National Apprenticeship Week…

Posted on March 6, 2019March 6, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Before we start:

As we are now in the middle of the annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, we wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to the team at City College Plymouth, their amazing students and to our apprentices, those with us now and those who have flown the nest to amazing new careers in hospitality.

chefs handing cutting mean on a chopping board

chefs all working on the same thing bent over the top

Today we take a sneaky peak at the life of an apprentice chef…

It’s always hard saying goodbye to an apprentice. But when you know you have played a part in connected them to their future and to a career that they are passionate about; it really helps with the farewells!

Growing up, our natural aptitudes and interests often lead us to pursue certain careers. Sometimes we follow our parent’s footsteps, join the family business or simply look for the best paid jobs!

Sometimes we look to the future, to see where there might be growth in a specific sector. Perhaps we look at predicted skill shortages, or staff predominately made up of a generation starting to retire, with no one snapping at their heels to replace them!

However, sometimes, you are lucky enough to know what you love to do, what you’re great at and then consider the merits of a career based on your value; turning your passions into a profession!

Now isn’t that something!

As Plymouth bounds forward with growth and regeneration, as the city centre continues to develop and as Plymouth is growing in popularity as a destination, there has never been a better time to be in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Today we specifically look at ‘Chefs Life’ and see how, over the past seven years, we have been working closely with some amazing young talent.

The kitchen is intense, fast paced and dynamic. There can be long, stressful hours. It takes bags of energy, passion and charisma and it’s anything but easy! It’s full of pressure and high expectations of you…

…we aren’t really selling it here are we!

OK! Let’s help with that!

head chef teaching in the kitchen with a group of ladies in whites

a chef standing over the pass talking to two younger chefs

Staff Have Their Say…

We ask our Executive Chef, Paul Doidge why he feels that hospitality, specifically the kitchens, makes such a good springboard to connect young people to a career that will grip them and keep them inspired:

“ For the past seven years, I have seen many apprentices join us and leave connected to their dream of being a chef. All a step closer to their goal. Being in the thick of the action and really empowering and enabling apprentices is a massive part of all of our responsibilities; ensuring that the future of our craft has innovative new chefs emerging, learning and growing in confidence.

Becoming a chef is a career with surprisingly broad appeal. You can travel the world with it, teach with it, care with it; you can work across all sectors and you have a skill that many are envious of.

Almost everyone cooks at some point in their life; unlike plumbing or carpentry for instance; on a fairly regular basis the majority of people will prepare and serve food. When you’re good at it, you and everyone you cook for instantly knows. It’s a natural aptitude that is unlocked. Perhaps in your own kitchen, a friends or at school; access to the tools are readily available and accessible. Let’s face it, very few people will ever say ‘I’d rather you didn’t cook for me’!

We have an apprentice currently that knew he was an amazing ‘chef’ from a really young age, after cooking at school and home and gaining rave reviews. For me, to nurture and extend that passion and energy with additional skills, sharing my knowledge and experience, is one of the many pleasures of my job.

Plenty of jobs require skills that you’ll never use outside of the office. Being a chef is an amazing professional talent that can also be used and shared in our daily lives.”

Find Out More…

Would you like to fin out more about the opportunities in the New Continental Groups Kitchen for apprentices? Then please email: nikkif@newcontinental.co.uk with an introductory email.

If you are still wondering if a #chefslife is the life for you; then perhaps this may help: 5 Reasons Why A Chefs Life Is A GREAT Life!

5 Reasons You Might Become A Chef…

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

For seven years Paul Doidge, our Executive Chef, has been passionately banging the drum for his profession and working closely with our chef apprentices. He shares with us 5 reasons why people often consider a career as a Chef.

At FIVE:

The perception for many is that cheffing is a ‘low skilled’ professional. You can rest assure that anyone making this assumption has never been a professional chef! It’s not only about a natural talent and creativity; depending on where you want to take your future, cheffing is a profession that is highly scientific, mathematical and requires exacting precision. High-level cooking is as much a science as an art.

At FOUR:

The freedom, possibility and direction is endless! There are jobs for chefs all over the world, on cruise ships, in large restaurants and little bistros… You don’t have to take a year out to have a globe-trotting lifestyle, you can do what you love, make people happy with your food and make money all at the same time! If you really want the freedom to travel, working as a chef might be the way you can make that happen.

