Thinking of going to the Qatar World Cup? Learn how the expert team at Somerset Estates can help with safeguarding your vacant property, putting your mind at ease while you’re away…
As you prepare travel plans for the trip to Qatar, ensuring the protection of your vacant property is of utmost importance for ensuring your peace of mind.
Worrying about your property when you are away – especially during the World Cup – should never be an issue, and our team is committed to giving our clients’ homes the same care when they are vacant as when they are occupied.
From security threats to damaging water leaks, our team is here to check your property on a regular basis, and at the ready to tackle any logistical and technical challenges that may occur when you are away.
As you enjoy your holiday, our staff are available round the clock to address each and every one of your needs, as well as unanticipated situations. We organise and supervise cleaning, oversee contractors, run errands, pay household bills and tend to all unexpected urgent matters, from trespassing concerns to power failures and faulty air conditioning. Our team remains available 24/7, with an emergency phone number allowing us to help in any time zone.
Perhaps most importantly, our regular maintenance of your home in your absence significantly reduces costly repairs and insurance premiums: our ongoing checks prevent potential damages and ensure that your property is kept in perfect working order, and protected from seasonal changes.
We run your heating and cooling systems on a reduced and steady mode – known as ‘vacancy mode’ – keeping your property running efficiently. We flush taps to avoid harmful bacteria build-up within pipes and always take preventative measures for seasonal damages.
Come your return, be it in the middle of the night or on the weekend, we will ensure that your property is ready for your arrival – from having the heating set to your ideal temperature, to having the fridge stocked with your favourite items.
To find out more about our vacant property management services and ease your mind this Christmas and anytime you are away, please get in touch with Philippa by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 / +44 (0) 7904 607136 or emailing info@somersetestates.com to ease your mind this Christmas and anytime you are away.
No And Low Alcohol Drinks For November
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
More than any time of year, the Christmas build-up requires a hefty serving of our social lives. I’m sure I’m not the only one with a calendar filling up with after-work drinks, Sunday lunches and dinners with friends in anticipation of the over-stuffed calendar itself; we book ‘drinks’ in as early as possible to combat the time-poor Christmas preamble, simultaneously succumbing to it. While full-bodied red wines, Baileys over ice and endless flutes of bubbles have come to characterise the Christmas season over the years, this year, it’s all about pacing yourself with drinks in the no and low alcoholic drinks category.
For interested parties, the term ‘sober curious’ is nothing new. According to Healthline, “sober curiosity often begins with some concern about alcohol’s impact on your life. It usually involves some questioning of drinking culture and your own patterns of alcohol use.” The concept works on the basis that, “you can have concerns about your drinking habits even if you don’t meet criteria for alcohol use disorder.” So, will you join the ‘sober curious’ with no or low-alcohol alternatives to your favourite Christmastime tipples?
If you love a classic cocktail and want to enjoy your favourites without the hangover, Strykk is your new best friend. Strykk’s founder, Alex Carlton, couldn’t find a decent non-alcoholic gin, so in 2018, he launched a line of Not Gin and Not Rum, joined just a year later by Not Vodka. The 100% natural spirit alternatives are completely alcohol-free and have no added sugars, artificial flavours or allergens. For Strykk, it’s not about giving up the booze completely. Instead, it’s about giving people options. So you fancy an espresso martini, but not the vodka-induced headspin? All the same ingredients come together to make a cocktail that tastes just like the real thing, using Not Vodka instead of one of the usual suspects.
Three Spirit is also all about giving drinkers a choice, opening up the conversation about what we drink and why. Each of Three Spirit’s alcohol alternatives is plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free and developed by bartenders themselves to ensure high standards of taste and texture, or what the team calls, ‘mouthfeel.’ Three Spirit also has spirit alternatives you can heat for seriously festive fancies. In particular, its Social Elixir combines brilliantly in a warm pan with cloudy apple juice, lemon, orange, coles, star anise, cardamom and crushed allspice berries to make a mulled cider alternative. Three Spirit’s Zen Hot Toddy recipe is also particularly appealing on a cold autumn evening: stud a lemon with cloves and cut it into slices, warm a cup with hot water (and remove), add maple syrup, a 60ml serving of Three Spirit’s Nightcap, star anise and the studded lemon to a glass and stir. This recipe even comes with an optional dash of whiskey for those who want some for a low-ABV drink.
