August 2019 - The New Continental Hotel

Happy Birthday Club Continental …

Posted on August 30, 2019September 13, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Spot me Bro – It’s My Birthday!

One of Plymouth’s most celebrated and friendly City Centre Gyms has a VERY special Birthday …

We are always grateful to Adam and his amazing team for all their hard work, passion and dedication; but this September we say an extra special THANK YOU, as Club Continental celebrates 30 unbelievable years.

Does Time Change Things..?

Like with fashion, music and art; in today’s fast-paced leisure sector trends seemingly come out of nowhere … and then evaporate just as quickly!

So, in such a changing landscape, it can be hard to play the long game, which begs the question:

“What is the secret to the success of our hotels leisure complex?”

We ask Club Continental Manager Adam that very question …

“Trends, or ‘fads’, will always come and go; but we commend everyone that joins us in the club because they are choosing the healthy and sustainable way – and we know that that is no easy feat.

It’s made especially harder with promises from magazines and celebrity endorsed ‘diets’ offering ‘quick and easy’ weight loss secrets!

Yet there really are no secrets; there is just one very special ingredient; and that special ingredient has been a constant in the Club for 30 years.

The ingredient is … we genuinely care…

The main reason people cannot follow through and accomplish sustainable and long-term results is that they become discouraged because they’re doing it alone.

If people lack the support network necessary to realise a goal, then the path to results is a really long and lonely one. Club Continental, along with our community of members and amazing staff offer support, in a welcoming and motivating gym, and we have done for 30 years and will do for 30 more!

I am so proud of what the Club and staff have done over the last 30 years; despite all the crazes we have always concentrated on the person that is stood in front of us. The person who has had the courage to make that first step, and who is on the path to a better tomorrow.

swimming pool with glass of orange juice and book

Whether you have been hitting the gym for years or you have just made a promise to yourself to a make change happen; Club Continental supports you.”

So, from ‘The Grapefruit Diet’ of the 70’s to the ‘Special K Diet’ of 2010; from the ‘Aerobics’ craze in the 80’s to ‘Spinning’ in the 90’s; this September, as we celebrate 30 amazing years, we also delve into the history of health and well-being. We look at best practice in the sector and we pick Adams brains with his news, views and reviews. You know this is going to be one very happy birthday month and we hope you help us celebrate!

Hopes & Dreams Ball | 26th October 2019 …

Posted on August 30, 2019August 30, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Diaries At The Ready!

Plymouth is a city packed full of businesses and individuals all striving to make tomorrow better than today for everyone. Threaded through our city are charities and organisations all awakening everyday with an ethos, passion and commitment to transform the lives of so many people living in our beautiful city.

Working in collaboration is a sensational way for charities to gain support. Not only the financial support that will help empower and enable them to deliver their objectives; but also an opportunity to raise their profile and connect with others who want to help make positive change happen.

A Night Of Hopes And Dreams Ball…

On Saturday 26^th October, here at the New Continental Hotel; Plymouth Quality Roofing and Glam Rooms are collaborating to do just that! They will be co-hosting an exceptionally special evening.

A Night of Hopes and Dreams Ball will be a truly heartfelt evening, giving those who join them the opportunity to really help two incredible charities; CLIC Sargent and Shekinah.

This will be an exceptional evening supporting two amazing charities…

CLIC Sargent is a charity that fights tirelessly to stop cancer destroying young lives. There vision is to give everyone with cancer who is under 25, and their families, the support and help they need during their cancer treatment and beyond, including bereaved families living with emotional pain.

Shekinah is a Devon and Cornwall based charity that provides sensational opportunities for people in recovery or seeking recovery. There are so many magnificent things that they do daily to achieve this which includes programmes and initiatives that offer very real and tangible support to homeless people; those living with drug and alcohol issues; mental ill health and so much more.

Two amazing charities, one sensational evening awaits you…

black and white phot of people toasting at a wedding

There will be fabulous food, exceptional entertainment plus of course amazing company!

This wonderful Black Tie event welcomes you at 7pm for drinks before the evening begins. Tickets are £45 each and tables of 10 are £425.

There will not only be a three course meal and entertainment – but an amazing raffle and auction too! Club Continental is one of the many companies that have donated to the raffle. There will be a 12 months complete membership on offer; so you can enjoy the sauna and steam room, relax in the heated pool or work out in the gyms – 7 days a week for an entire year!

Make a stay of it…

The New Continental Hotel are also offering an extra spacial room rate for those attending the Ball. This means that not only can you get ready with ease, but slip down to the Ballroom in all your glamour and then not have to worry about waiting for a taxi home! You can also sample what the Club Continental Membership might be like with complementary access during your stay.