At THREE:

Artists work to please the eyes; chefs do the same thing, but for every sense and the soul! The work of an inventive and dedicated chef is every bit as much an act of passion and creation as that that goes into a painting or sculpting.

fresh green salad with walnuts beetroot and goats cheese

At TWO:

Giving people experiences they will fondly remember and moments they will never forget is a huge attraction for the caring chef. People with giving, passionate personalities tend to thrive as chefs for exactly that reason. As a chef, you can use the power of food to get people to enjoy healthy eating, or explore different cultures, or even just smile. There is nothing better than to hear people compliment your food and say what a lovely time they had.

kitchen with people talking around island of food

At ONE:

The love of food! Possibly the very best reason to become a chef is because you just love food. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that!

The History Of Holidaying..!

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

It’s really no big surprise to us that the UK receives more than 30 million tourists a year!

Which ranks us in the top 10 most visited countries in the whole world!

When you work in Tourism, you see first-hand how truly blessed we are here in Plymouth; with our hugely diverse landscape, sandy beaches just a short drive away, hidden coves, moorland and more!

With all this on the New Continental Hotels doorstep; we love hearing our guests’ talk of their explorations and their ‘Devon Discoveries’!

With 2020 now in sight, and the big celebration of the Mayflower voyage 400 years ago; we take a look back at holidays gone by. We make our own predictions when we ask:

“What might the future look like for travel?”

Jetting off to foreign lands will always hold a certain sense of adventure. Like for those that we will commemorate on the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower, who sailed from Plymouth to America; carrying the pilgrims who founded the modern United States.

They were off to foreign lands for an ‘adventure’ – but how we choose to ‘holiday’ has changed so much throughout time.

Travel…

The travel industry is a sector that will always undergo dramatic transformations; be that due to digital revolutions, fashionable trends, politics or the social and economic climate.

What has never changed though, is why we holiday; it’s to make wonderful memories.

That’s what we love to be part of, and that is why no matter what transformations take place; our passion for holidaying here at the New Continental Hotel and in Plymouth will never fade.

Holidays Gone By…

It was in 1841, Thomas Cook started the holiday industry rolling with their ground-breaking offer of a shilling-a-head rail excursion from Leicester to Loughborough! Then followed swiftly in the 1870s, with the Lancashire cotton workers, who really helped develop UK holidaying. They saved all year to convert the traditional (unpaid) one-week holiday into seaside breaks. A chance for the whole family to come together and enjoy each other’s company; without the stresses of everyday life!

Then, 80 years ago in 1939, we saw holiday leave became a legal right for employees! And by 1975 most people had at least two weeks’ paid holiday a year!

For the rich jet setters 1976 saw the supersonic aircraft Concorde enter commercial services; people could now cross the Atlantic in a record 2 hours 52 minutes!!

Fast forward to 1979; a year when for the first time in history we spent more on overseas holidays than on holidays at home!

Why was this?

Well, for £50 you could spend a week in the glamorous Majorca – with the sun on your back and hotel bedrooms that had balconies and ensuite bathrooms!

And, when we talk about an industry that can be transformed overnight by factors such as social media and digital revolutions; could it also be perhaps transformed by TV?!?

In 1975, a new comedy aired on BBC2; Faulty Towers! A hilarious comedy that neatly exaggerated bad hospitality in the UK..! Could that have helped galvanise holiday’s abroad Vs staycations?!

Perhaps – but the way we book holidays today would certainly look like science fiction to the holidaymaker of the 70’s; actually, probably to those in the early 90s too!

Package holidays were sold mainly from high street agencies, the only reviews in the 90’s were from friends at dinner tables. Travellers had little real clue what to expect before they arrived. Internet access was limited and the Smartphone still in development, holidaying in the 90’s was a very different kettle of fish!

Now, in 2019, we can see another big shift! The Staycation!

a red and white lighthouse with wisps of clouds and blue sky

Our favourite for obvious reasons! Travellers searching for better value breaks, with a growing demand for interesting destinations closer to home. Destinations like Plymouth, that have a plethora of history, heritage and beautiful vistas!

Interestingly, here at the New Continental Hotel, we have also noticed a connection that we like to call: the ‘nostalgic staycation’!

If we look back to the early 80’s, when the UK entered a recession – with falling output, rising unemployment and a fall in the inflation rate; if holidays were taken, they were taken in the UK and just a short drive away from home – due to fuel prices.