Botivo is the sister company of Rum Runner, a company that makes unique cocktails and provides bar services for private and corporate events. While Rum Runner specialises in traditional cocktails, Botivo is an alcohol-free aperitif made using all-natural ingredients made via a centuries-old process. The botanical flavour comes from rosemary, thyme, gentian, wormwood and orange zest, while its bite comes from raw apple cider vinegar, its sweetness from raw honey. Botivo can be used in myriad ways, from refreshing summertime pitchers to warming, festive tipples. A seasonal favourite amongst the team includes a 25ml serving of Botivo, 100ml of cooled ginger and clove tea (made by combining 40g ginger and 4 cloves in boiling water) and a muddled plum. Strain the mix over ice into a whiskey tumbler and enjoy.
Best Kept Secret European City Breaks
By Amira Hashish
Seeking a European city break in an under the radar hotspot? Whether you are in the mood for some winter sun or fancy a hygge getaway, these lesser trodden destinations offer fast direct flights from London and so much fun when you get there…
Gothenburg, Sweden
Stockholm’s younger sibling is, dare we say it, even more hip than its big brother. Brimming with the beautifully designed restaurants, bars and homeware shops that Sweden does so well, this small but perfectly formed city is ideal for a weekend break. Head to underground bar Stranger for a speakeasy vibe and an inventive drinks list or Koka for a fine dining feast. All the best spots are within walking distance and there is a laid-back but vibrant atmosphere. We’d advise taking an empty suitcase ready for all those Scandi style finds that you will want to bring home.
Where to stay: Hotel Pigalle for decadence in the thick of things without the eye-watering price tag. The rooftop bar is a hoot.
Flight duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
Naples, Italy
Often overlooked as the gateway to the Amalfi, there is a lot to love about culture-packed Naples itself. Whilst it may have a reputation for being a little rough around the edges, that is part of its charm. The Chiaia neighbourhood is the most charismatic and full of sumptuous restaurants, fun bars and excellent shops. Needless to say, you’ll eat some of the best pizza and there is a buzz in the air throughout the seasons. Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi is the trendy pizza option and great for people spotting. For a truly authentic experience which feels like you have stepped straight into your favourite Nonna’s kitchen head to Osteria Della Mattonella. Do cocktails at Flanagan’s on Via Carlo Poerio and coffee at Gran Caffè Gambrinus.
Where to stay: SuperOtium is a boutique hotel with an artistic twist which may not be on the best side of town but is a destination in itself.
Flight duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Porto, Portugal
Lisbon may be Portugal’s more obvious choice but Porto packs a punch. Design aficionados flock here to seek artisanal brands that have an edgy flair. With the sea on the doorstep there is an added appeal. The food and drink scene is on point too. We’d recommend a trip to Tia Tia if natural wines are your thing. Or to soak up the culture over tasty dishes make a beeline for Casario in the Gran Cruz House hotel. The restaurant is housed in a 16th-century building which was once used as a trade house for coffee.
Where to stay: Homeplace Holiday Let for a characterful retreat close to all the loveliest spots. Lovely owner and design guru Wendy loved the city so much that she recently relocated there from London.
Flight duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
This lesser celebrated corner of the Netherlands is a hub for innovation. Once the home of Philips electronics, much of the city is made up of former factories which have been converted into industrial style hotels, restaurants and shops. A smart community of creatives has dotted the town with galleries, eateries and revamped spaces. A great starting point is Kazerne; a listed former military police barracks and industrial warehouse, which fills its 2500m² with art, food, drink and a design-driven hotel. Let’s just say, you won’t regret venturing beyond Amsterdam.