The support of people that attend this brilliant evening will mean so much to these charities. What’s more it will really enable them to cause and create the change that is needed.

To find out more about the event or to purchase your tickets and pledge your support email: plymouthqualityroofing@hotmail.co.uk or hello@glamrooms.co.uk

To book your stay and take up the room rate call 01752 276798 and quote: Hopes & Dreams Ball.

Help make life better for people whilst having a sensational time, let’s all come together and showcase the power of people in Plymouth and demonstrate what a truly wonderful city by the sea we live in.

A VERY Special Christmas…

Posted on August 22, 2019August 22, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Christmas At The New Continental Hotel 2019…

This year marks a very special Christmas here at the New Continental Hotel; besides the fact it’s Christmas and we love that time of year, we are celebrating our 35^th Christmas!

To celebrate, our dedicated chefs have created another amazing mouth wateringly festive Christmas Menu for you to indulge in!

Starters are always a treat! With so many options it’s hard to choose. We love the Butternut Squash soup with Parmesan crisps, or the juicy oven backed ratatouille vol-au-vents with a puff pastry shell. Perhaps even the pate with apricot and ginger chutney – all deliciously indulgent!

For mains, we can’t fail to mention the amazing vegetarian alternative to a beef Wellington. This incredible Beetroot Wellington, with its earthy celeriac and beetroot filling, makes a show-stopping main course for any feast. Served with a chestnut jus and all the festive trimmings, it’s the perfect choice for food lovers, not just vegetarians!

Of course we have the tempting and traditional Turkey, but what about the Baked Cod? We love this tender and flaky white fish dish, oven baked to perfection with a juicy tomato and pesto finish. Delicious!

Desserts are always a dreamy affair! Christmas Puddings, Chocolate Brownie, Cheese Boards … and that’s naming just a few of the festive delights! With plenty of Gluten Free and Vegan options, no one will miss out on a sweet treat of savoury finish.

With a menu worth braving Plymouth’s wintry weather for, and prices that will please, Christmas at the New Continental Hotel 2019 is the perfect way to end the year!

We Ask The Head Chef…

We sat down with the Head Chef, Rob Dunne between his busy service to find out about his Christmas foodie favourites…

Which dish from the Christmas menu 2019 are you most excited about?

“I think one of my favourite starters this year is probably the Potted Smoked Trout. This in part is due to the fact that it’s home smoked. We are also using local crab and fennel, coupled with a fresh and crisp pickled cucumber salad. I think the combination of flavours, the trout which is smoked and the pickled cucumber together is just a lovely combination.

The Christmas Day Nut Loaf will be a real show stopper! We have experimented with our initial recipe and feel that the one we have all agreed on is a winner. Everyone devoured it in the tasting! It feels really indulgent and earthy, but fresh at the same time.

First of all, choosing a dessert is tricky! I’m a big fan of all things sweet! Yet because I have to pick just one, it’s got to be the Chocolate Brownie paired with the salted caramel ice-cream. You can’t beat the warm velvety chocolate with its sweet notes mixed with the cold, salty caramel ice-cream. I’m a huge fan!”

If you haven’t made you Christmas dining and party plans yet, then call us today. We still have some availability and we would LOVE for you to join in the festivities of Christmas 2019 – AND our 35th Christmas Celebration!

Call today to check our current availability or to make a booking | 01752 276783

History & A Hotel Bar…

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

The Roma Bar…

It stands to reason that some of Plymouth’s best bars are located inside our amazing hotels.

At the New Continental Hotel our sophisticated Roma Bar holds echos of Art Deco styling. It has high ceilings; a mirrored bar fascia; marbled style tiles and gold finishes. It creates a destination of style and escapism … all in the heart of Britain’s Ocean City.

The Roma Bar at the New Continental Hotel provides a relaxed and open environment. It really is the perfect place for an informal drink; a catch-up with friends or a debrief with colleagues after work. What’s more, EVERYONE is welcome!

The History…

Unwittingly, at first glance it might seem that our chic little bar has taken inspiration from the hotels rich history.

In 1936 Richard, an influential London business man, reported as friend with Mr Selfridge himself, was part of the Trust House Ltd. The company who owned the hotel at the time. Richard designed and developed many areas within the hotel that you see today, and some that have since passed. One of his passed creations being the American Cocktail Bar, which was located near the Ballroom.

It was the first of its kind outside of London; equipped in the latest style of the times. It was furnished with chrome stools and chrome tables. It had a semi-circular bar and was a place that women were welcome – even when unaccompanied by a man!

