New Continental Hotel, Millbay Road, Plymouth, PL1 3LD

Tel: 01752 276798

Author / Elinor Eaton

Christmas Lunch | The New ‘Must Do’ …

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Let the New Continental Hotel make your Christmas!

A stylish and festive celebration over lunch is the new ‘must do’ trend. Well, that’s what we’ve spotted here at the New Continental Hotel. Over the last few years more and more people are getting together during the day time to celebrate Christmas. Exchanging  gifts, toasting to a year well done and feasting on delicious treats.

That’s why we make our Christmas Lunches as tempting as our Christmas Party NIGHTS!

Whether you are looking to escape the office for a works Christmas party, or meeting up with family or friends; our Christmas Party Lunches are the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.

With a beautiful blend of traditional classics and some Continental surprises, you can choose three sensational courses from our menu which is full of a delicious selection of Christmas dishes and tempting desserts.

Our Christmas menu celebrates seasonal meats, seafood and vegetables, which is expertly roasted, cooked and prepared. From our earthy Winter Spiced Soup to our potted smoked trout for starters; the classic Roast Turkey with all the trimmings or the Beetroot Wellington with a chestnut jus for mains; perhaps finish with our Christmas pudding or Apple tarte Tatin with fig puree … and so much more!

What’s more, we know that some guests may have food allergies and special dietary requirements and our Brigade ensures all guests have the perfect Christmas Lunch.

Three sensational courses, coffee to end and all the festive delights you would expect, served every Monday – Friday in December from 12pm-2pm, subject to availability.

Call our events team today on 01752 276783 and book to join the amazing atmosphere. Allow our welcoming staff to spoil you and don’t forget; we have free city centre parking for our Christmas guests and at just £25 per person! It’s a Christmas treat perfect for everyone.

Does A New Decade Bring New Business Trends..?

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

2020 Corporate Bookings; what we think the landscape may look like …

What an interesting year 2019 has been!

In recent years there have been some massive shifts in how we do business. The social and economic landscape can empower and enable some settings to shine; and sometimes can cause businesses to remodel, resize and in some cases close their trading doors. What we have seen is a vast and varied rhythm governed by many factors. And let’s face it, that isn’t about to change anytime soon!

The one thing that hasn’t changed is the tangible evidence that no matter how the landscape changes or how we progress with our tech and digital abilities – we humans are social creatures!

We like to do business in person wherever possible…

Here at the New Continental Hotel we couldn’t agree more! We believe that true hospitality is found in the nurturing and building of strong relationships. Relationships with each other, our guests and our communities. We do this by recognising and valuing each other. Understanding individuality and respecting any differences. ultimately great hospitality is all about great relationships. However it’s not just hospitality businesses that see the value of a personal touch; in a report from Harvard Business Review it states that ‘face-to -face’ requests are 34 times more powerful that a business request via email.

That single fact tells us so much…

If we know that great business is done best when it is done via face to face meetings and cultivation, then it tells us that our corporate business (our ‘Road Warriors’) will keep doning the motorways to visit their clients … and they will always need somewhere great to stay! 

Here at the New Continental Hotel we believe that even with all the digital advances planned for 2020, we predict that our business travellers will continue to choose the more personal approach. Both in how they do their own business, but also what they expect from their hotel provider.

We know that Plymouth will be alive with leisure guests in 2020.  Visiting Plymouth for the Mayflower400 celebrations. Yet we also know that many businesses will also want to maximise the business potential of 2020 and so join us here in Plymouth too.

What are business guests going to be looking for..?

Sustainability, personalisation and the transition onto the 5G superhighway will be a few new trends that will change the landscape in 2020. As well as these changes, we feel that there are two other areas that will have a magnifying lens placed over them. We think that with the new decade will be a new outlook on both CSR and the Food & Beverage offer for Business travellers.

Corporate Social Responsibility | Our Thoughts …

Doing good business and collaborating with other businesses that follow your same ethical, sustainable and environmental compass, we believe will matter more and more.

Not only does having strong policies in place mean we can contribute to positive change; it also leads to a better, stronger more kind society. The narrative around how a business, especially within hospitality, is taking responsibility for the impact they have on the environment, will become increasingly important.

Much like a Social Enterprise who reports on a triple bottom line, we believe that hotels will have to be more proactive when reporting too. Making sure they report on how they are working towards a more sustainable future. We think that business customers will want to make choices based on more than just their rates and services offered.

