping sauce that sells this dish. Made from tomatoes and Wimbledon strawberries, this aji is glorious and a lovely spin on a Wimbledon classic. It was the highlight dish for us, giving the chicken a tantalising tang, that was made even better thanks to the pickled red onions and superb slaw. Available from concession stands, you won't need a sit-down reservation to try it either.

5. Wimbledon strawberries and cream

• Starring in: EVERYWHERE!

Cop out? Absolutely not. There is no way you can head to Wimbledon and not try the Wimbledon strawberries and cream. Grown by Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent, the strawberries we tried have been supplied to Wimbledon for over 25 years and there is good reason they keep going back to this farm: they are plump and incredibly juicy. The freshness of the strawberries is essential and you couldn’t get much fresher: they are hand picked each morning and delivered fresh to the grounds.

If any of these tennis treats take your fancy, then head to Wimbledon’s official reservation site to try and get yourself a seat.

• MATER1A, Notting Hill: London’s best tasting menu is an exhilarating tour of Japan for your taste buds

London has plenty of places to swim outdoors, but the best one is not always the longest, warmest, or most aggressively lane-disciplined.

Sometimes it’s the one with the nicest walk afterwards; sometimes it’s the one that makes you feel briefly heroic for getting into cold water before breakfast (or lunch); and sometimes it’s just the one near a decent pub.

So, as summer 2026 approaches, this is a lido ranking based on actual vibe: the setting, the crowd, the post-swim options, the faff level, and whether you leave feeling like you have made the most of London, rather than simply completing 40 lengths in municipal water.

As a keen swimmer, I love the option of heading to a well-managed and well-kept lido whilst remaining within the cocoon of the city. On top of the swim itself, visiting lidos is a good way to explore London and make its history real.

To help you get your swimming groove on, we’ve found the 10 best lidos spread across all four corners of London, including some options you might have overlooked. Without further ado, let’s dive in (with my apologies for the pun).

Brockwell Lido – Herne Hill

• Best for: The complete London lido experience

Brockwell Lido has the rare quality of feeling like a proper destination without trying too hard.

The art deco building does a lot of the work, obviously, but so does the setting: tucked into Brockwell Park, close enough to Herne Hill for coffee or even a post-swim pint, but still just removed enough from the road to feel like you have stepped out of ‘normal’ London.

It is not the quietest, cheapest, or most secret option in the city, and on a hot weekend it can feel like half of south London had the same idea. But we say that’s also part of the appeal.

Vibe: art deco, flat whites, wet hair, linen shirts, sunshine, and pretending you only came for a quick dip.

Parliament Hill Lido – Hampstead Heath

• Best for: Beautiful misery, in the best way

Parliament Hill Lido is for anyone who wants their outdoor swimming with a bit of grit.

The lido is not soft, spa-like, or especially interested in making things easy for you. The pool is unheated, the setting is open and exposed, and on the wrong day the whole experience can feel like a minor act of character-building.

That is also exactly why people love it. There is something brilliant about the scale and simplicity of the place; it feels more elemental than decorative, and far less performative than some of London’s trendier swim spots.

Vibe: cold water, clear heads, North London stoicism, and a towel carried with quiet purpose.

Tooting Bec Lido – Tooting

• Best for: Scale, spectacle, and some proper lido history

Tooting Bec Lido is the big one: a long, open stretch of blue water that makes most outdoor pools feel like they were built for people who enjoy queuing politely in shallow ends.

It feels like a proper public institution, used, defended, complained about, and returned to by generations of Londoners. The lido can be busy, and it is not the most intimate option on this list, but intimacy is not really the point.

Vibe: huge towels, bright changing cubicles, big groups, serious swimmers, and the faint sense you have joined a civic tradition rather than booked a swim.

London Fields Lido – Hackney

• Best for: The easy east London choice

London Fields Lido is popular for the most obvious reason: it is extremely good at being useful. It is heated, 50 metres long, open year-round, and close enough to Broadway Market that a swim can become lunch, coffee, a pint, or all three with almost no planning.

The downside is that everyone else has worked this out too. On a hot day, it can feel less like a secret and more like Hackney’s collective out-of-office reply. Still, the appeal holds.

London Fields is handsome, reliable, and easy to fold into a bigger day out, which makes it one of the city’s most useful outdoor swims.

Vibe: morning lengths, tote bags, pastries, pints by 2pm, and a towel that somehow smells faintly of sourdough.

Hampstead Heath Ponds – Hampstead Heath

• Best for: Wild swimming without leaving London

The Hampstead Heath Ponds are not lidos, but leaving them out of a London outdoor swimming list wouldn’t feel right. They are colder, muddier, and more ritualistic than most pool swims, with the added thrill of sharing the water with ducks, weeds, and people who seem to have been doing this every morning since the 1970s.

The appeal is the feeling of slipping out of London while still being very much in it. You get trees instead of tiles, birdsong instead of lane etiquette, and the strange post-swim glow of someone who has just done something faintly feral before lunch.

Vibe: cold water, serious regulars, improvised modesty, and someone nearby explaining that this is actually very good for your nervous system.

Oasis Sports Centre – Covent Garden

• Best for: the surreal central London swim

The main thing to know about Oasis is that it feels faintly improbable. One minute you are in central London dodging office workers, and the next, you are outside, in a pool, looking up at the sky.

Nobody comes here for grand lido romance; this is not Brockwell, and it is not trying to be. Its appeal is pure convenience with a little bit of weirdness attached: a proper outdoor swim in a part of London better known for theatres, shops, and sandwich queues.

Vibe: desk job escapism, chlorine hair, theatreland weirdness, and the quiet thrill of swimming outdoors.

Serpentine Lido – Hyde Park

• Best for: The London postcard moment

There are arguably better pools for lengths, facilities, and pretending you are the sort of person who wakes up naturally at 6am. The Serpentine Lido, though, wins on setting.

It’s Hyde Park, open water, deckchairs, grass, passing tourists, and the slightly odd pleasure of doing something that feels both very wholesome and mildly attention-seeking.

I’d recommend treating it as a summer outing rather than a training session. Go when the sun is out, give yourself time afterwards, and lean into the fact that this is closer to a London scene than a pure swim.

Vibe: deckchairs, damp hair, goose-adjacent bravery, and main-character energy in the middle of Hyde Park.

Charlton Lido – Greenwich

• Best for: South-east Londoners who know

Charlton Lido does not have the same myth-making machinery as Brockwell, Tooting, or London Fields, which is partly why it works. It is a proper 50m heated outdoor pool with a pleasantly unfussy feel: local, practical, and a little underrated. You go because you actually want a swim, not because someone has told you it is a personality.

Pair it with Greenwich, Blackheath, or a lazy south-east London afternoon and it starts to make even more sense.

Vibe: low-hype lengths, warm water, and the quiet satisfaction of not fighting half the city for a swim slot.

Park Road Lido – Crouch End

• Best for: The quieter family spot

Some lidos announce themselves with history, scale, or postcard good looks. Park Road is more of a slow-burner. It is the kind of place that makes most sense when you build a gentle north London afternoon around it: swim first, dry off properly, then wander towards Crouch End for coffee, lunch, or a pint you will insist is “basically rehydration”.

Vibe: families, regulars, leafy pavements, post-swim wandering, and the quiet pleasure of a lido that still feels mainly local.

Hampton Pool – Hampton

• Best for: The mini escape

Hampton Pool loosens the definition of London a little, but earns its place. An open-air, heated, and leafy lido, it is enough to feel like a proper summer plan without the admin of a full day trip. You are still in reach of the city, but the mood is softer, slower, and more suburban-holiday than commuter-rush.

Vibe: heated water, trees, relaxed regulars, and the kind of summer afternoon that accidentally turns into a full day.

• Covent Garden is getting a new pizza slice joint this summer

“I get up and work out in the way other people punch the clock,” says Devon Laratt. “I do the same motions all day. It’s super monotonous, boring to the point that most people can’t handle. And it’s all about my arms. And by that I really mean just my right arm. Everything about the training is tailored to the sport”.

Larratt is the heavyweight champion of the world — in arm-wrestling. And if that sounds like a joke, get ready to change your tune. The sport is already huge in North America, where pay-per-view figures are in the many millions, and online views regularly top half a billion.

Now it’s coming to Europe, thanks especially to its most dynamic proponent, East Versus West, which now organises high-level competitions across weight categories, and for men and women, around the world.

And arm wrestling is a sport: watch its leading competitors in action — from Larratt to the German body-building influencer and pocket HeMan Leonidas Arkona, from four-time World’s Strongest Man Brian Shaw to wild man Matt Mask — and, over what might be just few minutes of action, they’re drenched in sweat from the exertion. To call it ‘arm wrestling’ is a misnomer. The stars use their full bodies to maximise leverage: their arms are just the point where the match is won or lost.

“I feel terrible after a match,” says Larratt, who has a documentary on his life story in production for release later this year.

“I mean, I can barely walk. It takes two weeks before I’m functioning again. It really does a number on you. It’s soul-destroying”.

Larratt, by the way, is ex-Canadian Special Forces. He’s also 51, putting him at the older end of the competitor age range. But it’s a quirk of ageing that, if looked after, your tendons and connective tissues — so critical to arm-wrestling — only develop with age.

“I joke that I used to be in really good shape,” says Larratt, whose overall musculature, he notes, is markedly undeveloped relative to some of his up-and-coming rivals.

“But I’m stronger than I’ve ever been”.

Mastering the pull

It’s counter-intuitive qualities like this that are all part of arm-wrestling’s appeal: contrary to initial expectations, youth does not necessarily win out over age; muscle does not win out over bulk; the smaller man can beat the man mountain. And while there are plenty of raw power players who hope for a quick, explosive win, there are others who have mastered technique — the manipulation of hand and shoulder positioning, moves like the hook, press, and toproll and their ideal timing — to simply wear down their opponent or catch them out when they least expect it.

