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

Tel: 01752 276798

Category / Events

Confer & Celebrate In Perfect Bliss …

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Functions For All Occasions…

The New Continental Hotel offers three amazing private dining and event rooms; for business meetings and family events; whether a wedding or a birthday party, a conference or training and everything in between.

The versatile Ballroom – rich in history. The wonderfully light and airy Athena Room and then the more intimate Green Room. All serviced by their own kitchens and each with their own options and ambience.

The Ballroom can accommodate meetings, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as theatre-style seating and cocktail receptions, basically any of your event needs!  The Athena Room is popular for luncheons and more intimate weddings, as well as family functions and smaller conferences and dinner & dances.  The Green Room is perfect for board meetings, training sessions, smaller ceremonies and events.

Whichever room you book, a dedicated events coordinator will be available to assist with every aspect of your event. Our chefs are also on hand with amazing menu ideas that they can create with you or for you. They always use on the very best locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. They can work with budgets and nothing is too much trouble for our talented chefs.

For our dinner and dances of a certain number there is no room hire charge and we offer complimentary place card printing and of course free enterprise grade Wi-Fi.

Whether you are looking for a city centre space to do great business or a family owned hotel that know the importance of every family celebration; no matter what your event or occasion we have a room for you!

August 2019 Must-Do’s…

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

We are proud to be in the midst of so much action. Plymouth’s events and activity programming month on month is extraordinary. Full of everything from family fun to whimsical wandering.

Here are our top tips on what to do in Plymouth this August…

 

August 2019

  • ELMER’S BIG PARADE A parade of 40 fabulous and colourful Elmer’s; these unique elephants, sponsored by local businesses supporting St Luke’s Hospice are scattered around Plymouth, making a sensation trail to help you explore Plymouth and raise awareness for the amazing work of our local charity. 8th July – 16th September
  • OPEN AIR CINEMA Tinside Lido is open for star gazing; both those in the sky AND on the big screen! Don’t miss this UNIQUE opportunity to visit an open are cinema by the sea. 1st August – 3rd August
  • PLYMOUTH HOE BIKE NIGHTS The 2019 Plymouth Hoe Bike Nights are held on Thursday evenings from 6pm until 9pm. Here you can expect to see hundreds of different type’s motorcycles, motorcycle trade stands, fast food catering … AND on selected dates – a live band. 8th August – 22nd August
  • CHAMBER PHILHARMONIA COLOGNE There is one sure thing, you will be moved. The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne present their annual concert at St Andrews Minster featuring: Vivaldi, Mozart  Bach, Saint-Saens and Borne. This is a night you will never forget. 21st August
  • OPEN AIR THEATRE – GANGSTA GRANNY By David Walliams Take a rug and a picnic for this amazing open-air showing of Gangsta Granny by the fabulous David Walliams at Devonport Park. 25th August
  • WEST END CARNIVAL & PLYMOUTH MARKETS 60TH ANNIVERSARY This summer we are bringing the sights, sounds and smells of Carnival to the West End. Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Market will host a day full of FREE family fun around the West End of the city centre. 31st August

MORE INFO…

These are JUST SIX of our chosen things to do this AUGUST – but there are SO many more! Visit Plymouth’s amazing What’s On Page this link will take you directly to the whole of Augusts events. Simply CLEAR FILTERS to find out more about the rest of 2019 and beyond!

Are You The Organiser..?

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

What Role Do You Play..?

In every friendship group or social circle, there is that one person that you look to, the ‘organiser’.

The  person that you can rely on; they spend their lunch breaks and evenings researching the perfect break away or evening out. Getting the best price accommodation; the restaurants that will take groups; menu options that everyone will like; drinks that aren’t too expensive; all the travel options. That person that will go the extra mile with personalised straws or goody bags for the train ride!

Like that organiser in your friendship group – there is also that organiser at work. Organising the work nights out, the family summer BBQs and the works Christmas Party!

It can be a gruelling task as the organiser. The amount of work it takes can go unnoticed. It’s not that its not appreciated – because it really is – but the time it takes in an unknown quantity for some people if they haven’t been ‘the one’ themselves before.

For many people who take on this role as an organiser, their natural aptitude is to organise things but more importantly, it’s about seeing people having fun, letting their hair down and making memories.

Does This Sound Familiar..?

Experience tells is that ‘organisers’ are the people who text you first. The people who coordinate the calendar. They are the names and bodies behind the bookings.

They say that there are 7 key aptitudes when it comes to being an events organiser; both socially and professionally:

  • Great communication Skills
  • A People Person and Team Player
  • Willingness, Flexibility and a Positive Attitude
  • Highly Organised and Efficient
  • Head For Numbers
  • Attention to Detail and Pride in Work
  • Determination to Succeed, Stamina to Work Hard

Christmas With Us …

What you may not find on a Myers-Briggs kind of personality indicator is the human need for a little thank you and praise along the way. This is NOT at all the reason that people take on the role; but we know that genuine appreciation is a priceless gift that makes most people (we could go as far as to say ALL people) feel great.