We have had many conversations with adults holidaying with us, those in their 40’s, who are bringing their family back to Plymouth to relive their childhood memories.

The time was tough for families – but the holiday memories were so magical they want their children to experience them.

2018 proved to be a really successful year for the staycation market; we have also noticed that this year looks like more and more families, friends and couples are also choosing to holiday in Plymouth. And that makes us immensely proud.

We ask our guests what the ingredients are for a perfect holiday at home. Top is obviously a great location; but also an extra eye for the details that matter, whether it’s parking, or high speed Wi-Fi, or a warm family welcome. It’s these thoughtful touches that make our family owned hotel a winner for many holidayers; those from both home and away!

Throughout the years; tourism has been the lifeblood of many communities up and down the UK and many travellers are realising the fun to be had by discovering what’s on offer just beyond their doorstep.

Looking forward…

What can we expect in the year 2039 – 20 years from now? Perhaps we will be sitting on-board a pilotless plane; with a chip in our wrist that tells the robot with the trolley our dietary requirements, and the exact temperature we like our Gin? Maybe we will all have a programme that aids us when speaking languages. Or no luggage as hotels will know what we want and our disposal holiday wares will be waiting for us. Or electronic implants that pay as we check-in..?

Who knows what our holidaying will look like 20 years from now; but one thing I am sure we can all be certain of; holidaying will always be that moment in time that we make magical memories … together. Like those on the Mayflower setting off on their adventures. Regardless of where we go, or why we go, or how we get there, or what we experience along the way; holidaying will always be about togetherness.

Whatever the future has in store; the wonderful world of holidays will always be exciting, because we will be with the people we love.

So, here’s to the next two decades of Devon adventures; of Plymouth exploring; and a hotel that hopes to help you create wonderful memories in Britain’s Ocean City.

JOG Your Memory | Student Life | Join The Gym!

Posted on February 7, 2019February 7, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

JUST £0.66p A DAY!

(Less than two pints of milk!)

Working out is a great way to relax and boost your mood; but studies also show that healthy, active students are more productive in lectures too.

Tiring as it sounds, thinking about adding the Gym to your already hectic schedules, what’s great about working out is it really will give you more energy to do all the things you love.

You may have noticed that the nights out and occasional takeaways have made you feel a bit sluggish. Fitting exercise into your every day routine will make you feel so much better AND it really is easier than you think …

Club Continental Student Offer…

swimming pool with glass of orange juice and book

We ask our Club Continental Manager, Adam, why the students he works with feel better since joining the Gym:

“Physically active students perform better academically. The regular routine of healthy exercise really helps them perform at their best. It’s so much more than just the actual activity itself; more than improving just the body through building muscle strength and endurance. Keeping fit is one of the most important things you can do for your health yes; but also general well-being. The students I work with have all said that by taking part in regular physical activity, they perform better academically.”

“I honestly think that now more than ever, students in higher education are under more pressure. Having to balance studies, finances and their social lives. I was reading in a report published by the Office Of National Statistics that mental health issues for students are on the rise, particularly the feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

“So, yes it’s more than just trying not to be a couch potato, but it’s not necessarily about becoming a certified fitness fanatic either. It’s about students investing in themselves, in a healthy, positive way so they can be their best.”

lady in red top with brown hair and red lips

If you’re thinking about joining a gym, to either get into better shape or just keep fit; we have the solution – without breaking the bank!

For less than the cost of two pints of milk a day, our special student discount is open to everyone over 16 years old and in education.

What are the other benefits?

No Commitment | you can hold or stop your membership at anytime.

No FEES | there is no hidden costs, no joining fee and no admin fee; just £20 per month.

Open For You | we are open 7 days a week!

Pay As You Go | we have a pay as you go option too!

City Centre Location | walking distance from all city colleges, training centres and the University.

FREE Parking | no need to worry about permits or city centre parking fees!

Enterprise Grade Wi-Fi | throughout the Club – you can be connected!

Be Social | it’s a great way to connect with Plymouth!

Be Motivated | our staff are PT trained and will always offer you free advice and guidance if you need it. So you can make sure you make the most out of every session.

So, with Club Continental you can stay healthy and fit without breaking the bank. You can burn off the calories from that occasional alcoholic beverage and takeaway without burning a hole in your pocket! You can clear your head on the treadmill, relax in the steam room or release some tension on the weights.