But, of course, stresses Robert Baxter, the owner of the East Versus West competition series, part of the appeal of arm-wrestling to spectators (who may have neither power nor technique themselves) is that it is nonetheless easy to understand. The sport is old, possibly dating to Ancient Egypt, and in a semi-organised way in the US since the 1960s. Yet it is also familiar to all: almost everyone has tried it, from playground to pub. “You don’t need any equipment,” says Baxter. “You can arm wrestle on the floor”.

While there are rules at pro level — for example, elbows must remain in contact with the table; you must start with a flat wrist and with your thumb knuckle on show; your shoulder can’t cross the centre line, and so on — it’s still simple to understand. And while it’s a combat sport of sorts, there’s no concussion. Nobody is trying to hurt anyone. Some colourful language aside, it’s family-friendly, with some big characters and the razzmatazz of boxing or WWF.

“The sport is taking off to the extent that it can now afford to pay the athletes enough that they can commit to arm-wrestling full-time,” enthuses Baxter, himself a seven time world champion, who trained with John Brzenk, considered the sport’s GOAT and the man who appeared opposite Sylvester Stallone in the arm-wresting movie Over The Top. Baxter too has other gigs: he’s owner of 93 Five Guys burger franchises.

“There’s huge potential in it. Go to China now, for instance, and there are so many homegrown arm wrestling clubs each with thousands of members. We’re getting more and more pro athletes in other sports crossing over to arm wrestling too — from Strongman, rugby, baseball, MMA. Their peak years in their first sport are over but it’s not uncommon for future champions to start out in arm wrestling when they’re over 30”.

The social stage

So what stands in arm wrestling’s way to get really really big? For one, reach. East Versus West is now opening up the opportunity for elite wrestlers to compete on the world stage. To date, they’ve been restricted to the territory represented by the organising federation.

“That matters because people want to see the best of the best competing wherever they are in the world,” suggests Baxter. But also profile. Baxter wants to shift coverage over from a pay-per-view model to full broadcast and streaming one, and is currently in positive negotiations with big players, including Netflix, on various projects. Convincingly, the sport already gets huge social media traction — with each wrestler drawing their own dedicated fan bases — but there’s clearly room for growth.

“And we need those athletes with lots of charisma ands strong presence, like Devon Larratt, because the theatre of it all is important too,” adds Baxter.

“Take the Manifestor, for example [the Ukrainian champion arm wrestler Oleksandr Telyatnik]. He’s a young lad who can do 19 one-arm pull-ups. I mean, the guy is a freak, in the nicest way possible. While he’s shy he’s also a great character on stage and the fans love him. He’s going to be a big star”.

But Baxter also likes to dream as big as his biceps. He once had ambitions to get Trump and Putin at the table together — an idea somewhat nixed by geo-politics — but still has an eye set on bringing Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg together.

“That’s because the best way to settle a score without killing each other is an arm wrestle,” Baxter laughs.

“I’m not sure that one will ever happen either, but as [the Canadian ice hockey star] Wayne Gretzky put it, ’You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’. So we’re going for it. Arm wrestling is sport with such a passionate following already. Watch it in an arena and it’s just electric”.

• AEW’s Paul ‘The Big Show’ Wight on wrestling’s Wembley Stadium takeover, London’s own Will Ospreay — and the most celebrity filled game of Dungeons & Dragons of all time

He’s one of the biggest stars in wrestling — both figuratively and literally — and now Paul ‘The Big Show’ Wight is heading back to London for a giant show as part of the AEW All In London event at Wembley Stadium this August.

The 7 foot 2 inches wrestler has been a staple of the scene for more than 30 years, standing tall alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and John Cena as one of the most recognisable athletes in the sport, with stints with WCW and WWE before taking on his latest role as promoter, commentator and — still! — on/off choke-slammer in the ring with AEW.

We caught up with Wight as he prepared to once again face the raucous London crowds — among Wight’s favourite audiences in the world.

“If they love you, they love you. If they hate you, they hate you — if they call you a ‘fat wanker’, then you know you’ve still got it!” he laughs.

With a personality as big as his stature, he’s not averse to a super-sized tangent. From the art of wrestling to finding socks for big feet, to buying Bitcoin, and an ongoing game of Dungeons & Dragons stacked with so many A-List celebrities you wouldn’t believe it exists, here’s Shortlist’s big chat with the one and only Big Show.

Shortlist: How's it going Paul?

Paul 'The Big Show' Wight: I love being here. I got to have a proper English breakfast this morning.

What was in your breakfast?

Oh, the fucking eggs, the beans, the hash browns, the sausages, toast. I didn't do anything crazy. Coffee — coffee hits a little different over here. I'm old school — I go back to when coffee was free and complimentary, you know? Not like you have to mortgage your house to get some kind of frappe latte…

We’re very excited to meet you, Paul. We used to play Wrestlemania on the Nintendo 64, a gang of us huddled around the screen…

One of those games I had it out with one of the game designers, because they had Chris Jericho with a strength rating of 94 and me at 81! I was like ‘have you lost your fuckin’ mind? I think Chris was a unified champion or something at that point. ‘Well, it's just he’s champ…’ or something they said and I was saying, ‘In what world is he stronger?’

No way, that doesn’t work out!

The other one was, they did that big Smackdown vs Raw game and they wanted me to give feedback at home, and I said ‘No, I'm not gonna go home and play work! I get screwed over enough with the story lines at work, why would I do it at home?’

You can take control in a game though, right?

It's too many button presses! I go back to the old school, like, Street Fighter stuff…Oh shit, I love your socks, what are they?

Ha! Erm, I think they are whiskey-themed freebies from an Elijah Craig bourbon event…

They don't make cool socks like that when you have gigantic feet. If I wore those they’d be like ankle socks. Sorry, my ADHD just kicked in big time there, something shiny…

No problem, the bounce is good! So the AEW All In London event at Wembley felt like a landmark show. What did it mean for you personally to see a show of that scale succeed here in the UK?

It was one of my big missions when I first started with Tony [Khan, AEW CEO]. The first meeting with Tony, one of my emphatic ‘Hey, we need to do this’ suggestions was to bring AEW to England. My suggestion at the time was that we’ve got to get into the O2 arena, because I've been fortunate enough to compete so many times there, since WCW. I've got, like, generational fans. And of course, Tony being a billionaire, he skipped out the arena and went straight to Wembley and sold 87,000 seats. So what do I know!

Was that a surprise? Or did it feel natural? Because it’s massive, Wembley is as big as it gets here…

At first I was like ‘Wow!’ because we're such a new, young company, and we don't have that history of television being on over here.

But then again, I didn't take into account the tenacity of wrestling fans. If they like your product, they'll find it. I mean, back in the day, they used to be the bootleg wrestling tapes. It was a big underground market. You would go to towns that you know didn't have your TV show, but they knew all the songs, they knew all the ring entrances, they knew all the wrestler’s names.

There's an underground thing similar with social media now, with all the places and services that people can see events. We're able to build that fan base over here, and to make that big of an impact at Wembley was a fantastic accolade for AEW. Wembley has kind of become our international home. We can come back here, we put on a tremendous show every year for Wembley, and it's been great.

Do you feel the centre of gravity for wrestling is shifting? Traditionally, it's a US centric sport, but something like Wembley suggests that might be changing?

I feel like it's a great landmark moment for the industry as a whole. With the variety of platforms that wrestling can be found and enjoyed now, I think you will see wrestling globally grow all over I think — and AEW has just begun to dip its toe into international waters. I'm sure there will be bigger shows coming in. I would be surprised if we're not in Japan pretty soon.

Definitely, London is a great place to start and set a good foothold and build the brand. There's opportunities for us in Spain and Germany, pretty much all over. But having London and having the UK in your back pocket is a good thing. I would like for AEW to come through Newcastle, Birmingham, Dublin, Glasgow, all the different places all throughout the UK. Again, it's still a new company, and it's growing and the logistics and all that and working out. But I think that's a possible future.

For me personally, I know those international events are some of the greatest experiences for the talent. When you left the US and you came to the UK, it was a really good barometer of how your character was doing worldwide. If a local audience knew what was going on, then you had crossed that gap. It's easy to be semi-famous in the US, but when you start crossing the pond and people in the UK know who you are, then you're doing something with your brand.

If you put a US audience next to a London audience, what's the difference?

It depends on which US audience you're going for! Some of the New York crowds are insane. Some of the crowds in Texas, Atlanta, Chicago, St Louis — there's so many places in the US that are great.

London will always be uniquely specific for the type of energy they bring. They are very passionate about who they like. They're very passionate about who they DON’T like, and you also bring your own flavour and energy to the matches and the chants. I think the first time I heard ‘You fat wanker!’It was very hard to be a bad guy and keep a straight face, but I knew I’d made it as a bad guy here then.

In London especially, they get that they're also part of the show, too. That's the thing — you have the talent, you have the referee, the commentator, then your fourth participant is the crowd.

I suppose we have a tradition of theatre which I don't think you really have in America, of pantomime, right? ‘He’s behind you’ and all that…

Yeah, it's just a different energy when you come here. It's a… I don't want to use the word ‘passion’, because that's subjective, but there's a different energy that's really intense here. As talent, when you operate in front of a hot crowd, whether you're heel or face, then you're on the right track, it's a good barometer. There's a few places in the world that have it, and London is definitely one.

We've got a local hero as well on the roster too in Will Ospreay. How's he doing? And would you say there are any special characteristics defining the UK wrestling talent coming through?

The UK wrestling talent, from what I've seen, understand the wrestling mechanics a lot quicker. Our business has a predetermined outcome, there's an execution of certain moves in the ring to tell your story. I find that with a lot of UK talent that’s outstanding. UK talent is very crisp in everything that they do. If they do a Lariat, it is a crisp Lariat. They have a way of tightening the gaps that some American wrestlers miss. The holds they're taught over here when these guys are training, are different than holds that are taught in the US. So it brings a different look, in a different style. You look at William Regal, Fit Finlay, how they work, it’s a better class, with a better presentation to it. Your great UK stars have that same gift, training, whatever it is, whatever's in the soup, so to speak.