The toilet-rooms also sounded like they paid homage to the decadence of 1930s Shanghai! They were decorated in a scheme of primrose and pink glazed tiles with plush gold finishes. There was also a separate cloakroom and ladies powder-room; with a full-time assistant on hand for your every whim!

The cocktails were named after the best-known authors of the time. Guests were offered an unsurpassed range of hand-rolled cigars that came with ‘the full service’! There were staff on hand for the cutting and lighting of your cigar; either at the bar or at your table!

The experience did not end there!

For the VIP’s, they were offered a space in the heated indoor car park! Also the first of its kind outside of London!! The parking was a service reported at being ‘very acceptable’ to many. It offered spacious underground parking for 50 cars which was beneath the Ballroom (also Richards creation) and it meant that access could be granted to the Cocktail Bar and hotel via a private stairway. So, there was no need to go outside of the building in all your evening finery!

The Central Location…

The Cocktail Bar was a hideaway which was popular for many. There are reports of customers sipping on the many whiskeys on offer and botanical cocktails as they ‘escape reality with pure fantasy’.

It would also seem there was a great working relationship between Mrs. Hoyle and the Trust House Ltd. Mrs. Hoyle was in charge of The Palace Theatre at the time and it would seem that collaboration was in the air even back then! They would share patrons and market shows for each other. Partly due to location no doubt, but also after the Ballrooms completion in February 1936, when it became heavily programmed for weekly live music events and dances.

The dream was to have as much live music as possible to lift spirits in Plymouth, with a large dance floor ‘on springs’, concealed lighting, air purifiers and enough space to seat comfortably 350 people in one sitting. Under the Ballroom was the heated indoor car park, now Club Continental.

The Roma Bar Today…

Although many features of the American Cocktail Bar are now only in the words of historical documents and newspaper articles, the Roma Bar has echoes of the relaxing and welcoming old world bar.

It is still a perfect destination to meet friends or colleagues; perhaps meeting before a show or an evening meal at Steve’s Brasserie. Open to all, not only yo residents, the Roma Bar is open daily from 5.30pm and is in the perfect city centre location. Perhaps to take a breather after shopping, work or sightseeing and to step away from the bustle of Plymouth, yet being close enough to step right back into it again.

So, make some time to perhaps enjoy one (or two) of the 13 Gins on offer (including of course Plymouth Gin) and soak up the history that is hidden within the DNA of our beautiful, historic city centre hotel.

Order Of The Day…

Posted on August 21, 2019August 21, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Flavourful dishes, freshly prepared are the order of the day here at Steve’s Brasserie…

Years ago, hotel restaurants were considered a last resort for many a traveler. Today, they’re destinations in themselves…

No longer just an on-site amenity, hotel restaurants are attracting tourists and locals alike; and Steve’s Brasserie is no exception.

Not confined to the accommodation we provide; our warm welcome extends much further than that here at the New Continental Hotel. We are extremely proud to offer seasonal and seriously tasty food on all of our menus in Steve’s Brasserie. Menus that are a celebration of nostalgic favourites and of course the West Country’s amazing natural larder and local suppliers.

We’re now in the eighth month of the year, how time flies! In such a busy city like Plymouth, it’s not surprising to see so much change already in 2019 – and no doubt there will be more before the year is out! A constant in Plymouth since 2010 is Steve’s Brasserie. Adored by regulars and a real hit with our guests. Perched under the New Continental Hotel on Millbay Road; Steve’s Brasserie is open Monday – Saturday from 5.30pm and welcomes everyone.

Whether you are visiting for dinner before heading out to see a show, or enjoying a special romantic meal for two; Steve’s Brasserie is the place to be.

Taste the finest locally sourced food, cooked to perfection and served in stylish, relaxing surroundings. If you’re a fan of great food, then the New Continental Hotel and Steve’s Brasserie is somewhere you should definitely try.

With our high standards of cooking and presentation in beautiful surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere, you can spoil yourself with a three course meal from our Main Menu. Or, perhaps try something divine from our Early Evening options, a treat before you take your seat!

Book A Table Now…

The New Continental Hotel is a well-known, centrally located setting, and Steve’s Brasserie offers a tempting range of dining options. With all your food needs sorted, all you need to do now is book your table!

Call or message us today, let us book you in and prepare yourself for an evening of succulent steaks, sizzling King Prawns, perfect pasta, vegan and vegetarian delights or mouthwatering burgers. There are plenty of other options too; from sensational beer battered fish and chips to a five bean chili with sweet potato wedges and rice, tasty starters and delicious desserts.