We work hard to suit your student lifestyle; no catch, just the opportunity for you to use all of our facilities and de-stress for £20 a month for as long as you want!

Student Facebook Competition T&Cs

Win 3 months FREE membership at Club Continental… Tell us in the comments section of the competition why you LOVE being a student in Plymouth for the chance to win 3 months FREE gym membership! TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1.This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook. 2.Entrants must […]

Wedding Trends 2019…

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Do you ever go to a wedding and think, This is magical?

The colour scheme, the little touches, the detail, the planning; sometimes just the eye of the couple getting married who pulled it all together. Magical doesn’t have to mean expensive.

For some of us, an all-white bouquet would look like a giant golf ball; but to others the most beautiful creation.

Alas, sadly just following a ‘trend’ will not always give you the cosmopolitan wedding your heart desires; what trends do do is connect you with ideas and help you find your own solution.

Admittedly, planning a wedding that feels timeless, contemporary, and fun all at once is no small feat. One that is chic, stylish, elegant, sophisticated, glamorous , opulent, decadent and all those other words we want our wedding to be like is really pretty tough!

The trick to this emotionally fraught process is to sidestep obvious wedding trend mistakes. These blunders that we have seen in the past! The table decorations that block anyone from making conversation. The real flower wall that lasts for 5 minutes before flowers fall out, the chocolate fountain that was a mistake from start to finish in a room of white and dry-clean only outfits!

If you are starting out with you’re wedding planning for this upcoming year, we may have some little hints that could offer some side-steps, some ideas or just some possibilities for your special day…

Welcome Gifts

We love clever, personal and useful ‘welcome to our wedding’ gifts that greet guests in our hotel rooms when they arrive. It doesn’t have to be much, snacks, water, local tea and coffee, these are all practical and charming. But you can also go a little step further, perhaps some personalised by date or name flip-flops or survival bag with little goodies, a thank you from you for their time and effort to share in your day.

Bouquets That Stand The Test Of Time

We have seen many celebs opt for a smaller, more classic bouquet, and many of our brides have also done the same. Refined, elegant, and simple arrangements that don’t overshadow the bride and her dress are what we see as being hot this year.

The Perfect Palettes

From peach to coral and every shade in-between! NOT THIS YEAR! This year we are seeing a massive trend in rose gold, ivory, creams and rich fabrics rather than colours.

Dress To Impress…Yourself!

Meghan Markle may have opted for the minimalist Givenchy dress, and so on the back of this there are dressmakers all over going for the simpler designs. Which is great, but doesn’t always mean it’s right for you. Don’t make your wedding dress a uniform. Pick the dress that is right for you, that makes you ‘wow’ yourself! Wear what fits your style and personality.

Staying true to who you are is always in fashion; and that’s what your other half fell in love with.

Food Glorious Food

It’s tempting to try and over do it on the food front! 2019 sees more and more set menus with a silent vegetarian/vegan option. Massive choices for guests can slow down the flow of any event, and adds to the budget. We are seeing more and more two, two and two options; the couples own favourite choices…’which team are you on!’

Who Gives A Toss

We would! It’s 2019. So your single friends in search of a significant other will all no doubt be swiping left and right rather than crossing their fingers to catch a Bouquets; but we truly believe this tend will be back in 2019. A tradition that will stand tall again.

Do Me A Favour

Wedding Favours are becoming less popular. Instead we are seeing more and more novelty table items; candles with the date on that people can take at the end of the night; individual flowers in the table decoration with the guests name on a mini peg and small luggage tag with a personal note. More creative, less expensive!

If you would like to find out more; do call us.

We would welcome the opportunity to show you around our hotel and share some of our Real Wedding pictures to give you a feel of the spaces.

How We Are Getting Ready For 2020…

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Eating Up The Past! Our Kitchen Prepares For 2020 Celebrations…

We talk to Executive Chef Paul Doidge…

plymouth apprentice in kitchen with chef

head chef working in an outdoors events kitchen

two chefs working in a large kitchen with lots of chrome

As 2020 approaches, the celebration of the Mayflower voyage 400 years ago is on the horizon, and we are really excited to be part of such a sensational moment in time.

This week, we take a look at what our amazing Kitchen Staff are working hard on. We will have many new additions for 2020. Today we look at the Kitchen Brigade and ask them what they are creating that will be an additional extra threading through Hotel Life in 2020.