The London and UK wrestlers are more physical, more intense with what they're doing, the aggression sometimes is there in a more authentic way. When you have a guy that's struggled in life and gone through hard times and is playing the role of a bad guy, or a fire’d-up good guy, and needs to put foot to ass, there's just more believability to it. Whereas in America, they're known for the flamboyance and the showmanship — and that's all great, and that's part of the show, and that's a unique talent its own — but there's a lot of UK guys that get it done between the ropes that I have a lot of respect for.

Brits got grit!

Brits got grit! Next time I get asked that question, I'm stealing it. Well done — I took 30 minutes to answer and you just summed it up.

Glad we can be of service. So it’s considered another boom period in wrestling, right? How does this era compare to previous highlights, say the Attitude era?

Well, the Attitude Era was a little bit different, because you had a lot of guys that were so seasoned. When I started, I was in my early 20s, and most of the guys that worked on TV were in their 30s and 40s. They were all experienced. They all knew who their characters were. They knew what they're about. And they were aggressive businessmen. The willingness to share information wasn't as popular as it is now. You had to be friends with someone and earn someone's respect before they pulled you aside and actually worked with you and gave you advice.

The environment has changed with the viewing platforms, with the multiple successful companies for talent to grow, make mistakes and learn. I think this period of time, if you look at women's wrestling and look at men's wrestling, there has never been a collection as a whole of the amount of pure athletes we have now. If you watch wrestling now, most everyone that's on TV is a tremendous athlete, which, when I started, there were a lot of guys that were great wrestlers but weren't really tremendous athletes. Now it's gone into the athletic performance, the athletic presentation, and it's a faster world now — most things are on clips and short videos, and the match style is going to change. The fan base is going to change, with this younger influence of so much younger talent. There's not a lot of long in the tooth guys like me hanging around now.

I've been really accepting of the fact that there is no one answer for wrestling. It's what the fans want, what the fans make a connection to. That's the way to go. There are some nuts and bolts, things that are standard, that you can do to help guide a younger talent, but you have to let the talent express themselves and be authentic. And that's one of the things that I truly appreciate about AEW, because it's pretty raw and it's pretty authentic.

You're a survivor then, in that case, right? You've been here across the eras?

Well, Jim Duggan has been a hell of a lot longer, I'm like a rat…

But you shared the ring with so many different iconic names over the years.

I’ve been very, very lucky.

Is there any moment that you look back on in particular and you're like, ‘Wow, I can't believe that that was me.’

It happens all the time.I get grief from friends and family members because I don't really remember a lot of stuff that I did — not because I have mental problems, I’m just really a ‘what's today? What's tomorrow?’ kinda guy, I really move forward. Sometimes somebody will send me a video or something, and I'll look back, like, ‘Oh yeah. I kind of remember that. I can remember going to the gym with Randy Savage. I remember hanging on the beach and drinking beer with Randy Savage. I remember talking philosophy with Randy Savage’.

I wrestled against Randy, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, John Cena, Randy Orton. Anybody that's ever been anybody in this business, in the past 40 years I've had a chance to be in the ring with them.

So it's humbling to look back and see that and laugh and remember those times. I saw a clip the other day of Scott Steiner giving me a suplex. And I remember that because it was one of the first big bumps I'd ever taken, right? I just remember Scott — and I knew how to take all the moves — snatched me so quick. I don’t remember seeing my bootlace go over my head that quick. I saw it back, I was like, it's fantastic, then I remember in that moment, there's a memory of my bootlaces going by my face that fast.

What would you say was your proudest moment, or most embarrassing? Or both?

Proud is objective. I've been very lucky to have some great experiences. You know, winning a championship against Brock Lesnar was a really incredible moment. Competing in different arenas around the world. I wrestled John Cena in China. You know, those moments were all crazy. I wrestled Hulk Hogan in the Superdome, you know, on a Nitro show. I believe those moments are all tremendous.

As far as embarrassing goes, I think at the time, because I was younger, there were things like, ‘oh man, that looked silly’, or ‘that looked bad’. Now I look back with a more romantic attitude if I see those things like, that it was great for the fans, that it wasn't as detrimental to my career, like the Eddie Guerrero burrito thing — you know, you can't half do something. So if you're given an opportunity you think at the time, ‘oh, this is the worst thing. This would be silly. People will laugh’. You gotta understand, like, okay, there's an opportunity to do it, put your whole heart in and do it. And I was lucky enough that some of the silly things that I've done in my career, I just went out and did it, and turned it over to the process. And I'm very happy that I did that way, because if you half commit, that makes it bad for everybody. Just have fun with it. You know, that's the big thing. It's not real.

So we see the spectacle right from this side of the fence. But like, what? What about the realities? What's like a behind the scenes story for you that captures, like, what goes into making a wrestling show?

The goal is to go out there and give the best entertainment you can give for the fans, give them the best wrestling that you can give. You know, I think I went a couple years of my career, maybe won two matches, maybe like four. But I don't think anybody gives a crap now. When you're younger in your career, you think, ‘oh, I never win, people are gonna think I'm weak or I'm washed up’. No. It doesn't matter. Wisdom has given me in time that I'm able to help with the younger athletes that it doesn't matter — you have an opportunity to compete in front of a live audience, either on TV or at a pay-per-view or in a live event. You have an opportunity to showcase your talent. Just go out there and put your heart into it, and you’ll be fine.

It must be gruelling as well — the training, the touring?

I look back now, I went, I think, 20 years, made every European tour, the full two week tour, Spring and Fall. I think somebody just called me ‘Big Show All The Shows’, because I worked all of them. And I worked on Raw and Smackdown. I remember going to a show one time and asking Vince McMahon [WWE co-founder] ‘didn't I get drafted to SmackDown?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, you're a giant. You work both shows’. So I had about a day and a half off a week for 12, 13, years. But at the time, it was okay, because I was doing something that I love doing. I was making a great living, and I was with a bunch of people that all worked hard. So do I want to work that hard now? Nooooo!

How would you say your role feels now at AEW? How do you feel it differs from your career previously?

Before I was one of the Clydesdales pulling the wagon. Now, I get to do some of the things that I think I'm suited for. I have experience to share with the younger talent. I have good stories, and also have some valuable lessons to share. I get to help use my limited fame to help bring awareness to the younger talent and our AEW brand. And I still get to be a part of the industry, and every now and every now and then I get to get in the ring and have some fun.

So for someone who wants to start a career in wrestling now, either behind the scenes or in the ring, what's the first thing they should do if they want to get going?

You have to know the product. You have to know what you're getting into and know who's involved and listen. Listen a lot — a lot of times when people first start, they want to ask all these questions. Just listen. If you listen, your questions probably get answered for you. And don't be afraid to explore your options. You don't want to be the next Paul Wight or the next Will Ospreay or the next Kenny Omega. Be the next you as a talent.

And be open to change, because you might get in this business and want to be a wrestling talent, but that might not be your future. You might be better at communicating lessons that you've already learned, like being a trainer. You might be better at refereeing, you might be better at production. If you love the business, you'll find a way to be in it.

Would you say there's one UK gym or boot camp that people should check out if they want to work in the ring?

I’m not getting paid to endorse anybody's training camp! But I will say, figure out who you like if you're in the UK — who do you respect, who has a style that you think you want to steal something from. Because that's what wrestling is. We all steal stuff from each other all the time, and then figure out where they learned, or how they learned.

Now there's the internet — when I started, it was like the Mafia. You had to know somebody to even get trained. You had to know somebody to vouch for you before they let you into the secret brotherhood.

Nowadays everything's online, so just do your homework and be smart, simple, stupid, keep it between the ropes, learn your fundamentals. More is not necessarily better. If you can do a few things, then do a few things really well, and that's it.

There's nothing that I can tell you that's going to make you an instant star overnight, because there's no such formula. There's an open opportunity for anyone — any size, shape, colour, creed, to be a star. It's making a connection with the audience. That's the thing. If you can do that, you'll be fine.

To wrap then, if you could give yourself one piece of advice to your younger self, what would you have said?

Buy. Bitcoin. You. Dumbass.

Of course!

Years ago, somebody came to me and couldn't explain it to me — I had a chance to buy Bitcoin when it was $1,500, I had a guy trying to get me to buy 80 grand worth of Bitcoin. And I was like, ‘What is this? Digital?’ And here's my logic. I said, ‘is the government taxing it?’ He goes, ‘No’, I’m like ‘Fuck that, dude. It's not legal then, because if Uncle Sam can't get his hands on it, it's not real. It's Monopoly money. Fuck that.’ Yeah… I kind of wish I had dropped money years ago!

I'm always like, why are you coming to me with it? Like ‘do I just look stupid, with more cash than I got sense?’ I'm good. I didn't buy Bitcoin. I bought gold.

That's no bad going. When all the servers in the world are taken out by some electro-pulse bomb or whatever, the gold's still there…

Are you a reader? There's a great sci-fi book called Lucifer's Hammer. It’s basically this reporter, working with NASA stuff, who found out that there was a meteor heading for Earth called ‘Lucifer's Hammer’, and they were not allowing anybody to talk about it. Government suppression, the whole nine yards. So this guy took his whole life savings, he built a bunker in the mountains. He bought all the cigarettes, all the whiskey that he could find, guns and ammo, and learned how to make beef jerky. His family thought he flipped his nuts. And then after it hits, that's how he survived and used gold as currency. Post apocalyptic survival, people are gonna want antibiotics, cigarettes and whiskey, if you got those to trade…

Did you watch Fallout? You might like that…

Yeah, I am such a dipshit. I don't watch much TV. I really don't. I play Dungeons and Dragons like a nerd and I read a lot.

We didn't talk about Dungeons & Dragons!

You play Dungeons & Dragons?

The video games!

Baldur’s Gate yeah? Awesome. Now I'm running a Paladin. My first character was by Mike Mearls. I was a half stone giant. That was with Joe Manganiello, Jack Black, Vince Vaughn, Tom Morello, Dan Weiss who wrote the Game of Thrones TV show.