We Want To Say Thank You…

That’s why here at the New Continental Hotel, since 2012, we have said a BIG Conti thank you to the organisers of our Christmas Party Nights. Be they parties for work groups or friends. If you are making a booking for 25 or more people, you get a FREE THANK YOU GIFT from us.

The organiser of any Party Night of 25 or more receives…

An overnight stay on the night of their party. The stay comes complete with Breakfast the next day and full use of Club Continental. So, you and a friend or loved one can get ready in style and relax without the worry of a taxi being late. You can make a casual but elegant entrance – even when it’s pouring outside! Then you can enjoy the flow of a beverage or two before heading to your room without the wait (or expense) of a taxi home. Wake up to a fully cooked breakfast and then head to the pool, sauna and steam room to relax and recharge, or work off  the night before in our air-conditioned gyms.

Indulge in the festivities and let us support you every step of the way.

We will help you make sure that everyone has the most amazing time and we promise we will help take the stress out of Christmas!

Call our events team now to check availability: 01752 276783.
It’s NEVER too early to ‘organise’ Christmas! 

 

Summer of Fun planned for Plymouth City Centre

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Summer In The City…

Plymouth is so alive in the summer months and this year is no different.

This summer, Plymouth will have yet another packed programme of family friendly events; thanks to a new festival of fun organised by the Plymouth City Centre Company.

This really will be a summer full of entertainment for all the family. The Plymouth Summer of Fun kicks off on the 6th July, with Plymouth Summer Circus. This is a free day of circus entertainment and workshops on the Piazza.

Summer in Plymouth

Plymouth Summer Of Fun…

Every weekend, during the school holidays, there will be events and activities for everyone to enjoy. Steve Hughes, the Chief Executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said:

  “The summer holidays are a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and spend time having fun.

 “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a circus spectacle, get involved with some hands on activities, bring the little ones along for story time or challenge your friends and family to some ping pong, Plymouth Summer of Fun has plenty going on to bring you in to Plymouth City Centre.”

Plymouth Summer of Fun really does promise to bring a variety of entertainment across the holiday period, from circus workshops to dance, story time, arts and crafts and sport, all rounded off with the grand finale of the West End Carnival and 60th Anniversary of Plymouth Market on 31st  August.

Summer In Plymouth

Plymouth Bike Day…

What’s more, if you’re a fan of Plymouth Bike Nights don’t miss Plymouth Bike Day on the Piazza on 27th  July. This is a local ‘meet’ for bikers from Plymouth and South East Cornwall in support of local charities.

Pete Batten, one of the Bike Night organisers, said:

 “The Plymouth Motorcycle Club and their supporters are really excited to be working alongside the Plymouth City Centre Company to bring the very popular Plymouth Bike Nights events held on the Hoe Promenade for the last nine years into the City Centre for the first time as ‘Plymouth Bike Day’ to the Piazza.”

Also attending will be Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance charities, the Chestnut Appeal, British Heart Foundation, Devon Freewheelers Blood Bikes along with many of local motorcycle traders displaying the very latest new motorcycles.

Below you will find the full programme of events, but to see all of the details simply visit: www.visitplymouth.co.uk

The full Summer of Fun programme:

6 July

Plymouth Summer Circus, Piazza

Higher Beings Circus Workshop, Piazza/Sundial

Tea Dance with a Twist, Plymouth Guildhall

Plymouth Vegan Festival, Plymouth Guildhall

8 July

Plymouth Library Storytime Event, Drake Circus

13 July

Street Factory Dance Performances, Frankfort Gate, Place de Brest and outside Drake Circus Cornwall Street entrance

Creation Station Summer workshops, Coffee#1

Plymouth Libraries Summer Reading Challenge Launch, Central Library and other Plymouth Libraries

20 July

St Luke’s Midnight Walk, Piazza

22-26 July

Plymouth College of Art Craft Week, Drake Circus

27 July

Misael Cordero: Cuban Salsa Event, Drake Circus

Plymouth Bike Day, Piazza

 29 July

Plymouth Library Storytime Event, Drake Circus

31 July – 1 August

Ping! Plymouth Ping Pong Event, multiple locations across the city centre

3 August

Higher beings spring art workshop, Frankfort Gate/Waterstones New George Street Building

Creation Station Summer Workshop, The Ground Coffee House

Plymouth Dance – Dance in the City Event, Piazza

5-11 August

Plymouth Pride Activities and Parade, Piazza, Sundial and Drake Circus

7-27 August

Plymouth Libraries: Lunch at the Library, Central Library and other Plymouth Libraries

