Wednesday 19 August 2015

Planning Dinner And A Show? Choose Pre-Theatre Dining At Steve's...





Steve’s Brasserie at the New Continental Hotel caters handsomely to diners on the go, offering a good value pre-theatre menu that should see you fully sated and safely in your seats before curtain call, irons up or show time!  Dining at Steve’s is a show of its own. There is so much to admire even before dinner arrives: with an open kitchen and local art hanging on the walls. As for the cuisine, this Brasserie,  sat inside the 150 year old Grade II listed building, is the perfect fusion of old meeting new and the perfect spot to contemplate your night of culture and look forward to the treats that await you, both on and off the stage!


The pre-theatre guests at Steve’sBrasserie can expect well-judged dishes, made by chefs who not only have a passion for their art, but come with an impressive array of experience. Even the noise is enticing – gently lilting chatter, the sound of the kitchen in full swing, whilst the waiters are impeccably smart and attentive.

This added to a menu that houses a thoughtful wine selection, by the glass or bottle, is the perfect start to what will be a sensational cultural evening in Plymouth. With great service, and food to match, your meal in Steve’s can play centre stage and be just as much a highlight as your night at the theatre.



Pre-theatre menu: served Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm to 7pm. It costs £12.95 for two courses, or £15.95 for three.
Theatres within a 5 and 10-minute walk: Pavilions, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Drum Theatre and Barbican Theatre.


Booking is highly recommended. Steve’s can be open at 5pm upon request; call 01752 276798 to make your reservation. You could also try our sister company; Morgan’s








Tuesday 18 August 2015

Family Matters At The New Continental Hotel...


529


There are many cities that have become cultural icons; incorporating buildings, landscapes and other features of huge cultural significance. Keeping these both intact and alive can be a major challenge, because it involves integrating conservation of the old in the development of the new.  As a family that is sympathetic to the heritage and restoration of an historic city symbol, the Hajiyanni family take great care in ensuring their nugget of history, within the footprint of the city, tells a very rich and meaningful tale to their guests.

“For the last 31 years, our goal has always been to create a welcoming environment that’s comfortable and well equipped for our guests, a space that will fit their modern lifestyle fused with our love for hospitality and entertaining. However, we knew it was essential that we still respected the history of the 150-year-old building.” Says Bobbie Hajiyanni, Managing Director of the New Continental Hotel.


Long shot


It is vital, but not always easy, to preserve the historic culture of a city. With a history of over 30 years and a family culture that takes a long  term view of business investment and relationships, the New Continental are dedicated to just that, achieving innovation, growth and sustainability for Plymouth.  Their business is connected to, and very much part of, a city that they are passionate about.  As a truly entrepreneurial family business the team have worked hard to build a business that can last for the long term, which takes more than dedication and hard work: it takes innovation, passion and an entrepreneurial spirit. Bobbie goes on to say...

“It’s easy to be connected and to care about our city. The width and breadth of Plymouth’s offer for visitors takes a unique shape in comparison to other city destinations in the UK.  It has a wealth of history and heritage, its cultural heartbeat creates a rhythm that is rich and varied, with a plethora of opportunities for audiences of all backgrounds. This, coupled with its beautiful waterfront hook, extends to provide both a tremendous rural and coastal experience for our guests.”

A family business for over six decades and three generations, the New Continental and its staff understand the importance of being able to provide a personalised, warm and sincere welcome to visitors, which not only does our city justice, it truly connects. If tourism is regarded a modern-day engine of growth, and sustainability essential for businesses of all shapes and sizes across the entrepreneurial landscape, then a Family Business has to be a remarkable platform to grow a robust and exciting future. 

Thank you to all of our regular guests, to those trying us for the first time and those thinking of choosing us in the future. 


For information on our accommodation offer - just click here! 




Monday 17 August 2015

Working to become Dementia Friendly...


A Hotel that helps create holidays for people with dementia and their carers...
According to the Alzheimer's Society there are around 800,000 people in the UK with dementia. One in three people over 65 will develop it, and two-thirds of people with dementia are female.

With these outstanding statistics, there are many of us who have been touched by dementia; last year I sadly lost my Nana, who for four years had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Seeing firsthand the impact it had on Nana and our family’s lives left a lasting impact, and so I decided that if I could, I wanted to help others in some small way.