We believe that one of the key trends for 2020 is sustainability.

More and more hotels will be looking sustainability, from an environmental, economic, and social perspective.  In the past there have been some hotels that have been driven by their own passion and desire to do more and be better. Yet not all of them, and so when the drive is from customers, the masses tend to make change happen more rapidly.

There’s a massive focus on social responsibility in the hospitality sector around the world. We saw in France the PACTE law, plus more hotels with green credentials popping up and celebrating their successes. We believe that this trend will  seep into events and corporate functions. With the idea that events should do more than just educate or have a business development opportunity; but  also create good and positive outcomes for the planet and for people.

Corporate Food & Beverage Offerings | Our Thoughts …

We have seen tremendous changes in the Food & Beverage offer within our hotel over the last 5 years. What’s more we are certain that there are more changes to come! Not least due to October 31st!

Our Food & Beverage and our Kitchen Brigade noted in the last 18 months that there has been a significant rise in delegates requesting gluten-free, vegan and locally sourced products. With a steady increase in buffets being purely vegan, vegetarian or gluten free. Others wanting to know the traceability of the food on their plates.

All positive changes as it means we are getting more seasoned in the sector at reacting to changing trends and customer requirements. Plus it’s a powerful thing to think that more and more people are increasingly more interested in the ingredients we use.

We feel that in the future more event organisers will also be as concerned about the wastage, as well as the journey of their food to their plate.  As we have seen an increase over the years in the ‘grab & go’ style food outlets, we believe delegates will be looking for these ‘street food’ style stations, that are more controlled and less harmful on the environment. We also believe that healthy choices with trends towards both natural and organic food will definitely not slow down but in fact speed up!

Working With You …

The one thing that we know for certain will not change is our desire to make sure we offer you the perfect service. Trends change, they come and they go, but our passion and motivation to ensure you have the best experience is here to stay.

If you’re a business looking to plan your 2020 stays, functions or events then contact us today. We have amazing corporate rates and delegate offers. Our hotel caters handsomely for business travellers with on-site parking, enterprise grade WI-FI, leisure complex and in-house restaurant. Our Superior Rooms make remote office work not only practical, but comfortable and enticing.

Join us for 2020 and beyond and let us look after your business needs.

Simon Say’s …

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Back To School…

Next week sees the first full week of school after the Summer Holidays! There is nothing like a busy summer holiday in our sector. As parents ourselves though, we also know there is nothing quite like getting back to some sort of routine too!

Plymouth is a remarkable city to visit with your family.  With so much to see and do there are no limits to the memories you can make. It’s not surprising that so many families choose our city as their destination. It makes the perfect choice for a family UK Summer break.

Little ones all packed up and back to school this week. The obligatory ‘Back To School’ photo is posted. That means the busy Summer months are almost behind us.  Up next will be Christmas! However, before then we take the chance to sit down with our Operations Manager.

We do our own little summer de-brief!

Summer In Plymouth

Summer In The City 2019…

Summer is one of our busiest seasons at the hotel. Even though we love nothing more than welcoming all of our guests, all of the year, seeing families arrive in the summer is amazing. Knowing and seeing how precious their time is together, being united without work or life, it’s truly magical. With our family rooms and suites; central location; leisure complex; great Wi-Fi  and amazing food offer, we know that we can offer the perfect family holiday. Where everyone can really enjoy every precious moment together.

We also know that the needs of travelling families are a little different, different that is from the wants, wishes and desires of those who travel without the little ones in tow!

Simon Say’s…

Today we talk to our Operations Manager, Simon. We ask him: ‘What are the main differences when you have the next generation along for the ride?’

Simon is a highly experienced manager within the hotel. A role that is challenging by nature as it involves constantly developing, redesigning and aligning with the needs of all of our guests. Operations Managers have a wide variety of tasks that they’re assigned, and even they can vary depending on the day! More than just his role on site; he connects his staff with the city. Through great mentoring and leadership he is always the first person to ensure that the New Continental Hotel is a business that is well rooted in city wide events. Always the first person to but an idea into action!

Simon and his teams work tirelessly to ensure all guests have the best possible experiences. Be that through our food and beverage offer; having adequate staffing at any one time; developing strategies for an overall better service … it’s honestly endless!

It’s an Operations Manager’s job to oversee the entirety of the hotel; making sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. As you can imagine, this is a constantly changing and challenging job, because our needs as guests are always changing and shifting shape.