Stay: Inntel Hotels Art Eindhoven is partly housed in the Philips Light Tower, where the first light bulbs in the world were made and tested. Art, history and science collide in the imposing building which dates back to 1909.
Flight duration: 1 hour
Hamburg, Germany
Berlin may be where it’s at but Hamburg quietly does a lot to draw a cool crowd. Ideal for a cosy 48 hours with some after-hours partying, it is home to world-class festive markets, bountiful bars and lots of cafes for whiling away the afternoon after a scenic stroll along the lake. Salt and Silver in St Pauli is a popular pitstop for tapas, wine and atmosphere.
Where to stay: The Fontenay is a luxurious offering inside a picturesque park on the tranquil banks of Lake Alster.
Flight duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Seville, Spain
This small but perfectly formed Spanish gem is frequently blessed with blue skies even in the coldest months. Hop from one tapas bar to another to savour the most delicious small dishes that can be washed down with a glass of something fabulous on a modest budget. El Rinconcillo has been doing its thing for more than 350-years and is still up there with the best. The intricate architecture and orange-tree filled squares are a sight to behold. A visit to the medieval Alcázar, an icon of Moorish interiors and formal gardens, is a must.
Where to stay: Palacio Villapanés is a converted 18th Century Palace with all the trimmings on the edge of the old town.
Flight duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Zurich, Switzerland
Oozing a sense of suaveness, the young population of Zurich has brought a swathe of eateries and bars to the city. From breakfast at Milchbar to dinner at Loft Five and drinks at Dante, we’d recommend checking into your hotel, getting dressed up and making a night of it. A walk along the lake to admire the landscape the next day is a great way to work off the hangover.
Where to stay: Marktgasse Hotel is one of Zurich’s oldest inns with a distinctly modern twist. It has been restored into a contemporary 39-bedroom boutique with two restaurants and a bar.
Flight duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Antwerp, Belgium
This little city with a lot to offer makes waves amongst the creative set. Known for its sparkling Diamond District, it is the place to go for a shopping break when you want to discover something special. Do dinner at Album, Le Pristine or Veranda.
Where to stay: Guide Schoen is a carefully crafted nine-suite hotel with a glittering cocktail bar in the city centre.
Flight duration: 1 hour
Oslo, Norway
From the Munch Museum to the Opera House, Oslo is a culture-fuelled city with quirky attractions. A standout is a floating sauna experience, heated with solar panels, in a small detox hut where you can warm up overlooking the Norwegian fjords then jump in the freezing cold water if you are daring enough. Meanwhile, Mathallen, a giant food court installed in Vulkan, is a hub of every kind of cuisine including shellfish, tacos, burgers, dim sum and sweet treats. Swing by Kollekted By for homeware and goodies.
Where to stay: The Thief is a buzzy hideaway kitted out with international art, designer furniture and standout Nordic cuisine.
Flight duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish flair for design is prevalent throughout its capital with plenty of places that blend style and sustainability. A couple of new players have popped up in the hospitality scene recently whilst old classics have undergone revamps. New kids on the block Teemaa Teahouse have introduced a tea house concept to the city whilst The Savoy restaurant, with interiors designed by architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, is a great upscale dining option.
Where to stay: Hotel Torni has been standing tall since 1931 but recently had a makeover to give this striking space a modern edge.
Flight duration: 3 hours 10 minutes
Copenhagen, Denmark
Always a delight, Copenhagen is probably one of the more obvious choices from our list but its world-class offerings in the most humble environment make it worthy of a mention. Noma is back and better than ever, scooping the coveted title of World’s Best Restaurant again. Other foodie highlights include Fiskebar in the oh so cool Meatpacking District followed by a nightcap in Lidkoeb. There is plenty to fill your days with as well; bike or boat along the canal or amuse yourself at Tivoli Gardens. Soho House members will be pleased to know that a club has opened right on the waterfront.
Where to stay: Hotel Sanders gives good hygge with wicker, wood, fireplaces and cozy corners.
Flight duration: 2 hours