Our creations in celebration and memory of the extraordinary adventure…

So, with the theme ‘The Age of Exploration’ our amazing brigade are thinking about the many sailors and explorers on transoceanic voyages throughout the years. Brave individuals who made significant sacrifices to better our today’s. What are they thinking you ask? They are thinking ‘pickling’!

Yes! Pickling!

As one of the earliest mobile foods, pickles filled the stomachs of hungry sailors and travellers, but not only was it a great food source to store for long travels, it’s reported that Saurkraut also played an important role in helping prevent scurvy!

We ask our Executive Chef, Paul Doidge why ‘pickled food’ was such a good tonic:

“Fermented sauerkraut is basically cabbage which is finely shredded, layered with salt, and left to ferment. It may not look very appetising; but it is said to have played an important role in helping prevent scurvy aboard ships. Scurvy was a real and very prevalent disease, resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It’s said to have been responsible for an estimated two million deaths between 1500 and 1800 — on sailing ships around the world.”

Scurvy plagued sailors aboard long-distance sailing ships for centuries. All-too common, and life -threatening, many explorers made sure they had pickled food in their diets, as well as Rum of course! Even on the storied expedition to the New World, Christopher Columbus reportedly made sure he had plenty of pickles aboard for his sailors!

With Paul on hand, we ask him why food plays such an important role in understanding our history:

“Food, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated means for understanding, teaching and celebrating our rich history. Especially here in Plymouth where the food scene has always been so highly placed in our community. Cooking is one of those life skills we all need, throughout every decade. Throughout time, food and the craft of cooking has been a survival skill. Employed by every generation of human beings, extending way back to the beginning of time. Food is one of the few means by which we come to know our ancient ancestors. To me it makes complete sense for the talented chefs in Plymouth to help and play a role in telling the tales from the Mayflower Voyage.”

“Food plays an essential role, not only in our lives today but also in understanding cultures and those days gone by. It’s a great tool to explore trends and culture. We recognise this in main when we holiday or travel; when you go to Spain you will try their local dishes like paella and tapas; you understand so much about how they live their lives. The same goes when you look to the past, to understand how they lived and in cases such as with the Pilgrim Fathers how they survived trying times.”

In keeping with all of this, our kitchen staff are on their own adventures. They are doing things a little differently for some 2020 Continental Mayflower Pickles!

Watch this space! There is a lot more to come!

Benefits For Guests…

Posted on January 28, 2019January 30, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Money OFF!

There are two things we like at the New Continental Hotel. One is History & Herritage and Two is Money Off! Combine them and what do you have:

The History of PIZZA & £5 OFF!

pizza with olives and pepperoni from pizza menu

Did You Know..?

Pizza is one of the world’s most popular dishes. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and on all occasions. Talking to a member of staff at the New Continental Hotel, they even told us that at a friends wedding, for the wedding breakfast, they had Pizza!

So, it goes as no surprise that with this popular dish, comes much speculation as to what makes THE best pizza and the most popular topping!

Our Pizza’s

In 2017 we had a pizza oven fitted in Steve’s Brasserie’s kitchen. A very welcomed new addition by all our guests, staff and dinners. We then created, after popular demand, a separate Pizza Menu. This can now be ordered as part of our Room Service offer, as a Bar Meal or in Steve’s Brasserie of an evening.

The £5.00 Off is when you dine at Steve’s Brasserie and is for every guests staying here at the hotel or at our sister company Strathmore House Apartments. There is no limit to the amount of pizzas you order and the £5.00 applied to EVERY pizza on the menu!

The History Of The Pizza…

In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita first visited a newly unified Italy and came through Naples. Legend has it that they grew bored of a constant diet of French cuisine and the queen asked to try some varieties of pizza.

A baker named Raffaele Esposito of Da Pietro Pizzeria (now known as Pizzeria Brandi) invented a pizza with red tomato sauce, white mozzarella, and green basil, to reflect the colours of Italy’s flag. Queen Margherita approved of this pizza and it soon became known as pizza Margherita!

Ask reception for voucher today! Valid until further notice!

Family Car Journey | The Survival Guide!

Posted on January 28, 2019January 28, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Create The Perfect, Fun Family Car Journey…

As the great Easter getaways are being planned, the roads will soon be full of families making their Easter road-trips!

Q) Are your toes already tingling at the thought?!?