That’s a star studded team.

Yeah, we're running a game, but I'm a Paladin now. I was a Cleric for a while, and then my Cleric got dusted. So I got tired of being the party healer, because I'm too aggressive to be the party healer, so I aggressively got myself killed.

Netflix is making a new Dungeons & Dragons TV show you know? Would you go back to doing some more TV work? Get on that cast?

I'm actually working again on that. I'm taking acting classes, I'm still reading for parts. Hollywood's a more difficult beast than a lot of them — they don't give a shit what you did, it's are you what they’re looking for? But Dungeons & Dragons, I know some people producing on that, so we'll see…

We’d love to see you in that!

I think I could pull off a barbarian giant. I'll talk D’n’D all day. You gotta be careful!

AEW: All IN London at Wembley Stadium takes place on Sunday, 30th August 2026. Get tickets here.

• Star Wars is coming to The Royal Albert Hall for a brand new series of in-concert screenings

If you’ve ever tried to watch a big match in London, you’ll know the gamble. You either land a proper spot with a decent screen and a bit of atmosphere, or you end up craning your neck at a flickering TV wedged above the bar while someone orders ten espresso martinis directly in front of it.

This summer, there’s a push to sort that out. Joe Cole has teamed up with Samsung to launch “Raise The Bar”, a campaign aimed at upgrading pub TVs across the UK ahead of a packed few months of football. And in a city like London, where finding a good matchday pub can feel like a competitive sport in itself, it could actually make a difference.

The premise is simple. Fans nominate their local, a shortlist is drawn up, and a select group of pubs will receive brand new TV setups in time for the summer fixtures.

Ten venues will get a TV worth up to £3,000 along with marketing support, while one overall winner lands a full tech and venue makeover worth more than £10,000. Not bad for a place that might currently be running games on something that looks like it survived the analogue switch-off.

It is not just about appearances either. In London, where rent, staffing and general running costs are already sky high, those big tournament days can be a lifeline. The issue is that many venues simply can't afford to upgrade, with the average pub going around six years between new screens.

That disconnect is becoming more obvious. According to Samsung, around 40% of Brits still watch major tournaments in the pub, and a huge majority say it adds to the sense of community. At the same time, almost everyone admits they would consider leaving if the viewing experience is poor. In a city packed with options, that means punters will just walk five minutes down the road to somewhere better.

Cole is pitching the campaign as a way to protect that classic pub experience. Watching football at home is easy, but it is not the same as being in a packed room when a goal goes in. London does that better than most places when the setup is right.

Voting is open now until 20 May, with a shortlist of eleven pubs revealed at the end of April. After that, it is up to the public to decide which venue gets the full upgrade. So if your local is still rocking a tired old screen, now might be the time to give it a fighting chance before the summer crowds roll in, and you can nominate your local here.

• 14 genuinely good “third places” in London to work, read, or meet mates (without getting fleeced)

Walking into 100 Liverpool Street, it becomes clear almost immediately that Poolhouse isn’t playing the same game as your local.

The expectation, something closer to a pub with a couple of battered tables tucked in the corner, disappears within seconds. In its place: a sprawling, two-floor venue that feels closer to a members’ club crossed with a tech-heavy playground. It’s big, loud and, on opening, absolutely packed.

It’s also far more polished than expected. Downstairs is where the illusion of “just a bar” holds up best. There’s a central drinking space, a couple of pool tables tucked slightly out of the way, and staff who lean more towards mixologist than pint-puller.

Even without the full cocktail menu running on the night, it’s clear that drinks are a big part of the pitch, classics, custom requests, and a price point that lands firmly in “this is a night out” territory. Upstairs is where things shift.

Where the bar turns into a playground

The second floor is less pub, more energy. Pool tables cluster together into social hubs, surrounded by groups rotating through games, drinks in hand. Elsewhere, private suites, slick, enclosed spaces with their own tables and table service, cater to bigger bookings, complete with a concierge-style feel.

It’s here that the “high-tech” promise comes into focus. The tables themselves track gameplay, layering in AR-style visuals that turn a standard frame into something closer to a group activity. It’s part of a broader trend seen across London, gamified social venues, but Poolhouse leans fully into it. This isn’t just about potting balls; it’s about turning pool into an event. Once you realise this is from the same people as Top Golf, it all begins to make a bit more sense.

You can still play a normal game, of course. But that’s not really the point.

A night out, not a quick game

There’s a clear trade-off at play. At around £10 per person for 30 minutes, this isn’t somewhere you drop in for a casual couple of frames between pints. It’s designed for groups, for longer sessions, for rounds of drinks and games that blur into one another. That doesn't mean there aren't some cracking drops on draft, though, with the full beer list below:

• Asahi Super Dry
• Peroni
• Meantime Lager
• Meantime Anytime
• Guinness
• ELB Cowcatcher
• Jubel Peach
• Cornish Orchard Gold Cider

The cocktail list stretches from the low tens up to nearly £20, and while food wasn’t properly tested on the night, the offering, pizzas, tacos, bao buns, suggests something built to keep people in the building rather than send them elsewhere.

Still, the space itself does a lot of the heavy lifting. Despite the crowds on opening night, it rarely felt unmanageable. There are quieter corners, tucked-away tables, and even window-side nooks where you can step back from the chaos and watch the City move outside.

The verdict

Poolhouse feels like it’s trying to do something quite specific: take a familiar, slightly tired pub staple and repackage it for a different kind of night out.

It won’t replace the cheap, slightly sticky tables where £2.50 still gets you a few games. But that’s not what it’s aiming for. Instead, it sits firmly in the “start of the night” category, somewhere to meet, play, drink something better than you planned to, and then spill out into Liverpool Street when you’re done.

And on that front, it’s hard to fault. The location (a stone's throw from Liverpool Street station) is about as convenient as it gets, the space is impressively well thought through, and the experience, while pricier, feels deliberate.

Poolhouse, located at 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT, is now open and taking bookings on the website.

• The 9 best jazz bars in London

Courchevel has a reputation that precedes it. Spend even a few minutes around the main lifts in 1850 and you can see where it comes from: luxury boutiques lining the snowfront, immaculate hotels climbing the hillside, and skiers stepping straight from terrace lunches back onto perfectly groomed pistes in their Moncler jackets.

But once you’re moving across the mountain, that reputation quickly becomes only part of the story.

Courchevel sits within the Three Valleys, the largest connected ski area in the world, with more than 600 kilometres of pistes stretching across several resorts. What that really means on the ground is freedom. Within a couple of lifts you’re moving between valleys, discovering different terrain, and shaping the day around conditions rather than resort boundaries.

Courchevel: In Short

• The largest connected ski area in the world
• 600 km of pistes with varied options for all levels of skiiers
• Head to Le Praz villages for traditional Alpine feel
• Choose between lively Après Ski and calmer options

We travelled as a mixed group, with some experienced skiers and others still early in their learning curve, and the scale of the place made that easy to manage. Most mornings naturally split into smaller groups heading in different directions before regrouping later for lunch or drinks. Some pushed further towards Méribel, while others stayed on the gentler Courchevel terrain, and the lift network made it easy to reconnect later in the afternoon.

Over three days we saw a good cross-section of Alpine weather: flat light on arrival, fresh snowfall overnight, and eventually a clear blue morning with untouched powder still sitting on the higher runs.

For a short trip, it felt like seeing the resort at its best.

Where To Stay: Courchevel Le Praz

Le Praz is one of the quieter villages in Courchevel and makes a particularly good base if you want access to the ski area without the constant pace, and cost, of the higher resorts.

Sitting at around 1300 metres, it feels closer to a traditional Alpine village than a purpose-built resort. Wooden chalets cluster around a frozen lake in the centre, and most things - lifts, rental shops, restaurants - are within a few minutes’ walk. The atmosphere is calmer than in Courchevel 1850, but you’re still fully connected to the Three Valleys lift system.

Lodge Les Merisiers works well for a short stay. It’s a straightforward chalet-style hotel close to the centre of the village, with comfortable rooms, a heated boot room and ski lockers that make the daily routine easy. Breakfast is generous enough to set you up for the morning without slowing down the start of the day - an underrated advantage when the lifts are about to open.

From the village, the Forêt chairlift is the most efficient way into the ski area, quickly linking into the wider Courchevel network. Within two or three lifts you’re already moving across the mountain, which means staying lower down doesn’t cost you valuable skiing time.

That balance - a calmer village, slightly lower accommodation prices, but easy access to the main lift system - is what makes Le Praz such a sensible base.

Where to eat

Food is a major part of the Courchevel experience, although how much you lean into that depends largely on how you approach the day and how much you want to spend.

Having breakfast handled by the hotel helps simplify the mornings. A strong coffee, fresh bread and a quick turnaround mean you’re usually out the door before the main lift queues begin.

Lunch is where the more difficult decisions start.

Our first day began with plans to stop at La Soucoupe, perched high above 1850 with a wide terrace looking across the valley. It’s exactly the kind of mountain restaurant that draws you in after a long morning of skiing. A quick look at the menu prompted a budget based recalculation, though, and after a single drink we decided to continue skiing and head lower.

Instead we ended up at L’Equipe in 1650, which proved a much better fit for the trip. Sitting directly on the slopes, it has the relaxed atmosphere of a place built primarily for skiers rather than a destination lunch crowd. Plates of pasta, burgers and coffee arrived quickly, and the whole stop felt easy enough that it became a repeat option later in the trip.

That kind of balance tends to work well in Courchevel. The resort certainly offers its share of high-end dining - Bagatelle is known for long, lively terrace lunches, while La Soucoupe remains one of the most scenic spots on the mountain - but mixing those experiences with simpler slope-side restaurants keeps the rhythm of a ski day intact.

Where to Après

Après-ski in Courchevel tends to develop naturally out of the ski day rather than starting once the lifts close.