Join us at our hotel restaurant for an indulgent evening of food, wine and the warmest of welcomes.

CALL | 01752 276798 EMAIL | reservations@newcontinental.co.uk

Benefits Of Swimming…

Posted on August 21, 2019August 21, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

For just a second, as you read these words, picture yourself beside the sea. Watching the waves gently break upon the sand; feeling the warm breeze whilst gazing to the horizon.

Or perhaps imagine yourself sat by a heated indoor pool. The warm air around you enveloping you safely, mesmerised by the light dancing across the pool surface. Then, think about the calming feeling of the water around you, lifting you, holding you up as you swim.

Do you feel relaxed? Us too!

There’s something very therapeutic about being in, or being near the water. So, we ask Adam, our Club Continental Manager, what the science might be behind the tranquil calm that we feel when faced with the turquoise wonder…

Here’s what he had to say about it…

I am a huge fan of knowing why our body and minds do what they do. Although no scientist or expert, I am fascinated!

Simply form a personal perspective, taking some time out to go for a swim or be near the water gives me some much needed time out of my crazy daily schedule! Plus, it gives me space to rejuvenate and refresh; so that I have a more positive outlook on the day – or the week ahead.

I tap into a sense of comfort…

I find it clears my mind and helps me think more rationally. Daily stresses can be overwhelming, so finding what works for you, to help you escape for a moment will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. What’s more, you deserve it!

A swim helps me stay cool, calm and collected so that I can perform at my best; whether in a sporting competition, in everyday life or at work.

Swim England Say…

In 2017 Swim England commissioned major new research into the health benefits of swimming. The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Swimming report is an independent study that fully explores the impact of swimming on physical, mental and social well-being. It’s an amazing research document that gave me a great insight into the ‘why’s’ behind the swimming benefits I feel.

Like all exercise, swimming releases endorphins in your brain. These are natural feel-good hormones that increase positivity and bring about a sense of well-being and happiness. More than this though, the report found evidence that regular swimmers live longer. It helps older people stay mentally and physically fit, and participation in swimming lessons can help children to develop physical, cognitive and social skills quicker.

Starve The Stress…

People have always said that swimming reduces stress, that it calms us. The new research suggests that swimming might actually help to promote the growth of new brain cells in parts of the brain which break down during chronic (long-term) stress. So, stepping us even closer to providing the scientific evidence that explains why swimming could enhance our ability to manage and cope better with stress.

With or without the science, what we do know for sure is that swimming is a particularly good way, for the majority of us, to relax our body, soothe our mind and reduce anxiety.

Making Friends…

Swimming is a form of exercise you can do by yourself, which is great because you can go when you want and you don’t have to rely on anyone else. Yet Club Continental offers you the space to be alone, but the opportunity to be among friends. The Club is a great place to meet new people, having a little minute chat whilst in-between lengths is a great way to connect, helping knock down any feelings of isolation, that many feel in their normal every day.

Oh So Blue…

Although I have never come across any concrete scientific proof that being in blue spaces improves or enhances mental well-being, I’m pretty sure it does! The colour blue is calming and is abundant throughout the natural world. When the sky is blue I always feel happier! You might also have heard of the term ‘biophilia’ – this means the ‘love of nature’ and refers to our inbuilt desire to be near and connected with nature!

Whether you rely on the science or just your own sense of well-being after being by or in the water; swimming really is a great way for EVERYONE to stay physically and mentally fit. Club Continental is open 7 days a week; and you don’t need to be a member! Pop in and see either me or a member of my team to find out more.

Best Bounty | All About August …

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Aah, August! Probably a favourite summer month for chefs…produce wise that is!

Suppliers are heaving with fresh local produce. The month brings the best bounty of the season—ripened tomatoes, juicy melons, sweet corn on the cob, amazing plump aubergines and broad beans. These are just a few of their favourites.

Here at the New Continental Hotel, we love watching our amazing chefs work. They are always creating mouth watering, seasonal dishes. Yet August feels like a really great month to watch them use some of the truly incredible ingredients there is on offer.

An Amazing Month…

I’m not sure there is anything better than seeing our chefs whip up some of Augusts’ sensational seasonal foods; once again they create some super-delicious summer recipes for the hotel, and of course Steve’s Brasserie.

Whether it’s delicious dinners, sweet treats or sensational starters – whatever the dish – August is a GREAT food month!

With an abundance of seafood’s like crab, cod, salmon or sea bream; paired with amazing and sophisticated salads or stunning fresh vegetables – everything is just plump, juicy and divine!