14, 21 & 28 August

Theatre Royal Craft and Dressing Up Event, Drake Circus

17 August

Higher Beings Giant Dragon, Frankfort Gate

24 August

Fool’s Paradise – Phileas Fogg, Hula Hooper, Treemendous, Various city centre locations

31 August

West End Carnival and Market 60th Anniversary, The West End and Plymouth Market

Toy and Train Fair, Methodist Central Hall

7 September

Tea Dance with a Twist, Plymouth Guildhall

 

 

Sir Mathew Bourne OBE…

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Imagine a time when love is forbidden…

Tuesday 4th – 8th June 2019 – The Lyric at the Theatre Royal Plymouth

Sir Matthew Bourne OBE is widely hailed as the UK’s most popular and successful choreographer and director. Soon he will be in Plymouth again soon…

For over 30 years he has been creating and directing dance for musicals, theatre and film. He also has his own highly successful, award-winning companies.

This June you can see Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. A passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story.

Bursting with youth, vitality and Matthew Bourne’s trademark storytelling, the South West’s brightest young dance talent join the New Adventures Company. This amazing show portrays two young lovers, in a society that seeks to divide them, fighting against the odds to follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together.

This new production of Romeo and Juliet joins the popular New Adventures repertoire which includes Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Red Shoes.

Tickets are selling quickly; to check availability and book now follow this link to the Theatre Royal Plymouths website.

For an extra treat before you take your seat, don’t forget that Steve’s Brasserie has a great Early Evening Menu. It will leave you fully sated and safely in your seat for show time!

Hold On To The 80’s..!

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

 

Martin Kemp – Plymouth Guildhall

Friday June 7th 2019

He’s a silver fox that knows the 80’s…could a Friday evening in Plymouth get much better!

Spandau Ballet star ‘Martin Kemp’ will be in Plymouth and taking to the decks on Friday June 7th!

Spinning all the best of the hits from the 80’s. Presenting one the biggest 80’s nights to hit Plymouth this summer!

Are you ready to party?

This 80s night is selling out across the UK! Dust of those dancing shoes, spread the word far and wide that we’ll be turning the clock back to the 1980s for a very special night at Plymouth Guildhall.

Spandau Ballet sold millions of records worldwide. Martin is a huge TV personality starring in the likes of The Krays & Eastenders alongside his famous role in Spandau Ballet. Martin also starred on the West End in the hit musical ‘Chicago’ whilst still finding time to appear in Channel 4s “Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls”

Book NOW – while you can!

See you at the party!

Brides And Beauty Night…

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

 

Brides and Beauty Night | Amica Bridal Boutique

Tuesday 4th June | 5.30 – 8.30pm

We love weddings here at the New Continental Hotel, but we know that planning your big day is fun, but it can also be really time consuming! Running around to various wedding dress boutiques, making appointments with make-up artists, thinking about beauty treatments…the list can feel endless!

That’s why we love that Amica Bridal Boutique have teamed up with some of the absolute BEST in the region, in a one stop shop evening of fun and cocktails!

There will be; wedding dresses, beauty treatments and so much more, helping you to  look and feel fabulous on your special day.

You’ll enjoy: outstanding dresses, free consultations, demos and advice from experts. There will be competitions, special offers, gin cocktails, sweet treats and goody bags across this amazing evening.

You can also find out more about: Botox, fillers, makeup, invisible braces, makeup, hair, tattoo removal, detoxing, photograph, cocktail making and WEDDING DRESSES!

So much amazingness in one evening! Visit their eventbrite page to register – it’s FREE and it’s set to be FABULOUS!

Plymouth Vegan Festival | Saturday 6th July 2019

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Plymouth Vegan Festival | Saturday 6th July 2019

10.30am – 4.30pm | Plymouth Guildhall

The Vegan Society has estimated that the number of vegans in the UK has grown fourfold in the past four years from 150,000 to 600,000! However, t’s not just Vegans that are enjoying the plethora of new options on the market! Many non-vegans are choosing vegan options too. This is in part due to the great new tastes and innovative recipes. An example of this is the notable boom in oat and nut milks in coffee shops across the nation.

With the appetite for vegan products increasing, a designated festival is a winner for all! It’s set to be an exciting day at The Plymouth Guildhall on  Saturday 6th July. 

The Plymouth Vegan Festival will be a one stop shop for vegan essentials, with over 70 stalls, free samples and the entire day programmed with informative and interesting talks as well as inspirational cookery demos.

Entry is just £3 payable on the day on the door (under 16’s free) or there is also £15 VIP tickets that you can book in advance from eventbrite which include fast track entry and a goody bag full of vegan products, samples, discounts and offers.