On the mountain, La Folie Douce remains one of the best-known spots in the Three Valleys. Music carries across the terrace throughout the afternoon while the crowd gradually builds, and by the end of the day it has usually turned into a full outdoor party.

For something a little calmer, Le Planté de Bâton is an easier place to stop. Skiers drift in for a drink before continuing down the mountain, and the atmosphere builds slowly rather than all at once.

One afternoon we pushed further into Méribel, partly for variety and partly to see how the neighbouring valley compares. That detour gradually turned into jugs of IPA at the Rond Point, heavy snowfall beginning to settle as visibility faded across the slopes.

By the time we finally left, the ski down towards Méribel centre required slightly more concentration than it had earlier in the day. That was followed by a late stop at Jacks to watch some live music and share a few magnums of Rosé, before eventually calling a taxi back to Le Praz - an expensive decision that still felt justified by the end of the evening.

For those staying in Le Praz, La Tania offers the closest alternative for a livelier night out with venues such as Pub Le Ski Lodge hosting regular gigs, and the late-running free buses make moving between villages relatively straightforward.

Where to ski

Starting the day from Le Praz makes it easy to build momentum quickly.

The Forêt lift provides a fast first step into the system, while Dou des Lanches opens access to a broad stretch of terrain across the Courchevel side of the valley. From there the direction of the day tends to depend on weather and snow conditions.

Courchevel’s skiing is known for its wide, well-maintained pistes, with a particularly strong selection of blues and reds that allow skiers to cover large distances without constantly stopping. It’s terrain that suits mixed-ability groups well, allowing confident skiers to move quickly while others build confidence on longer, forgiving runs.

On the first day we stayed mostly on the Courchevel side, linking runs such as Combe de la Saulire with long cruisers that gradually carried us towards Méribel.

As confidence grew, the natural progression was to push further across the Three Valleys. The connection into Méribel happens surprisingly quickly, and once you arrive the terrain begins to feel slightly different - steeper in places, with longer descents between lift stations.

One of the most memorable runs of the trip came from the Mont Vallon area, dropping down into Campagnol. It’s a long descent that changes character as you go: steeper sections at the top gradually easing into wide, flowing terrain lower down. With relatively few people around that morning, it became one of those runs that seems to continue far longer than expected.

Back on the Courchevel side, Saulire and its surrounding pistes offered a different experience again. Early in the morning these runs are often immaculately groomed, creating wide, fast pistes that encourage long carving turns before the slopes begin to fill later in the day.

By the final morning, however, the cumulative effect of several long days on the mountain and a few too many late evening beers was beginning to show. Flat light returned and even familiar runs demanded more focus than earlier in the trip. That usually signals the right moment to stop.

What else to do

Courchevel offers plenty of alternatives to skiing - snowshoeing routes, sledging runs, and the large Aquamotion complex for swimming and spa sessions - but after several full days on the slopes the most appealing option is often simply slowing down.

Le Praz suits that pace particularly well. The village is compact, the atmosphere relaxed, and evenings feel quieter than in the larger resort centres higher up the mountain.

After a long ski day, that simplicity can be exactly what you want.

The Verdict

Courchevel works because of the scale it gives you access to and the ease with which you can explore it.

The Three Valleys allows skiers to move across huge distances without complicated planning, adjusting the day around weather, snow conditions and energy levels as they go. Even on a short trip it’s possible to experience a surprising range of terrain, from wide groomed pistes to long valley-spanning descents.

The resort undeniably carries a reputation for luxury, and the prices in some areas reflect that. But staying in places like Le Praz, choosing when to lean into the bigger dining spots, and focusing on the skiing itself makes the experience far more balanced.

Three days is enough to understand why so many people return here. And just enough to start planning the next trip

• Amazon Alexa+ finally lands in the UK: 8 neat things it can do

New England kits always land with a bit of noise. Some of it justified, some of it not, but it’s one of those things in football where everyone suddenly has an opinion, whether they care about design or not.

England kits aren’t just kits – they carry baggage. Tournaments, moments, players, near-misses, all of it gets wrapped up in what is, essentially, a white shirt and some trim. When it’s a World Cup year, that weight feels even heavier.

The latest drop does what most modern England kits do, clean, safe, and designed not to offend too many people. But it also brings the usual question back around: where does it actually rank against the classics?

That’s where things get interesting. Because while England have never been the most experimental when it comes to kit design, they’ve quietly built up a strong back catalogue. Some genuinely iconic, some overlooked, and a few that only make sense when you remember the tournament they were worn in.

This isn’t just about design, then. It’s about context, how a kit looked, when it showed up, and what came with it.

Here are our favourites.

8. 2026 away

England returns to red for 2026, ditching the dark purple of Euro 2024 for something that actually feels like England. Navy accents add a subtle nod to the ’90s without tipping into full nostalgia, keeping it fresh and wearable. The central badge placement is always a touch divisive, but we love it.

The overall combo of red and navy makes for a kit that’s punchy, confident, and very much built for a World Cup stage. Hopefully, after this summer, we can pop this one higher up the list once some history is made in it.

7. 2022 home

England’s 2022 home kit keeps it classic, all-white with crisp blue trim that nods to traditional England colours without feeling dated. The slim fit and clean crew neck give it a modern, streamlined look, while the chest placement of the iconic Three Lions crest and Nike Swoosh keeps the design sharp and simple.

It might have ended in a quarter-final exit to France, but this shirt captured the pride of the squad and looked every bit the part on the World Cup stage, smart, understated, and instantly recognisable as England. It is a touch less traditional than some other kits, but it was worn during what was ultimately a positive tournament.

6. 1982 Away

England’s 1982 away kit is pure retro charm, all-red with subtle white trim that screams early ’80s football flair. Worn at the World Cup in Spain, the tournament marked England’s return to the finals after a six-year absence, giving the kit an instant place in history.

It paired a simple v-neck and understated crest with bold colour to make the Three Lions easy to spot on the pitch. England didn’t make it out of the second group stage, but this kit remains a classic, clean, functional, and impossible to forget for fans of vintage England kits.

5. 2002 Home

England’s 2002 World Cup home kit is instantly recognisable: crisp white with subtle navy detailing and a modern, slimmer fit that felt sharper than previous iterations. The stripe though the bold Three Lions crest gave it a clean, confident look, while the minimal accents kept it timeless. It screams of an iconic era of players from Beckham to a young Michael Owen.

Worn in South Korea and Japan, the tournament itself was a mixed bag, England reached the quarter-finals but fell to eventual runners-up Brazil. Still, the kit captures a moment when the team looked sleek on the world stage, balancing tradition with early 2000s style cues that still hold up today.

4. 1986 Home

England’s 1986 home shirt is a proper vintage gem: simple, classic white with bold red trim and the iconic Three Lions badge front and centre. Worn in Mexico, the side navigated Group F behind Morocco, then beat Paraguay in the Round of 16 thanks to two Lineker goals and one from Beardsley, before facing Diego Maradona’s Argentina in the quarter-finals.

That game delivered football history: the infamous ‘Hand of God’ and Maradona’s mesmerising footwork overshadowed Lineker’s late strike, ending England’s run. The kit now stands as a symbol of pride and heartbreak, forever tied to one of the sport’s most iconic tournaments.

3. 1998 Home

England’s 1998 shirt feels unmistakably late-90s: crisp white with bold red piping along the shoulders and sleeves, giving it a sporty, energetic edge. The Three Lions crest sits front and centre, while the subtle navy trim adds just enough contrast to stop it from feeling flat.

On the pitch in France, the kit was worn by a team that dazzled at times but fell to Argentina in a dramatic Round of 16 shootout. While the results weren’t memorable, the shirt itself captures the optimism and style of England football at the turn of the decade.

2. 1990 Home

England’s 1990 home kit is pure nostalgia. A striking white shirt with subtle navy trim, a collar that makes the kit instantly recognisable from Italia ’90, where the Three Lions reached the semi-finals, one of their best World Cup runs ever.

The bold silhouette made a statement on the pitch, while the badge and trim kept it unmistakably England. It’s remembered not just for its style, but for the drama of penalty shootouts and a team that captured the imagination of a nation. The country hasn't really come as close since.

1. 1966 Away

The one where England got it over the line. For some, it probably has plenty of good memories; for most who are too young, it's a symbol of genuine success and the last time the country experienced it.

The kit is simple, just red, with a big badge and long sleeves, but it's what it means that earns it the number one spot on this list and probably every other list you'll see.

• LEGO is letting fans build a full-size World Cup trophy – and we’re already clearing shelf space

The London Marathon is a UK institution and famously more difficult to get tickets to than an Oasis reunion tour at Wembley. To remedy the number of active hopefuls who miss out on a slot, plans have been unveiled to extend the famous race to run over two days in 2027.

This change would allow the elite men’s and women’s races to take place on separate days, whilst also raising double the amount of moolah for different charities. And presumably, significantly increase the amount of money the London Marathon Foundation receives too. If the plans are approved, the race would welcome around 100,000 runners across the weekend, with 50,000 per day. Last year, more than 1.1 million people entered the public ballot for a spot so you can see why the officials are considering doubling the event.

The 2027 race would happen on both the Saturday and the Sunday, meaning the road closures would stay in place across the whole weekend, closing off areas across Greenwich and all the way up to Buckingham Palace.

Unlike the hype for flared jeans, cowboy boots, and mullets, the demand for the marathon never ceases, actually increasing year on year. Around 56,640 runners finished last year’s event which according to the organisers was a world record. A whopping £87.3 million was raised last year which was also a record for the charity event.

Speaking to The Guardian, a spokesperson for The Mayor of London said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and the Mayor looks forward to working with London Marathon and partners to consider if it might be possible to host an event that will run across two days next year.”

So watch this space, and maybe start up that training plan, again…

• Jon Bernthal’s Punisher returns in a new Disney+ special this May — before taking on Spider-Man in the summer

Golf has always had an image problem. Not the sport itself, that’s booming, but everything around it. The culture, the access, the feeling that unless you’ve grown up around it, you’re largely on the outside looking in. And the trousers...