Many of us here at the hotel are parents. Parents of babies, toddlers, teens and proud Grandparents too. Most of us have had (or have) regular challenges when it comes to car journeys – both long and short!

Finding your own way to make it is essential – we all have different needs and varying tolerance levels – especially when driving!

We want you to arrive in Plymouth full of beans – not full of fury! So, we asked some of our amazing parents and grandparents who are staff here at the New Continental Hotel, if they would share some of their tips, on how to keep both children and parents happy on their car journeys!

These tips are great for either nipping down the road to swimming lessons (which can be just a gruelling sometimes!) or making the four hour motorway trip to visit family!!

We welcome many families during the Easter Holidays and sometimes, as they walk through the foyer, after their family road trip, we can feel their pain!

Parents who are wearing the signs of being road warriors; and children eager to get out of the ‘tin can’ and stretch those legs!

We all have our own techniques; for some it’s taking favourite toys; making regular ‘adventure stops’ or travelling at night!

Here are some of the methods staff at the New Continental Use…

Charlie | Head Of Housekeeping | Grandchild

Charlie is a super proud Nana! And although her Grandson is now almost old enough to drive her around; Charlie is a big fan of her IPad and so we asked her to search for something that could offer some ‘techy’ aid for the travelling family!

Her tips for surviving a car journey – load your IPad with these FREE APPS!

Talking Tom Cat

Talking Tom Cat is a virtual pet cat that’ll keep children engrossed for long periods of time, making him purr when they stroke him and drink when they pour him a glass of milk. He’ll distract them, make them laugh and I am sure offer hours of entertainment! You may want to turn the volume down a little – he repeats what they say in a rather high pitch voice! They will love it – but the adults in the car not so much (especially after the first few times!)

Pineapple Studio Jigsaw Puzzles

This is a great traditional style game; I really liked it because it cleverly fused old with digital! The electronic jigsaw – no need to hunt the car for pieces at every pit-stop with this one! This app features Toy Story, Twilight, Cars, The Simpsons and other options. I think it will be a winner – if only for 20 minutes or so!

Nursery Jam

Music is a winner and this is a really great, fun, creative app. It lets you compose your own music by tapping objects. I really liked it!! It might be a bit noisy though! So, although it will keep them happy – I might consider the option of headphones!

Claire | Events Coordinator | 6 Year Old Daughter

Claire is one of our super organised Mums. The Mum we all aspire to be like. The Mum that stays up late to bake for the PTFA and who knows her way around great Tupperware!

Being both super organised and a regular road trip maker; her tip for surviving a family road trip – plenty of snacks (and wet-wipes!)!

“We travel a great deal to visit family and friends – by both car and ferry. So we have learnt lots of tricks to keep our little one happy! The tried and tested favourite for us is making sure we pack lots of healthy snacks (and some treats of course!) Some might say I pack enough to feed an army – but you can never be too prepared!”

Here are some great ideas – many that are favourites in our four wheels!

Boots also do some great Tupperware, with lids that really keep things in!

Katie | Events Coordinator | 18 Month Old Son

Katie is what we call ‘the cool Mum’ – she is fun and always busy doing fun and creative things with her little man.

Her tip is to prepare your spotify for the journey!

‘I have quickly learnt that: a) I may never listen to my own music in the car again and b) to get over the embarrassment of bobbing along to ‘The Wheels On The Bus’ for a happy car journey! No more shame at traffic lights when my son and I are rocking along and laughing at each other for taking the tunes a little too seriously! Nor do we mind when we make it to the shops and we still have the soundtrack playing – just without the music as we dance down the cereal aisle!

For us, a silent car journey just doesn’t cut it! We need tunes and laughter! There are some great pre-made soundtracks – or create your own – which is fun in itself!”

Simon | Operations Manager | 7 Year Old & Baby

Simon is one of the best Dads; you know the ones, the one we all wish we had had!

He is hands on, cool and always wants only the best for his little brood!

Empowering his little ones and making sure they enjoy being educated. That’s what matters so much to him; hence his journey tips being educational but FUN!

Learning Games!

“My 7 year old loves nothing more than to be armed with her special clipboard and selection of pencils and rubbers and her fun car games. Games we can all play along with – if she lets us!”

Simon has let us in to his secrets and so we have created some templates so you too can let your little ones get bossy – we mean busy (!) – in the car!