In June 2015, I met with Claire Puckey from Plymouth City Council. Claire is the Dementia Friendly City Co-ordinator; her role is to raise awareness and understanding of dementia through delivering the dementia friends awareness sessions  and supporting businesses, organisations and schools to work towards becoming dementia friendly, and also by supporting and promoting the work of the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance (PDAA). We discussed what we could do at the hotel to support their campaign. This led to an action plan, some up skilling on my part and then awareness raising sessions for staff booked in for October this year.

A POPULAR hotel for many, and a family who for over 30 years have had a main priority to support their guests have the very best experiences, they have always proactively supported everyone with their bespoke requirements – an example is that they are one of few hotels that have brail on their bedroom doors. So, no strangers to always striving to accommodate others, we have now taken these steps to become dementia-friendly – and everyone is thrilled to support not only the guests and their carers, but also to raise the profile of a condition that impacts so many.



All of our Heads of Departments at The New Continental Hotel are working towards becoming dementia friends and are aiming to make all of their staff, guests and the community of Plymouth more aware of the disease.

Taking a break can be beneficial to everyone, though there are additional considerations for people with dementia and carers. Going on holiday often requires careful planning for people affected by dementia. However, getting away from it all can still provide a welcome break as well as new and enjoyable experiences. Although we are unable to make massive changes, the small changes we can make we hope will make a massive difference.  People just being able to spend quality time together matters, and if we are all always striving to make life a better place, then tomorrow really will look better than today. 

“Individuals with dementia and their carers have said “It was wonderful when we found out that where we planned to go on holiday had a dementia friendly hotel. It made a good holiday turn into a wonderful experience”. The New Continental endeavours to support and empower people with dementia and their carers to have a relaxed, enjoyable and unique experience.” Ian Sherriff PDAA Chairman





More information can be found on dementia friendly holidays here.

For more information on the work of the PDAA:

For information on groups, activities and other support available for people living with dementia and their carers in Plymouth.



Let Life Be Your Stage - And Shine...






From an early age I have been passionately involved in the performing arts. Initially my parents put me in for dancing lessons as they were very concerned by my lack of balance and coordination (Not a lot has changed there unfortunately – I still can’t put one foot in front of the other without tripping a lot of the time!) My Dad was a keen member of several local theatre companies and I had been going to watch him perform in shows since a baby. My earliest memory is of my Dad playing the Lion in The Wizard of Oz and being chased around the house by him in his costume screaming and shrieking with delight as I hid between my mum’s legs whilst he roared at me. I am also repeatedly told about the time I heckled from the audience when Dad played the role of ‘Ladies Man’ Vince Fontaine in the musical, Grease. Dad’s character was flirting with one of the female characters on stage to which I rather loudly asked my mum “What is Daddy doing with THAT woman Mummy?!”

Unlike my Dad who was naturally very outgoing and confident, I have never been this way. This often confuses a lot of people. How on earth can you stand on a stage in front of thousands of people if you’re timid and awkward?! The answer is simple, because I’m in character. When I stand on stage I am not me, I am whomever the character is that I am portraying so in essence, it isn’t me on stage.

During my time at University, I would consistently get high marks whenever I was in character and performing but as soon as I had to give a presentation in front of people as myself, I would fall to pieces. The fear of being in the spotlight for everyone to view and judge me as me would terrify me.

When I first began working at the New Continental Hotel, my anxiety really kicked in. Being on the front desk means you are the first to meet and greet guests and as such, the first to make a lasting good impression of the hotel. Initially, I found the role very overwhelming and spent so much time being aware of myself in front of guests that I was prone to making more mistakes through constantly doubting myself. I remember how frustrated I was at my inability to muster up confidence in my own self, until something clicked – my job is a bit like a performance. I have a general script to stick to in terms of the information I need to give guests upon their arrival.


Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying I’m perfect or that this approach stops me making mistakes from time to time – I’m still human! But what it has done is make me revel in a role by aligning it with my interests outside of work. The guests are my audience, Trip Advisor is the performance critic and my work colleagues are my fellow company of cast and crew.

I try to mould myself to suit the individual audience members or in this case the hotel guests. Quite often I have had colleagues look at me bewildered as I have spoken in a very RP voice on the telephone only to greet the postman in a strong Plymothian accent. It’s not always intentional either; I’m just so fortunate to meet people from every walk of life within the hospitality industry that I want to treat them all in an individual and warm way that is personal to them.

Everyone has different approaches to work but if you can find a way to enjoy yours and keep your ‘audience’ happy, it doesn’t matter what angle you approach it from… 


The Receptionist! x




Tuesday 11 August 2015

Small Talk Plays A Big Role In Our Kitchen...