Golfclubber is trying to change that. Or at least, give it a decent go.

Landing at Magazine London on the 11th and 12th of April, it’s being billed as the UK’s first golf culture festival. Which sounds niche, until you look at what they’re actually doing with it.

At its core, it’s a watch party for The Masters Tournament, big screens, live coverage from Augusta, and the usual high-stakes Sunday tension. However, instead of keeping things quiet and lowkey, it’s being wrapped in something that feels a lot closer to a day festival.

The lineup leans heavily into that crossover space between sport and culture. You’ve got Jimmy Bullard, Tony Bellew and Locky turning up, alongside golf creators like Golf Life and Fore Bros, the names doing more to bring new audiences into the sport than most traditional coverage.

It’s less about analysis, more about atmosphere and having a good time.

That said, it’s not just a passive watch-and-drink situation. There’s a full Performance Zone built in, with simulators, putting challenges and recreations of famous shots, plus coaching sessions and beginner masterclasses running throughout the weekend. You can turn up knowing nothing and still get involved, walking away having learned something and having a good time.

Saturday is pitched as the louder, 18+ day. Sunday dials things back slightly, opening things up to families and younger players, including an effort to bring kids into the sport who might not otherwise get near it. With more than 3,000 people expected over the weekend.

Tickets are available now, starting from £19.80, for a big golf weekend at Magazine London.

• From Keown to Hornby: Arsenal takes over the British Library for one day

If you’re the sort of person who can happily lose hours reading about football, not just watching it, and you're an Arsenal fan, this one’s very much aimed at you.

The Football Writing Festival: Arsenal Special is taking over the British Library this Saturday (28th of March), pulling together a full day of talks, panels and general Arsenal chat with a line-up that leans heavily into both football and culture.

It’s a deep dive into everything surrounding Arsenal FC, from the people who’ve played for the club, to those who’ve written about it, and the fans who’ve built entire platforms off the back of following it.

Given how Arsenal are currently being talked about as genuine title contenders, the timing isn’t exactly accidental, although hopefully the recent League Cup loss is forgotten about.

The day kicks off with Nick Hornby, whose Fever Pitch remains one of the defining books about football fandom, in conversation with Henry Winter. It’s a strong opener: two people who’ve spent decades putting football into words, now doing it live.

From there, things branch out. There’s a session dedicated to Arsenal Women, featuring club legends like Rachel Yankey, alongside former players Gill Sayell and Kirsty Pealling, a reminder that Arsenal’s success isn’t just confined to the men’s side.

If you’re more interested in how the club gets covered week in, week out, there’s a panel with writers including Amy Lawrence, John Cross and Sam Dean, digging into what it’s like to report on a team that rarely goes quietly for long.

Elsewhere, things get a bit more academic with a session on Black Arsenal, exploring the club’s long-standing cultural connection with Black identity, stretching beyond football into music, fashion and wider society.

Then there’s Martin Keown, who’ll be sitting down to talk through his time at the club, from coming through as a young player to being part of the Invincibles era. Expect a few decent stories there.

It’s not all panels and analysis, either. Later in the day, the focus shifts to the fans, the people behind blogs, podcasts and fanzines who’ve kept the conversation going long after full-time.

It all wraps up with a celebrity quiz hosted by Clive Anderson, featuring familiar Arsenal-supporting faces like Jazzie B, Michael Rosen and Tom Watt, which should be a slightly less serious way to end things.

The whole thing runs from 11:30 through to 20:30 at the Pigott Theatre, with tickets available in-person for £32 or alternatively, you can tune in virtually online from £10.

It’s a long day, no doubt, but if you care about Arsenal beyond just the 90 minutes on a weekend, this is about as close as it gets to a full cultural unpacking of the club in one place.

• 4 diet tips to eat like a professional footballer (according to the chef that feeds them)

If you’ve ever played Angry Birds and thought “this would be better if I could absolutely leather it,” your oddly specific wish has just come true.

TOCA Social, the immersive football entertainment venue inside The O2 and Westfield White City in London and the Bullring in Birmingham, is launching a brand-new Angry Birds game this Easter, and it’s exactly as chaotic as it sounds.

For the uninitiated, TOCA Social is what happens when five-a-side football collides with arcade gaming. You and your mates step into a private booth, fire footballs at a huge interactive screen, and take on a series of skill-based challenges, all while food and drinks are delivered straight to your table. It’s fast, competitive, and just the right level of ridiculous, whether you’re a seasoned baller or someone who hasn’t kicked a ball since Year 9 PE.

From the 30th of March, things are getting even more frantic. The new Angry Birds experience takes the global gaming phenomenon, with more than 5 billion downloads, and turns it into a full-body event. Instead of dragging a slingshot across your phone screen, you’ll be using your foot to ping balls at targets, sending birds crashing into towers, setting off TNT explosions and wiping out the ever-annoying Bad Piggies.

There are multiple difficulty settings, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, so you can ease yourself in or go full competitive mode. It’s designed to work for pretty much everyone, making it a strong shout for families over the Easter holidays, groups of mates, or even a slightly chaotic date night. And because it’s all indoors, it’s also a very handy option when London inevitably decides to chuck it down for a week straight.

The game marks TOCA Social’s first collaboration with a major gaming brand, teaming up with Rovio Entertainment to bring the colourful chaos into the real world. It’s also the first of several new experiences set to roll out across 2026, so expect more where this came from.

If you’re looking for something a bit different to fill an afternoon, or just fancy proving you’ve got better aim than your pals, this might be one of the more fun ways to do it.

• London’s Leicester Square is getting a new activity bar with axe throwing, shuffleboards, DJs and more

Sunday League football has always been as much about camaraderie, fry-ups, and post-match pints as it has been about the 90 minutes on the pitch. But the culture is shifting. Across Britain, amateur players are treating diet as a critical part of their performance, swapping burgers, kebabs, and sugary drinks for meals designed to keep energy levels high, speed up recovery, and sharpen focus.

A recent Specsavers poll of 1,000 amateur footballers revealed that 67% are actively trying to out-perform opponents through their diet. Among Gen Z players, over half follow matchday menus specifically designed to maintain stamina from kickoff to the final whistle.

“You’d be very surprised, the days of the hungover Sunday League player are few and far between,” says Jonny Marsh, the private chef behind Warley FC’s nutrition makeover.

“Fitness lifestyles have become a lot more instilled within 20-30-year-olds now, with the emergence of hyrox, marathons, 10Ks… and this naturally crosses over into Sunday mornings. That being said, cooking for professional footballers is harder due to their exacting standards.”

Marsh, who has worked with stars including Ilkay Gundogan, has been guiding Warley FC – a team that lost 18 of their 20 games last season – to rethink their matchday meals. The results are already visible: a week after introducing Marsh’s new menu, the team secured a clean 2-0 win over Essex Minors.

Looking to similarly up your game? Here's four rules to follow if you want to be a masterchef for Messi.

Rule 1: Sunday League diets are improving — but cut back the beige on your plate

“Diets are definitely improving,” Marsh says. “Players aren’t just smashing pastries and energy drinks anymore, with 40% already changing their matchday habits after seeing teammates last longer on the pitch. That said, Gen X still think a full English is acceptable pre-kickoff, so there’s work to do. Most players are moving in the right direction; they just need a bit more consistency and a bit less beige.”

Despite the progress, some myths persist.

“The biggest thing I get from amateur players is, ‘I don’t want to eat like a rabbit,’” Marsh explains.

“People have this huge misconception that healthy food is boring. A few tweaks here and there can make a huge difference. You can have your favourite meal and less calories at the same time.”

Rule 2: Treats are fine — timing and portion size are what matter

Grassroots football isn’t just about strict diets. Marsh stresses that enjoyment still matters: “Dark chocolate is a great one, but honestly, anything can fit if timing and portion are right. It’s not about banning foods, it’s about fuelling properly when it counts.”

Even pre-match pies have been given a makeover...

“The perfect performance pie is what we cooked up with the Warley FC lads, a beetroot curry pie. It’s packed with slow-release carbs, antioxidants, and proper flavour. Beetroot is incredible for circulation and stamina, spinach boosts cardiovascular health, and curry spices give warmth and energy without weighing you down.”

Post-match, players are still free to let their hair down.

“These guys aren’t professional, and all have jobs to go to Monday morning,” says Marsh.

“A few pints aren’t the worst thing in the world. Culture has changed rapidly over the last decade, and now the days leading up to games are a lot healthier and more balanced.”

Rule 3: Say no to deep-fried anything before kick-off

Marsh is blunt about the impact of poor nutrition: “If Declan Rice ate like the average 2026 Sunday League centre-half for a month, he’d probably fare better than you’d expect because the average Sunday League player is way more dialled-in than a decade ago. But if he went full early-20s mode with kebabs, minimal protein, and no recovery, he’d feel it fast. Bad diet impacts performance more than most people realise. Your sleep, recovery, weight, everything at that level is of the finest margins.”

Some foods are non-negotiable. “Anything deep-fried, ban it. Grease before kickoff slows everyone down. Save it for the celebration, not the warm-up.” But simple, budget-friendly meals can make a huge difference.

“I’d go for peri-peri marinated chicken with spicy rice and some salad or veg. It’s cheap, easy, and gives you exactly what you need – steady energy and proper recovery. And funnily enough, James Milner has said it’s been his go-to pre-match meal for years. If the Warley lads can manage it, anyone can.”

Rule 4: Consistency is the real secret to playing better

The combination of new nutrition, coaching from Micah Richards, and a willingness to change has started to pay off for Warley FC.

“Jonny’s guidance is already showing results,” says manager Luke Armstrong.

“A week after he joined, we had a confident 2-0 win. A clean sheet, a composed performance – it’s exciting to see how the lads’ progress develops over the long term.”

Marsh sums it up: “Think of it like taking care of your car, the better fuel you put in, the better output you get. A good diet is an investment in your future as a player. Consistency is king, tick the box every day and the results will follow.”