For more information, to book a stall, learn about sponsorship or to volunteer email veganeventsuk@gmail.com.

**Looking for a place to enjoy some vegan food, check out Steve’s Brasserie and our latest menus! 

The Biggest Food & Drink Festival In The South West…

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Flavour Fest…

From Watercress Festivals in Hampshire, to Onion Markets in Bern; food festivals seem to be everywhere these days. For foodie enthusiasts like us, we are more than delighted!

However, we don’t just want overpriced bowls of noodles; we want great food AND great experiences too. We want experiences that we can take away to our own kitchens, which will leave lasting legacies and incredible memories.

For us, Flavour Fest here in Plymouth is by far our favourite’s food festival. It’s not only because it is in our favourite city! The content that’s included in the THREE day event is truly spectacular.

The food revolution here in Plymouth has been prevalent for many years. In 1253 the town was granted the right to hold a market;  indeed Henry VI himself sealed the deal in 1440 by granting a ‘Royal Charter’ to the then Mayor of Plymouth and Commonality for ‘fairs, feasts & markets’.

 

Plymouth’s DNA…

Food and feasts have always been in the DNA of Plymouth’s cobbles, with amazing restaurants and sensational stalls, shops and specialities. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for specialist hand-made chocolate or award winning pasties.  Mitchelin star meals or sensational dishes. Plymouth has it all…in abundance!

Flavour Fest brings everything together. Like a beautiful bouquet of flowers; individually they shine but together they are breathtaking. That’s what Flavour Fest is, breathtaking.  It’s a three day event that celebrates food. It celebrates talent and it enables everyone to take in the aromas and tastes of some of the world’s most incredible offerings and flavours.

 

i love flavour fest strawberry

Friday 31st May – 2nd June…

Now in its 16th year it is known and respected as the biggest food and drink festival in the South West. It attracts more than 10,000 visitors to Plymouth, visitors who want to sample everything that Britain’s Ocean City and the region has to offer.

The locally baked artisan bread, regional cider, sweet treats and savoury delights – there really is something for everyone!

Plus there are always passionate famous faces; this year we welcome Nadia Hussain and Steve Carter-Bailey, and what’s really exciting is the popular Ready, Steady Cook Challenge in Back, with the beautiful and talented BBC Spotlight presenter Natalie Cornah.

Join Us…

So free up Friday 31st May – 2nd June for some delicious activities, sensation food and amazing experiences and join us, for what we guarantee to be one of the best weekends Plymouth has to offer.

Plymouth Half Marathon 2019 …

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Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon | Sunday 19th May 2019, 08.30

Running Sunday’s Plymouth Half Marathon will be a host of individuals, businesses and groups who have put hours and hours into training and preparing. Primary schools who have taught that through dedication and commitment comes great things.

The Plymouth Half Marathon isn’t just about footsteps to the finish line, it’s about taking footsteps in your life that make you stronger, more focused and part of something great.

Many of our amazing staff are not only dedicated to our guests’ experiences, but also to our city; taking part in city events like the Plymouth Half Marathon.

Staff Have Their Say…

Our Wedding Coordinator talks honestly about how she felt before she took part. Here she shares some very heartening advice:

“The pit of my stomach slowly started to churn as I noticed the signs going up around the city, advising people of the road closures for the half marathon. Suddenly, suddenly it all became rather real!

After months of training and fundraising for a charity very close to my heart – race day arrived!

After checking for about the 10th time that my kit was packed, my watch charged and plenty of fluids were on board  … off we go to join the thousands of people in exactly the same boat as me!

All I need to remember is that I have done my training. Now I just need to enjoy the next 13.1 miles!!

There are so many expectations from so many different people, each of us with different reasons for doing it, but all of us having exactly the same goal – to cross that finish line. 

This is your moment and no one can take it away from you, and when you are climbing up that last hill and its hurting just keep saying; “pain is temporary – but pride is forever.”

Have Fun…

As an independent, family owned hotel, we pride ourselves on the support that we give our staff when they are passionate about things, and prepared to work hard for what they love. Be that CPD, returning to work after illness or indeed activities and events such as marathons.

We know that there can sometimes be a negative stigma associated to employees having a ‘busy’ life outside of work.  Especially hobbies or passions that involve burnout style training. But we truly believe that if our staff are happy outside of work, or training hard for something they love, it will not negatively impact their ability to do their job, put positively enable them to do it better.

We would like to wish EVERYONE taking part the very best of times.  May you enjoy the footsteps that lead you to the finishing line and the pride we are sure you will feel when you finish.

Please check the following link to find out more about the Road Closures on Sunday 19th May 2019.

Just a few pictures of some of our amazing team…

Image credit link to Trainer Academy: (https://traineracademy.org/)

 

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