Small Talk Plays a BIG Role in a Hotel (1)

Throughout my career in hospitality, I have only ever been in serious trouble once, for talking - I managed to have a city centre college evacuated as pan I had on the stove caught fire because I was talking to a colleague! If I hadn't talked constantly, and sometimes to the annoyance of my colleagues, I would never have the insight into the many different lives, cultures and beliefs that surround me on a daily basis. 

Whether its from the long timers here at the New Continental Hotel who talk dearly of Mr Steve; describing  how the hotel used to be, the famous people that have stayed and how the style of food has changed so much with the times. To being in awe of the usually grumpy breakfast chefs tales of working cruise ships as a young man in the 1970's, having days off in port in New York City and spending all his wages on the latest hi-fi and records to take back to the UK to show off to friends. Or listening to a chambermaids story of how she gave up a job as an accountant to move to England to provide a better education for her son and how he has just made it all worth while by this summer being accepted to Oxford. A casual conversation about swimming the other day revealed an ex competition swimmer in our hotel staff!

It's good to talk... (1)

So far in my career I've worked with many fascinating characters, who have the most captivating stories amongst which; the brother of famous Pop star, a chef who worked for McLaren F1, another who was friends with Ben but not Jerry (yes the ice cream founders!), I've been invited to celebrate holy festivals that I would never had any insight too, and been given delicious homemade foods that would be found in no cookbook. 

I am constantly surprised by the amazing stories I hear whilst chatting on a short break, between checks, or the sneaky cup of coffee taken in the break room before a busy lunch service starts; although now I always make sure I’ve taken all pans off the stove first!

In catering we often work long hours, in hot kitchens and it can be, at times quite intense, but the brief moments when I stop to chat and learn something new about a colleague are the ones I take home with me.
Lady Chef x



Dinner time, Bon appetit, Essenszeit, L'orla di cana, Srans on...!

Dinner time, Bon appetit, Essenszeit, L'orla di cana, Srans on...!


How language looks through my lens!





It came to me the other day, after moving in with my partner, that I come across all different types of languages in my day to day life - in and out of the work place..!

It really amazing me as to how I can keep up!! 

Firstly, it starts with me waking up at 5.45 am to get myself awake and ready for the early morning breakfast shifts; which sometimes turns into a very fast, very organised chaos; with everyone coming down at once. I'm always ready to decipher the needs from our large groups and foreign tours.

For example, with our German and Italian guests, it's mostly understanding whether they would like more ham or more bread, but on the rare occasion it's also trying to explain what our famous 'love it, or hate it' Marmite is - the  hand movement and face of disgust are enough of a sign to tell me they 'hate it'!

Downtime after working usually involves chilling out with my Royal Marine serving partners - who is currently on summer leave before his next deployment. So the language changes entirely once again, with his bootneck colloquialism! A simple request for a cuppa turns to a 'wet', water becomes 'oggin' and dinner turns into 'scran'!

Time to come back to work for the evening service...soon comes around! 

This time its a walk to work through Plymouth's City Centre - and if I've got the inclination and the sun is shining, its a slight detour through the beautiful Barbican and along the majestic waterfront to The Hoe.

A night working at Steve's Brasserie brings a whole different area of language. Not only is it bringing a friendly service with some very good 'scran', it's also knowing the difference between customers such as our regular guys on business, the quick rush pre-theatre food before a show, to the small family get togethers and the intimate couples having an evening of romance via candlelight - where the language is certainly 'love'!

Knowing when to put on the jannerism, and whether they would understand is a fine line!

As well as all of this - speaking with the chefs is a whole other kettle of fish!!

At the end of a split shift day, many languages have come about, but all in all, when I'm stuck for words, a universal smile gets me through - perfect for the hospitality industry!

:) 


With love

SmilieWaitress X

Wednesday 5 August 2015

Laughter is the Best Medicine!



Laughter is the Best Medicine!

Like yawning - humour is infectious. Just yesterday, after five minutes of me sitting smiling to myself, I had to go and investigate where the laughter was coming from! Down the corridor from my office, came the funniest, dirtiest laugh I had ever heard! To make it more of an intrigue; it was coming from the finance office!!

It was a visiting rep who had popped in to say hi, and by golly did it brighten my day!  When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. That is exactly what you need in the work place (and great when it’s coming from finance!)  