Whether it’s beetroot pies, peri-peri chicken or simply cutting back on pre-match grease, the message is simple: what you eat matters. If Sunday League players across the country are starting to treat nutrition like part of the game plan, the gap between grassroots and the pros might not be as big as it once seemed.

• 10 best London music venues for seeing unsigned bands

The old laws of supply and demand have never been put to the test more than by Londoners with their running obsession, and the (surprisingly low) amount of actual races there are across the capital. Which is probably why it will come as a shock to absolutely nobody that London is getting a brand new half marathon, to keep up with the amount of people signing up for them. New Year's Resolutions have a lot to answer for

Cue the onslaught of even more lycra, smart watches, and those weird gels that — I have since found out — are absolutely not Frubes. Not even Frube adjacent.

Anyway, despite the amount of runners you’ll see frequenting Clapham Common, Tooting Common, Brockwell Park, Battersea Park – hey, any remotely green space, South London actually doesn’t have that many marathons. Until now, runners have been forced to trek over to East London for a good (officially timed and certified) jog.

The good news is that South London is getting a brand new half marathon, and the 13.1 mile race is heading to Wimbledon. The race is set to kick off in spring 2027.

The event is a collaboration between Merton Council and the Great Run Company – you know, the people behind the Great North Run aka the biggest half marathon in the world. The Wimbledon one probably won’t be quite as big as the famed GNR which sees 600,000 Strava-strollers (okay, incredibly fast amateur runners) take to the Newcastle streets every year. The Wimbledon iteration will have around 9,000 runners in its inaugural race.

Currently, there is no word on what the route will look like, but we do know it will be spanning across the borough in a closed-road race.

The race isn’t just great news for running-devotees, as the local council has estimated the race will bring around a £1.7million boost to local businesses. Better get those running trainers out from the back of the wardrobe where they’ve been since last summer’s optimistic fitness push.

• This London site could be about to become The Thames' first public swimming spot

If it feels like there has been a never-ending rise of all things wild swimming recently – community saunas, new Lidos, leisure centres, surfing lakes, giant potholes, then you’re not making it up. There has been a (tidal) wave of new initiatives proposed to create more wild swimming spots across the UK, and one in London is looking very promising.

Cast your minds back a couple of months ago and 13 sites across the UK were shortlisted for ‘swimming status’, which does not include a pink Kellogg’s 50m swim badge, but in fact is about creating sites which are safe, designated spaces suitable for public swimming. The government proposed to designate Riverside at Ham and Kingston as one of the latest official bathing sites, which was welcomed by Richmond Council and now is officially greenlit. The site has been put forward and championed by locals, including the Teddington Bluetits swimming group who believe it would be transformative for the community.

Despite the fact that most people associate the waters of the Thames with rusty shopping trollies, floating wet wipes, and other unsavoury detritus, the area has been deemed officially (and scientifically) clean, and is fit for public dipping. The first (and brave) dippers were welcomed into the bathing site on May 15th, and it will stay open throughout the summer season until September.

The site has been used as a bathing site before, having been a popular Victorian swimming location. The designation originally proved challenging for Thames Water as the body attempts to drive through a water recycling scheme to draw off tens of millions of litres of water a day from the Thames near the proposed bathing water area and replace it with treated effluent from the nearby Mogden sewage works. Local campaigners have been fighting for bathing-pond status for years, and after being declared biologically dead in 1950s, the reopening of the waterway is a landmark achievement.

Speaking to the Standard, Water minister Emma Hardy said: “The Thames is the vital artery at the heart of London’s cultural and sporting life.

“Plans for the very first bathing site in Ham and Kingston would mark a dramatic step towards a river fit for the world’s greatest capital city, making it a place people can confidently swim and take pride in.”

• Banksy Limitless brings the world of the street artist to London

All Elite Wrestling has confirmed that tickets for AEW All In: London will go on general sale at 10am GMT on Friday, 20 March via Live Nation. The show itself lands over the August bank holiday weekend, taking place on Sunday 30 August at Wembley Stadium.

Pre-registration is already open through Ticketmaster for anyone keen to secure a seat before the inevitable digital scrum.

This will mark the third time AEW has brought its flagship event to Wembley, and the company isn’t being subtle about its ambitions. When All In first arrived in London in 2023, it pulled in 81,035 fans, setting the all-time attendance record for a professional wrestling event and drawing supporters from more than 70 countries.

The following year, the event travelled stateside for AEW All In: Texas, which became AEW’s highest-grossing and most attended show in the United States. Now it’s back on British soil, with Wembley once again positioned as the global stage.

Part of All In’s appeal has been its sense of scale. This isn’t a souped-up arena show; it’s a stadium spectacle. Previous London editions have delivered career-defining moments, including Will Ospreay competing on home turf and Bryan Danielson putting his career on the line against Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship. The women’s division has also taken centre stage, with headline-grabbing performances from stars such as Mercedes Moné, Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale.

AEW is promising another “landmark live entertainment experience” for 2026, with more match announcements and card details to follow. We're expecting big title defences, chaotic stipulations and a lot of very muscley people going head-to-head.

Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling obsessive or just someone who fancies seeing 80,000 people lose their minds in unison, All In has positioned itself as more than just a niche event and instead as what you should expect on a sunny bank holiday. Pre-registration is live now.

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It’s Winter Olympics time, which means just like the summer games it’s time to become fully invested in sports we don’t entirely understand — the rare occasion we all just get swept up in the emotion of how well someone is able to cross-country ski while doing a spot of rifle shooting.

Whether you’re au fait with all that’s happening in Milan and Cortina, with the XXV Winter Olympic Games underway, there’s a good chance you’ve probably heard the name Eddie the Eagle. At the 1988 Games in Calgary, Michael Edwards became the first athlete to compete for Team GB in ski jumping at an Olympic Games.

He didn’t leave Canada with a gold medal around his neck. He did, however, come away with the love and admiration of the millions that saw him achieve his dream to compete in the Olympics, when the odds were so heavily stacked against him to do it.

His Olympic journey was put on the big screen in the 2016 film Eddie the Eagle, while Edwards continues to share both on and off the slopes how he made it to the top of that hill in 1988.

Ahead of cheering on runners at the 2026 edition of the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run and inspiring others to sign up for the 2027 edition of the London Winter Run, we grabbed Eddie for a chat to find out if he still has love for the slopes and when we might actually see the next Team GB ski jumping hopeful.

The thrill of skiing hasn’t melted over the years

37 years on from Calgary, Edwards still spends a considerable amount of time slipping on his ski boots. That’s in between getting on his bike (mountain or road), doing a bit of dancing or going for a run, if his achilles isn’t playing up.

“I still love getting skis on and going skiing,” Edwards says with a beaming smile on his face.

“It doesn't matter whether it's at my local dry ski slope in Gloucester or the indoor ski slopes we have with real snow. Or out in the mountains somewhere in France, Italy, Austria, Germany or Bulgaria. I still get a buzz when I get my skis on.

"It's a slightly different feeling now because I can relax more. Back in the day, it was always training and getting ready for my next competition. Now it’s lovely because there’s no pressure. I can just ski, have fun, stop for coffee and there's no pressure whatsoever.”

Rob vs Romesh vs skiing

Edwards, now a qualified ski instructor, gives skiers of all abilities the chance to join him out on the piste and to even dine out and quiz him on one of his Ski Weekends. He put those instructor skills to the test when he joined comedy duo Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganthan for the Winter Olympics special of Rob & Romesh Vs. Something that Edwards had a lot of fun filming around this time last year.

“I think one of them had had one or two lessons on an indoor ski slope, but I think it'll be a while yet before they'll be ready for the Winter Olympics, " laughed Edwards.

“We actually filmed that on Valentine's Day last year, because my partner was really upset. She came to Saint Moritz with me and then here I was on this lovely horse sleigh ride going through Saint Moritz and it was with Rob and Romesh and not with my partner. She said I wouldn't love to have been on that horse sleigh ride going through St Moritz with me, rather than two comedians.”

So, who would be his dream guest to join him for a weekend of skiing?

“Hugh Jackman would be great to go out with, " he says.

“I spent a bit of time with him when we were promoting the film ten years ago. It would be nice to have somebody like him come out and ski with him for a week. I do bump into quite a few different people especially when I do festivals. I’ve skied with a few other comedians like Marcus Brigstocke. Some are better skiers than others, but it’s always great fun.”

The next Eddie the Eagle could be years away

A glance at the roster of Team GB athletes for this year’s Winter games shows an absence of any ski jumpers. There hasn’t been a representative in the games since 2002, and Edwards believes the dearth of athletes making it to the games isn’t going to change anytime soon.

“It doesn’t surprise me that we don’t have a ski jumper in the British Olympic team, because we don’t have a ski jump in the UK,” he tells us.

“You’ve got to travel so far to jump. I think my nearest ski jump is in Courchevel in France. That's like 700 to 1,000 miles away. Courchevel is very expensive as well. Until we can build a ski jump centre in the UK only then we can produce our own homegrown talent. Even then, once we’ve built it, it'll still take another 10 years before we start seeing the results.

“We were looking at the prospect of building one about 10 years ago. The only trouble was when the film came out. I was so busy with the film and off the back of the film, doing talks, motivational talks all over the world and I didn't have enough time to devote to actually where we would build it and what kind of centre would be built. It's something that we do want to look at again in the future.”

Getting to the Olympics through the kindness of strangers

There’s many reasons why Eddie’s story was the perfect fit for the big screen. None more so than the sacrifices he made to be near to the places thousands miles away from home. Places where he could train regularly to get him closer to the Olympics and lean on advice from everyone including the kids of ski jump coaches. All while facing the obstacles many athletes still face today.

"I had no money, no sponsorship,” Edwards explains. “Different teams gave me equipment. The Italian team gave me a helmet, the West German team gave me a suit. The Austrian team gave me a pair of skis."

"Even some people who owned a hotel in a village near where I trained helped me,” he says.