Alphabet Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Paul | Executive Chef | 12 & 8 years old

Paul, like Simon, is one of those amazing Dads. Amazing, but also one who might be considered a little ‘Competitive’! Often sharing his stories with us in the staff room of Monopoly battles at Christmas and Nerf Gun fights on Sunday’s!

Proving that being a great Dad is all about having fun…with a little healthy competition!

So…little surprise to any of us; his survival tricks for car journey is a game of Guess Who!

“Having fun and play times are perhaps the greatest setting for making memories, learning social skills and integration but also having fun! With two children we all know that the back seat can be a frenzy of squabbling and ‘Dad he did this’ and ‘Dad she did that’s’!

So, I like to add a little fun for distraction, with a dollop of healthy, family competition to the mix things up a bit!! Guess Who is perfect!

It’s a great alternative to the ‘I Spy’ game – which has to be said, can be a bit distracting as the driver!

Guess Who! The player thinks of a person; it can be a famous fictional person, like Andy from Toy Story or Carl Fredricksen from UP! It can be a singer, like Ariana Grande or Bob Marley! Or perhaps an actor, sports person or even a member of the family!

The person who thinks of the ‘who’ then has to honestly answer up to 10 questions from the other players. With the answers they then have to try and ‘Guess Who’ that person is!

If the person is guessed, the passenger that guessed it gets one point, they then start another round. If the famous person is not guessed, the passenger can then think of another person … AND get the one point!

No cheating though!”

A BIG thanks to all our staff for taking the time to share their tried and tested trip survival tactics!

Long trips with children are always a little daunting – but they are worth it once you arrive in Plymouth. And hopefully our staff have given you some great tips to make it survivable!

All you need to do now is plan your next trip to Plymouth and thank us in person!!!

We would love to welcome you and share our city – as well as our tips – with you soon!

Safe Travels. Happy Journeys. Family Fun Holidays.

On The Horizon | Prom Season

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Prom Night 2019

Schools Almost Out!

Prom Season isn’t just about the gowns and the tuxedos – here at the New Continental Hotel we understand that a Prom for many is the springboard that connects them to their unique and super important next chapter.

A right of passage that teaches young adults more than how to dirty dance on the dance floor and do up a bow-tie! Learning how to behave in a formal setting, using good manners, acting like ladies and gentlemen, are just a few of the lessons they learn without even knowing it.

There are the lovely clothes, the nice dinners, sensational tunes and understanding what reward looks like; reward for all the hard work they have put into their school years.

A Prom is a milestone in many young people’s lives. It’s a point between childhood and adulthood, to celebrate in a unique way. Often a once in a lifetime opportunity, and for many a farewell to friends made throughout our school years.

What’s more, a bit like a non-uniform day, it’s a great expression of personalities. We love seeing students come in their amazing dresses and suits; being bold, brave and curious and truly expressing their personalities through their fashion after being confined to years of uniforms.

With hair on point and outfits planned, what’s left to organise? The right venue of course!

Buffet Options

Sit-Down Dinner Options

The New Continental Hotel believes that we have not only got the perfect city centre venue; but packages that really work.

From just £19 per student you can have the very best Prom, one that everyone will remember with fond memories and amazing photos!

To check availability or find out more call our events team today; we would love to hear from you and hopefully be part of the goodbye to the old and hello to the new.

We would love to hear from you! Just email: events@newcontinental.co,uk or call: 01752 276783

Click Here For Our Printable Prom Packages.

hotel room decorated for prom with feathers

Things To Do | This Weekend…

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Elinor Eaton

Mum2mum Market | Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale…

Where: Harewood House, The Ridgeway

When: January 26th 2019 – 10am-12pm

Contact: Michelle on Michele@mum2mummarket.co.uk

Venue & Details

Join them on Facebook for the latest updates

Upcoming dates

Overview…

There will be over 20 stalls packed with nearly new bargains for your bump, baby and children up to six years old.

With top brands in great condition, you can stock up on all you need for your little ones; from nursery equipment, pushchairs, clothes, toys, and books – all at a fraction of their high-street prices.

Plus…there’s tea, coffee and cakes available for a pit stop, with free car park and regular bus services it’s so easy!

What’s more – if you’d like to bring a friend, you can even download a two-for-one voucher.

Please note: Admission is £2.00 on the door and free in the last half an hour. Children enter for FREE! You will need to take cash to make your purchases.