Laughter triggers healthy physical changes in the body, it boost your energy and reduces the effects of stress. But what’s best of all, this is a priceless medicine that is fun, free, and easy!


To give you a helping hand, let me tell you about a night that will lighten your burdens, inspire your hopes, connect you to others and bring a lasting smile to your face! On the 19th September the New Continental Hotel will be hosting the new Plymouth Comedy Grove; a night promised to be fun filled and rip roaring’tastic! With a sensational line up, you will see that laughter really is the best medicine!


A good laugh increases productivity, teamwork, employee retention, and job satisfaction. For a limited time only you can grab your tickets for just £7.00 each...Now that really is something to smile about! 


Get Christmas all wrapped up and get a FREE gift too!

Get Christmas all wrapped up and get a FREE gift too! 




What’s the point in an office Christmas Party?

To enjoy down time with your colleagues?  
To build team spirit and celebrate the previous year’s successes?
An opportunity to exchange your secret Santa gifts?


Yes, Yes and Yes!  It is all of the above; but it’s also a few other things too..!

It’s a busy thing work. Especially if you think what else happens throughout the year, my life for example; children, moving house, being a good partner, dealing with guilt, cooking a healthy meal, planning a holiday, walking the dog! Living can sometimes feel like a full-time job - and that’s all without your 9-5!

Throughout the year we spend hundreds of hours at work, where we are professional and a demonstration of our companies brand and beliefs. We wear ‘appropriate’ clothing and footwear, even a uniform perhaps! We spend days on end at work, and it’s great. We get to do a good job, to make a difference and to add value – and let’s be honest; the majority of us wouldn’t have it any other way.

But Christmas is the perfect down time, to do all of those things above; build team spirit, celebrate success, show others you care and appreciate them – but its also your time to have a REALLY great party; to laugh (perhaps love!) and to get on your glad rags, don your dancing shoes and just step off the treadmill of life!

And guess what – we have it all wrapped up for you!



Not only do we have it all wrapped up, we also say thank you to you, the organiser with a very special gift. We know what it takes to herd colleagues, get deposits and menu choices; and have the influx of texts asking ‘can you just remind me of the date again’!! So, we give you the perfect gift to relax after a job well done!

Stay for free on the night of your party, no need for a taxi home. Not only that, you get our sensational breakfast the next day (Full English of course!) and full use of our leisure complex with sauna and steam room and our infamous heated indoor pool (gym’s too, but the dancing will have been enough of a workout!!)



So you know what to do, call us! Let us help you have the best Christmas ever!

View our online Brochure, or contact us for more info! We would love to hear from you.

Elinor 


PS: Fear not! I'm not going to say how many Friday's till Christmas, let's have summer first!!

Monday 3 August 2015

Small Talk Plays A Big Role In Our Hotel Kitchen!



Throughout my career in hospitality, I have only ever been in serious trouble once, for talking - I managed to have a city centre college evacuated as pan I had on the stove caught fire because I was talking to a colleague! If I hadn't talked constantly, and sometimes to the annoyance of my colleagues, I would never have the insight into the many different lives, cultures and beliefs that surround me on a daily basis. 

Whether its from the long timers here at the New Continental Hotel who talk dearly of Mr Steve; describing  how the hotel used to be, the famous people that have stayed and how the style of food has changed so much with the times. To being in awe of the usually grumpy breakfast chefs tales of working cruise ships as a young man in the 1970's, having days off in port in New York City and spending all his wages on the latest hi-fi and records to take back to the UK to show off to friends. Or listening to a chambermaids story of how she gave up a job as an accountant to move to England to provide a better education for her son and how he has just made it all worth while by this summer being accepted to Oxford. A casual conversation about swimming the other day revealed an ex competition swimmer in our hotel staff!




So far in my career I've worked with many fascinating characters, who have the most captivating stories amongst which; the brother of famous Pop star, a chef who worked for McLaren F1, another who was friends with Ben but not Jerry (yes the ice cream founders!), I've been invited to celebrate holy festivals that I would never had any insight too, and been given delicious homemade foods that would be found in no cookbook. I am constantly surprised by the amazing stories I hear whilst chatting on a short break, between checks, or the sneaky cup of coffee taken in the break room before a busy lunch service starts; although now I always make sure I’ve taken all pans off the stove first!

In catering we often work long hours, in hot kitchens and it can be, at times quite intense, but the brief moments when I stop to chat and learn something new about a colleague are the ones I take home with me.


Lady Chef x