“They were two brothers and I used to cut their grass for them in the summer and they would give me a free meal. Back then, I used to pass their hotel to and from the jumps. If I was passing by and one of the brothers, who was a chef and he was in the kitchen, would give me a tin of beans or a tin of pears. I thought, Oh, great, that's my meal for tonight.

"I slept in the back of my car, in the back of a van. in a cow shed, slept in barns and in a psychiatric hospital. I scraped food out of bins. I just did anything I could do that would allow me to stay for an extra day, weekend, week or month.”

Aspiring Winter Olympians should just give it a go

Edwards, like many other Winter Olympics viewers, has enjoyed catching the action from all the events. Whether that’s the tricks on show during the snowboarding, or ski cross, an event which basically involves four guys racing down a course where there’s lots of barging and jumps to contend with. An event he would’ve loved to have done, but wasn't invented for another 15 years after he retired from skiing.

So what if you’ve caught the Winter Olympics and are wondering if you should give one of the events a go?

“If anybody watching is interested in any of the particular sports, I would encourage them all to just go out and give it a go,” says Edwards.

"You never know what might happen. You might end up going down a route that you never, ever thought about.

"It could be figure skating. It could be curling, maybe bobsleigh. We've got a bobsleigh push down in Bath, so you could get into a bit of training there to see whether you've got potential to become a bobsledder, a skeleton or a luge driver or get into ski jumping.

"I was inspired by watching the Olympics when I was a kid. I thought wow, I want to be like them.

"I didn't know I was going to do it in the ski jump. That’s just the way it turned out. It worked for me and it can work for anybody else.”

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Big brands reportedly spent up to $10 million for an ad slot during the Super Bowl 2026. And that only gets you thirty seconds of screen time.

But, hey, when there are an estimated 120-million-plus eyes glued to screens for the biggest NFL game of the year, it’s no wonder these ad spots cost a fortune.

This year, the Super Bowl ad roster was packed with mildly dispiriting AI companies, including Google. But there were some classic bits of Super Bowl ad comedy too, featuring a bunch of America’s most-loved comedians, pop stars and movie icons.

Here are our top seven picks.

Xfinity's Jurassic Park ad

A Wi-Fi router doesn’t sound like the kind of thing that could possibly make a fun ad. And yet with the help of a load of de-ageing tech and the actual stars of one of the best movies ever, they’ve only gone and done it. It’s a “what if Jurassic Park never went wrong?” bit of fan service, thanks to the help of a more robust Wi-Fi networking solution.

Pringles x Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter has made an entire pop persona around highlighting the deficiencies of today’s men. So she decides to make one out of Pringles instead. The real hit of this one is the ad manages to have some of the same smart sense of humour as the bangers on her most recent Man’s Best Friend album. And that’s despite the whole thing being over within a minute.

Hellmann's with Andy Samburg

Part Neil Diamond parody, part one-minute horror movie, this Hellmann’s mayo ad stars Andy Samburg as a man cursed to live in a diner, unable to ever leave. While wearing a “Meal Diamond” suit. It has shades of Lonely Island, obviously, and also acts as a sort-of neat reference to one of Samburg’s best films, 2020’s Palm Springs.

Instacart x Ben Stiller (with Benson Boone)

Ben Stiller and Benson Boone star in this chaotic ad for Instacart. It’s not really clear what any of it has to do with the brand, but Stiller certainly commits to the bit, and Benson Boone puts in a surprisingly good performance as one half of a pair of performing 1970s throwback brothers. Stiller’s character gets jealous of Boone’s signature backflip and tries to outdo it with... results.

State Farm ft. Bon Jovi

Danny McBride and Keegan-Michael Key are insurance salesman and a dodgy Bon Jovi tribute act in this State Farm insurance ad. The pair massacre Livin’ on a Prayer, with lyrics that warn about what happens when you cheap out on your insurance plan. A straightforward idea, then, but one that goes all out on production and even features a cameo from Jon Bon Jovi himself.

Bud Light with Shane Gillis and Post Malone

An ad with weirdly cinematic moments, Shane Gillis and Post Malone go hurtling down a hill to chase a barrel of Bud Light beer at a wedding — along with apparently just about all the other wedding guests. Peyton Manning also features, as the one guy who actually gets a pint of Bud Light. Not the funniest ad in this year’s Super Bowl line-up but well worth a watch.

Dunkin' with Ben Affleck

Splicing together stars from a whole bunch of 1990s sitcoms, this odd parody centres around the conceit that before Good Will Hunting, that film’s character actually starred in a sitcom. And he worked at a Dunkin’ Donuts store. It’s drenched in de-ageing tech, but this one is part of a years-long tradition of collabs between Affleck and Dunkin’.

• Check out 2025's best Super Bowl ads: The 12 Super Bowl ads you don't want to miss

The Super Bowl is back this weekend on the 8th of February, which means one thing for UK fans: staying up offensively late on a Sunday night, smashing questionable quantities of wings and convincing yourself Monday morning is a problem for Future You.

This Sunday, the New England Patriots are taking on the Seattle Seahawks live from Levi’s Stadium in California. Kick-off sits nicely in that awkward UK sweet spot where it’s too late to be sensible and too big to miss, with coverage starting from 10.30pm on Channel 5 if you’re keeping it sofa-side.

If you want the full American blowout, big screens, bigger portions, beer flowing like you’ve got annual leave booked, London has properly leaned into the occasion.

From watch parties and beer halls to full club nights built around the halftime show, here’s where to catch the Super Bowl in the capital this weekend.

9. KERB Social Club, Shoreditch

If your ideal Super Bowl watch party involves street food and a crowd that cares about what’s happening on screen, KERB Social Club is a contender. The Shoreditch spot is throwing a Super Bowl Sunday party, pairing big screen action with a stacked line-up of award-winning street food traders.

There's craft beers, cocktails and match-day specials designed to keep you fuelled well past midnight, plus a proper fan atmosphere rather than background telly vibes. Tickets start from £20.

8. The American Bar at The Stafford

For those who want their Super Bowl viewing with a side of polish, The Stafford’s historic American Bar is hosting a more refined late-night watch party.

They’ve created two bespoke cocktails themed around the teams: the Triple Threat (whisky, pastry, custard and cherry bitters) and the Philly Special (vodka, elderflower, raspberry, rhubarb and champagne). Food runs from small plates like mac and cheese bites through to the full American Bar Club Sandwich, making this one of the more civilised ways to stay awake until sunrise.

7. Bar Kick, Shoreditch

Bar Kick proudly calls itself Shoreditch’s home of live sport, so missing the Super Bowl was never going to be an option. The venue will be screening the game across multiple screens, making sure you’re never more than a glance away from the action.

Food leans satisfyingly indulgent, dirty burgers, fried chicken and a steady supply of drinks, while the late-night crowd guarantees atmosphere without tipping into full club chaos. If you want something lively but still focused on the sport itself, this is a solid middle ground.

6. The Blues Kitchen (multiple locations)

Usually reserved for live music and late-night dancing, The Blues Kitchen is pivoting to American football mode this Sunday, without ditching the party atmosphere that made it famous.

Live bands kick things off from 8pm, keeping the room buzzing before kickoff, and food and drinks will run late into the night to keep everyone going through overtime, halftime and whatever emotional rollercoaster the game throws up. Tickets are available in advance for a fiver, with limited walk-ins available if you’re feeling lucky.

5. 40ft Brewery, Blackhorse Road

If your idea of the perfect Super Bowl involves craft beer, warehouse vibes and pretending Monday doesn’t exist, 40ft Brewery is hosting one of the more laid-back but still lively screenings in the capital.

The game will be shown on a big screen until 4am, with beer specials flowing throughout the night. Guests are strongly encouraged to get involved with bourbon drinking traditions, while Walthamstow Dogs will be supplying hot dogs designed specifically to soak up poor life choices. Entry costs £5 and includes a free pint, which is dangerously good value given how long you’ll likely stay.

4. Ministry of Sound

Not traditionally known for American football, but Ministry of Sound is swapping rave lights for end-zone drama for one night only. The legendary club is screening the game alongside a full party atmosphere, with wings, chips and drinks flowing from 8pm onwards.

The halftime entertainment continues inside the venue too, with 1Xtra favourites Kash & Pharaoh bringing hip hop karaoke and club-style energy while the teams regroup. It’s less sports bar, more Super Bowl rave, and honestly, that might be exactly what some people are after.

3. The Clapham Grand

Following last year’s sell-out chaos, The Clapham Grand is back for another full theatre-style Super Bowl party, and it’s already flirting with capacity again.

Expect a huge screen setup, mountains of beer and Thunderbird Chicken wings keeping the crowd fuelled through the night. There’s also a live cheerleading performance and confetti cannons because subtlety isn’t really part of the Super Bowl brief. If you want your viewing experience loud, messy and slightly theatrical, this is a strong shout.

2. The Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square

The Hippodrome is turning its Lola’s Underground venue into a full watch party, centred around a 10-metre screen that should leave absolutely no excuse for missing a play.

The venue is open 24/7, which neatly solves the late finish issue, and they’re leaning hard into the food and drink side of things with classic Super Bowl snacks and properly cold beer. If you want to level up your evening before kickoff, the Heliot Steak House upstairs is serving heavyweight dinners, including tomahawk steak if you fancy matching the scale of the event.

1. BOXPARK (multiple locations)

If you want the closest thing to a full-tilt American sports bar atmosphere without booking a flight, BOXPARK is going all in. Across its venues, the street-food giant is hosting an all-night Super Bowl party running from 7pm through to 4am, with huge screens, surround sound and the kind of crowd that will absolutely celebrate first downs like match-winners.

There's DJs, live bands, beer pong, giveaways, eating challenges, cheerleaders and a bucking bronco because, frankly, why wouldn’t there be? The game and halftime show (featuring Bad Bunny) will be shown live alongside a steady stream of Coors and street-food traders keeping everyone upright until sunrise.

BOXPARK Croydon is promising an especially rowdy setup, while fans closer to the City can head to BOXHALL at Liverpool Street for a slightly slicker but still lively experience.

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