Introducing our new regular column, in which we bring you the 10 conversation starters you need to know about this week

Buckingham Palace celebrates 200 years since the birth of Queen Victoria 

Idris Elba, one of film and TV’s most irrepressible talents, talks playlists, Prince Harry & 007 rumours 

Isabel Getty, Sabrina Percy and Amber Le Bon on what makes Royal Ascot such a perennial staple on Britain's social calendar

London's buzzing art fair returns to Royal Hospital Chelsea for seven days of prestigious art and design

The popular architectural showcase at the Serpentine Gallery returns this year with a 'primitive and ancient' slate roof

Forty years after its release, London Calling, the classic post-punk album by The Clash, remains one of the greatest records ever inspired by the capital – and as fresh as ever

As Big Little Lies returns, the leading actress discusses the power of her A-list sisterhood and how the series almost never made it to production

A hundred years ago Bauhaus brought concrete, jumpsuits and design revolution to Western Europe. But was London ready for the revolt?

Flower-festooned octopi, luscious mermaids and tactile coral reefs transform Chelsea for London's largest free flower festival 

Baby Archie is being inundated with gifts, but what about the Duchess of Sussex? From spa days to afternoon tea, here are some of the loveliest presents we can imagine receiving

After half a century of royal partygoers, rock and roll excess and wanton abuse of chandeliers, how has Tramp managed to retain its reputation as London’s most louche and lavish night spot?

How London’s best bookshops are surviving the digital age, one gripping page at a time

Jack Fox tells us about life filming in the South of France, how he spends his downtime in his home city and the true love of his life

Lenny and Zoë Kravitz discuss finding time for family and going back to their Bahamian roots

 Join the crème of the capital at this year's finest summer happenings in and around London, from Ascot and Wimbledon to a world-famous sailing soirée