Not only an Operations Manager, but also a devoted Dad of two, Simon understands the needs of our families all too well. Of course all guests have overlapping needs such as a desire for comfortable beds, good service, great food, happy staff … but there are some differences unique to our family travellers.

Family Travels…

What would you say is the biggest difference with a Family staying at the hotel opposed to a say a couple?

Generally speaking, families really do need more usable space. So they can all spread out! There is nothing worse for a family than a tight spot, with everyone getting ready on top of each other, with no room for toys or play!

Having on-site breakfast is always a bonus. You can slip out of your room, children still in PJs if they want, and have a leisurely breakfast to start the day right!

An activity within the hotel also helps. Our leisure club is perfect, we have a really nice warm pool for them to splash about in and some play equipment. This offers great and free entertainment for all the family to enjoy. It’s especially handy on those grey summer days, a great indoor activity to hide from the elements!   

What about the food offer for families?

As well as a bright breakfast room, we have Steve’s Brasserie. This is our in-house restaurant. We have a fabulously simple children’s menu with some great healthy choices as well as the classics like Chicken Nuggets. We take as much care in our children’s menu as we do our regular menus. The ingredients used is all of the same calibre, and our kitchen teams LOVE adding a little extra to the plate – a smiley pea face is a firm favourite!

What do you think makes us different to other hotels?

Our sector is fiercely competitive, more so than ever before given the current social and economic landscape. This is a big bonus for our guests.

Many hotels are all striving to offer the best experiences, best prices, best value, best service, best everything! What I think truly gives us our uniqueness, and perhaps helps us stand, is that we are  a family run business and we really  understand the needs of families.

PLYMOUTH…Britain’s Ocean City

With summer being busier, and rates slightly higher during this time of year, when would you advice families who want to travel to visit Plymouth?

 Like with any hotel, booking with them direct is always the best option. Checking their websites for special offers is always a great way to start. Not only to save money, but gain really tangible added value too.

Plymouth is a remarkable city, not only due to the sensational vista but also the rich history, cultural offer, amazing events and of course the sensational people that are so proud and passionate. Visiting Plymouth at any time of the year will offer a platform to grow great memories from.

Special Offers…

If Simon hasn’t got your fingers clicking on Plymouth yet, for your next holiday destination, maybe this will! We work tirelessly to ensure that we are offering great value all of the time. That is why our Offers page is constantly updated…

Christmas 2019…

Christmas is a great time to explore the city; especially with little ones. Here at the hotel we really want people to benefit from the offering that Plymouth has during this time of year; not only the beautiful lights and the amazing Christmas Market, but also the activities and events, mostly free, that are scheduled during this time of year.

Our Winter Break offer gives guests the opportunity to enjoy not only a winter break in Plymouth but also 15% OFF their entire stay! Guests can choose any of our rooms between 28th October  and the 23rd December and use the promotional code WB19 to get 15% off.

The Christmas Shopper promotion is also a great way to have more money for shopping with 20% Off your stay! Book any nights between Monday 16th and Friday 20th December and enjoy the festivities that Britain’s Ocean City offer. The promotional code for this is XMAS19

If you are thinking about planning ahead, then our Early Bird Offer will help you spring into 2020.  Book any rooms and any nights throughout January 2020 and receive 20% OFF your stay. Although this is a non-refundable and non-transferable rate, once booked and looking forward to your stay in Plymouth there wouldn’t be a reason to not check-in!

 

Win Wine This Christmas Time …

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

A VERY Special Christmas…

We are celebrating a VERY special Christmas this year; it is our 35th Christmas here at the New Continental Hotel.

We have been opening our doors each Christmas in style, since 1984. Offering all of our guests not only a warm family welcome, but traditional festive food; party nights with our in-house DJ; Christmas Lunches and of course a central location to rest your head (and feet) after a spot of Christmas Shopping!

On Christmas Day itself, the magic really sparkles. We serve traditional and delicious Christmas Day lunch; prepared by our Head Chef and his talented team, using the finest of  ingredients. Our guests not only enjoy delicious food, but also live entertainment as well as a special visit from Father Christmas – with a gift for each child, making it a truly memorable Christmas Day.

To celebrate our 35th Christmas this year, we are sharing two great offers; one for those who haven’t booked yet, and one for those who have! No one misses out on this celebration!

Haven’t Booked Yet..?

If you haven’t yet booked, but want to join us for THE best Christmas party, we still have some dates available, so call us today!

