Just Got Engaged..? Look No Further..!

Many congratulations on your engagement, we are here and ready to help your wedding dreams come true at our independently owned, family run hotel.  Over looking Plymouth, the New Continental Hotel creates a truly romantic setting for your wedding day. We have three beautiful function rooms and are licensed to hold civil ceremonies, allowing your entire day to run smoothly under one elegant roof!

Wedding celebrations become unforgettable against the unmatched care and consideration taken to ensure your day is the special moment upon which you start the rest of your lives together. Majestic architecture, sweeping rooms and ultra-accommodating staff make this landmark building a top pick in Plymouth. Our romantic hotel with its Grade II listing and 150 year history is an iconic building; set within the heart of Plymouth, it not only offers a great location, but also family owners and staff whose hospitality is legendary.  

With our mouth-watering menus and excellent service we will leave your guests delighted, ensuring your big day is an event to remember. Our talented Chefs will work with you to develop delicious menus that suit your needs and your budget – from a wedding breakfast, to canapés, to meals for special dietary requirements. We’ll get to know your taste and style and deliver a menu and day that will wow you and your guests.

It is true to say that the romantic possibilities are endless at the New Continental Hotel! For over 30 years, we have been ensuring that brides and grooms have relaxed as we have helped them create memories they can cherish for a lifetime. We believe every wedding should be different, so our Wedding Coordinator is available to arrange all the extras for you too.

As an independent, family run hotel, we pride ourselves on our ability to be truly flexible, to offer a bespoke and tailor made package that will cater for your dreams; be they for large and lavish, or intimate and close – or anywhere in between.

Located in the heart of Plymouth, with ample parking, we cater for all ceremonies and celebrations. With 99 en-suite bedrooms, four-poster and deluxe suites and a health and leisure club we can also accommodate your friends and family in style.

You will find the link to our Wedding Brochure; designed to give you a glimpse into our hotel and a taste of what we can offer. Nothing beats coming in and seeing for yourselves though, so do contact us as we would love to meet you.

View Our Wedding Brochure

Is this a story about love; or is it about losing yourself to love. .?

On Tuesday 6^th August 1907, a dreadful tragedy occurred at the Albion Hotel near Millbay Train station.  

For some time Mr and Mrs MacLoughlin had been separated, due to Mr MacLoughlin’s love of whiskey; not allowed to live as a single women Mrs Macloughlin could only leave her husband if she was to be provided with a live in place of employment. In February 1907, Mary Ann MacLoughlin gained this employment as a live in housekeeper at the Albion Hotel, here she was happy and loved her new found freedom and profession, working amongst people she now called her friends.

William MacLoughlin remained in the family home in Compton with his two young children, the elder two siblings were in employment at nearby farms in both Tavistock and Callington.

On this dry, clear Tuesday in August something came about William; an uncontrollable urge to claim his wife once again. He strode in, uninvited to the hotel and found his way to the still-room.

Into the still-room William marched; with alcohol on his breath and passion in his heart.  He waited, crouched in silence in the corner of the room waiting for Mary Ann to arrive.  

With the sound of a gun firing, Mathew, the page boy, ran to the still-room from the lobby; through the archway and down the narrow stairs with only a dim light to guide his way. He could hear nothing but deep breaths and felt a cold chill in the air. With his heart pounding, Mathew discovered the tragedy, his colleague Mary Ann on the floor and the stranger with the smoking gun standing near her limp body.

He screamed and sobbed and then saw William proceed to shoot himself.

A letter was found on the man when the police came,  in it he wrote in affectionate terms to his wife; promising he would find a way to give up the drink and that they would have a future together, somehow, someway, sometime.

Could this really be true..?

June 1922 At The Albion Hotel...

On June 14th, 1922 at the Albion Hotel (the hotel to the rear of the Continental Hotel when it was two separate dwellings) a new and exciting appliance was introduced to the people of Plymouth! 

Just placed on the market the Ardente Acoustique was recommended by Doctors and used by Royalty. This small, light, portable and 'quite inconspicuous' devise; 'leaving the hands free with no heavy battery' was demonstrated, with tests given and without consultative fees at the hotel.

An article found from the British Newspaper Archives, written in the Western Morning News in May 1922.

Reports say that there were people waiting along the street to gain entry, with people saying it was 'a miracle, I can hear even a whisper'. 

Sound for many was a revelation that day in Plymouth, and all from the platform of the Albion Hotel! 

Our History Tells A Beautiful Tale...

Once two hotels; the Albion and the Continental Hotel, they were once owned by Mr George Fowler.  No matter who the owners have been throughout history, these hotels were always striving to offer the city the very best in accommodation,  banqueting and leisure.

In February 1936 the construction was completed for the 'new, spacious banqueting and ball-room, equipped in the most up-to-date fashion at the Continental Hotel, Plymouth'. The largest banqueting room in the city and for miles around at the time, capable of seating 350 people!