Steve’s Brasserie…

An amazing August starter at Steve’s Brasserie for example is the King Prawns with lambs lettuce, pickled fennel and a creamy cocktail sauce – prawn perfection!

August is also a great month for British Lamb born in the spring. With time to have grazed properly outdoors on the best grass of the year, they have matured enough to develop a ‘true lamb’ flavour.

With this in mind, a great meat treat from the August menu at Steve’s Brasserie would be the home cooked lamb stew. Served with the crispiest fried new potatoes…it really is delicious!

We MUST not forget the great vegetarian options though. August is a month with so many lovely foods in season. Hedgerows of berries and lots of juicy fruits like peaches and apricots. But it’s not just fruits that come into their own this month. August brings us heat-loving aubergines and other wonderful vegetables.

Any vegetarian dish is a delight in August, with not just all of the vegetables, but the herbs that are in season too.

Although every month offers a bewildering number of new seasonal dishes to eat, drinks to imbibe, and great foodie events to attend; August really is a unique time in the year.

What’s more – here is a SPECIAL AUGUST OFFER if you’re thinking about eating out at Steve’s this AUGUST:

OFFER | Celebrate tomato season with a pizza...or TWO!

Some people are tomato fiends; others are crazy about the tangy, juicy little red balls of wonder!

Either way, there aren’t many people that don’t love a GOOD pizza!

Our tomato sauce, smeared all over our freshly made, pizza ovened pizzas is a true miracle mix!

The Margarita is a firm favourite! With the tomato sauce and herbs, the fresh mozzarella, garlic and of course some chefs secrets…it’s a real winner!

August is the peak of tomato season, so what could be better than a nice slice (or two!) of our amazing PIZZAs!

BEST BOUNTY | Pre-Book your table Monday-Thursday this August and QUOTE BEST BOUNTY and get a Margherita Pizza for just £5 when you purchase ANY OTHER pizza!

Working Out Single Use Plastic…

Posted on August 13, 2019August 13, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Single Use Plastic …

Over the last months, plastics have been a hotter topic than ever before; sparked primarily by Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet. People and businesses around the world have been moving quickly; trying to help reduce the amounts of plastics they use.

Here at Club Continental things are no different. Adam (the Club Continental Manager) and his team have been busily working hard to ensure that they are doing what they can so that they don’t add to the shocking statistics. They do not want to add to the amount of single use plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.

Today, we take 10 minutes out of Adams busy schedule to hear why he feels so passionately about the cause…

We’re removing all single-use plastic from Club Continental…

As participants in the leisure and fitness industry, we have a responsibility to work with other sectors to tackle this problem head on. No one starts their day thinking that they want to add to the plastic crisis. Yet, we are all living in a rapid social climate, trying to fit so much in to our day, so because of this we look for convenience. Sometimes it’s just easier to rely on others to help us make the better choices.

Here at Club Continental we know our members want to help make a difference. Plastic has a real and direct impact on our health; the environment and all of our futures. It’s something that I feel we as a gym need to help address.

Over the last 30 years I have witnessed single use plastics becoming the norm within the gym environment. I hope that our new initiative (to be launched on the 1^st September 2019) will inspire others in the industry to audit and overhaul, where possible, their own green policies in a similar way.

Things are changing…

What’s amazing is many within the sports arenas and sectors already have made significant change. We saw Wimbledon this year making a massive step. Many Premier League clubs are urging their players to use their influence to empower and mobilise their supporters to consider their environmental impact. Plus many gyms around the world are totally eradicating single use plastic from their vending machines, protein and shake bars and changing rooms.

To me it makes absolute sense for organisations to adjust their policies and strategies to support their members, staff and guests to tackle the issue. We want to make it as easy as possible for them to see that together, we ARE and we WILL make a difference.

From September 1st we will be removing all single use plastic from Club Continental. The main area of change that our members and guests will see this happen is by the removal of the plastic cups used with our water fountain.

I am enormously proud of the effort my team puts into helping people achieve their goals; they are all mindful and considerate – whilst motivating and supportive. So, when I mentioned my concerns after calculating the annual plastic cup consumption for the Club, they all supported me. When you realise that each plastic cup has a lifespan of around 35 seconds; you know things simply have to change!

Nest Steps…

Our next step as a Club is to deliver other sustainability initiatives – such as energy and water reduction. I know that I will have the support of our members and friends. I know this because I am sure they will want to help make tomorrow better than today on all counts.

Adam and his team are in the process of created an amazing resource for anyone that wants to help them on their quest. Like Club Continental on Facebook to access this awesome PDF that will be coming soon!