If you haven’t got a date in mind, then we have the PERFECT offer…

For all new Party Night bookings made between now and Monday 30th September for Thursday 19th December we are offering TWO BOTTLES OF WINE!

Bring your party to the best party in town with this special offer. If you have a group of 10 or more guests and want to join us for great food and an amazing atmosphere look no further! Book for Thursday 19th December and have two red or two white bottles of house wine (or one of each!) on your table for when you arrive. Fancy something non-alcoholic? We have that covered too!

Call our amazing events team today on 01752 276783 to book your table of 10 or more on Thursday 19th December and just QUOTE: 35 Christmas’s to get TWO FREE bottles added to your table!

Already booked your Christmas Party Night with us..?

We have a great game that could see you winning TWO BOTTLES of wine too. Waiting on your table for your Christmas Party Night here at the hotel!

Simply guess how many LITRES of Festive Gravy our chefs used throughout Christmas 2018 here at the New Continental Hotel.

All winning entries will be put together and the winner will be drawn at random and then, as if by Christmas Magic, TWO bottles of wine (or a non-alcoholic substitute) will be on the winners table when they arrive for their PARTY NIGHT!

Email how many litres of gravy you think were used to: elinor.eaton@newcontinental.co.uk with the subject heading: 35 Christmas’s!

Happy Guessing! 

Here's a hint..!

It’s more than 100 but less than two;  you can’t use chop-SIX to enjoy your Jus!

See below for Terms & Conditions or, simply call today to find out more!

T&Cs | Thursday 19th December

All regular Christmas Terms & Conditions will apply to your booking, these can be found in our Christmas 2019 brochure. This offer is for new bookings only. Only available to bookings made up of a minimum of 10 guests. For every 10 guests, two bottles of wine (or non-alcoholic substitutes) will be given with our compliments to the table. The offer is only valid in groups of 10. For example,  if you have 20 guests you will receive 4 bottles of wine, if you have 15 guests you will receive two bottles of wine. Offer is subject to availability and valid until Monday 30th September, unless there are no places available beforehand. The offer is on a first come, first served basis.

T&C's | Win Wine!

To be entered into the prize draw you must: a) be part of a Christmas booking at the New continental Hotel this Christmas 2019. b) guess the correct number of liters of gravy used during Christmas 2018. If you are 18 or under the two bottles of wine will be substituted for a non-alcoholic choice, even if others at your table are over 18.  Incorrectly guessed entries will be disqualified. Repeat entries will also be discounted. One winner will be drawn at random on Monday 18th November 2019. Only the winner will be informed on this day via email.

Celebrating 25 years of Heritage Open Days…

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25 years of extraordinary…

Twenty-five years ago, England made an amazing contribution to European Heritage Days. It created the perfect platform to take stock; to appreciate and most importantly enjoy all the riches on offer in England…to everyone.

2019 brings us the SILVER anniversary of Heritage Open Days, so we though what better time to take a look into why these amazing events, each September, are so important to us all…

Heritage Open Days…

Established in 1994, every September each year over 40,000 volunteers across England all contribute to over 5,000 events!

These events celebrate and showcase our fantastic, rich and diverse history and culture. They give everyone amazing opportunities to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

It’s part of a national campaign that encompassing a huge range of heritage events and attractions. The open days are growing year on year, and combined they already make the country’s largest heritage festival.

Heritage Open Days have not only highlighted hidden gems, but they also celebrate England’s amazing riches. All of the open days give individuals and groups the opportunity to come together and to share the stories and history that matter the most to us all.

 

Exploring The Region…

There are 100’s of events planned across Devon & Cornwall this September and the New Continental Hotel is at the heart of all of them. Making us the perfect central location to explore, learn, enjoy and get involved!

We have so much history on our doorstep. Heritage Open Days is the perfect platform to explore the plethora of history and culture that we are all so proud of. It gives everyone a free way to learn and to get involved. There is so much that is meaningful about our region; and of course our yesteryear’s!

Find Out more…

To find out more visit their website: Heritage Open Days and to stay with us whilst you explore our history check our availability here.

Have fun delving into yesterday, whilst making memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Birthday Club Continental …

Posted on 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.

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 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 26th 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…

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 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 35th 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…

Christmas in Plymouth

 

 

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 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 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

Steve's Brasserie will be closed from the 20th December 2024, re-opening on the 6th January 2025 (Room Service and Bar Snacks will still be available)Click here for Club Continental's Christmas and New Year Opening Times