This ballroom also offered the largest clear space for ballroom dancing in Plymouth, with up to four dances a week being held for the community.

Also home to the first sprung floor in a hotel in Plymouth, overlaid with fine maple wood set on springs, the evenings spent gliding around the ballroom were moments that created memories that would last a lifetime. 

Costing over £17,000, this ballroom had air purifiers, hot and cold running water and the ‘finest ladies powder rooms’ in Plymouth!  That investment equates to over £850,000 in today’s money!

These hidden gems of our history create the rhythm you feel in there today, one of life and wonder, future and possibilities, fun and laughter. If this ballroom could talk, it would tell many a fabulous tale!

We want to keep these memories alive; do you remember a time in our ballroom, have you heard other peoples memories that you can share with us?  We want to mark it's 80th birthday in style and would love to hear from anyone who can help us build a bank of memories!

Email: elinor.eaton@newcontinenetal.co.uk with your memories or the memories of others. We can't wait to hear from you. 

Leaner Living; Nutrition Seminar

For many years now, nutrition has become the most important lens for looking after your body and its health and well-being; and although we all know our bodies are our temples; do we really know how to fuel them in the right way..?

No matter what your level of fitness or your knowledge of nutrition, the ‘Leaner Living’ seminar, presented by James Buckingham of PFP Exeter, is the perfect no-nonsense guide. Aimed at anyone looking to lose weight, become ‘leaner’ and increase their physical well-being and health.

Being held at the New Continental Hotel on Saturday 10^th October, this is the perfect chance to join like-minded individuals all looking to gain from James’ knowledge and experience. Tickets are just £10 and availability is already limited.

So hurry, join us between 09:45 and 12:00 in the Green Room at the New Continental Hotel and be at the hottest Nutrition Seminar in town!

For more information or to book your space, call Adam on 07957877974

Join Us...

Join our friendly reception team...

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a passionate and committed Receptionist at the New Continental Hotel who will be taking responsibility for welcoming and supporting our guests in a friendly and helpful manner.

The New Continental Hotel is a stunning Grade II listed, independent hotel with 99 bedrooms. The building itself is steeped in history and is situated in the heart of Britain’s Ocean City. It is a popular choice for tourists due to its convenient location in the centre of town, with parking and easy access to local amenities and attractions. Visited by guests from all over the world, the hotel is held in high regard by people from many countries that have been visiting Plymouth and staying in our Family run hotel for over 20 years.  The hotel is also a platform for a great number of conferences and meetings each week; boasting many fine function spaces and bars threaded throughout the building.

This all combined with being a well known wedding venue, having Steve’s Brasserie, our in-house restaurant and Club Continental, our leisure complex, the hotel has a great deal on offer with a constantly friendly and lively atmosphere.

The role: 

We are looking for an individual to join our busy Reception team. The role requires you to check guests in and out of the hotel and to take reservations and input them onto our computerised booking system. There will be cash handling, answering the telephones, responding to emails, communicating with other departments and interacting with our quests to assist them with the question. 

This role is all about service excellence, we are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to do everything superbly well and where nothing is too much trouble for our guests.

This is a full-time position; working hours are on a shift basis covering 7am to 3pm or 3pm-11pm five days out of seven. The role is to be started as soon as possible, experience is preferred but full training will be given.

Key competencies you will require:  

Professional presentation 

Excellent communication and organisational skills 

A high degree of flexibility with regards to working hours 

Most important of all is a person to deliver a truly excellent service every time 

Required Skills:

Basic computer knowledge 

Well organsied with good planning skills

Presentable, approachable and with a friendly personality 

Able to work individually and as part of a team  

Benefits included for a Receptionist:

Competitive Salary

28 days holidays including bank holidays

Contributory Pension Scheme

Meals on duty

Free use of the entire Leisure Complex, including sauna and steam room
 

The New Continental Hotel is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

To send your CV, or for further information please email: nikkif@newcontinental.co.uk

Closing Date: 18th September 1:00pm 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family Matters At The New Continental Hotel...

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

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

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

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

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

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

For information on our accommodation offer - just click here! 

Working to become Dementia Friendly...

A Hotel that helps create holidays for people with dementia and their carers...

According to the Alzheimer's Society there are around 800,000 people in the UK with dementia. One in three people over 65 will develop it, and two-thirds of people with dementia are female.

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information can be found on dementia friendly holidays here.

For more information on the work of the PDAA:

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

Let Life Be Your Stage - And Shine...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Receptionist! x

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

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

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



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

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

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

Lady Chef x

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

:) 

With love

SmilieWaitress X

Laughter is the Best Medicine!

Laughter is the Best Medicine!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the point in an office Christmas Party?

To enjoy down time with your colleagues?  
To build team spirit and celebrate the previous year’s successes?

An opportunity to exchange your secret Santa gifts?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elinor 

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

Small Talk Plays A Big Role In Our Hotel Kitchen!

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

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

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

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

Lady Chef x