From serving afternoon tea and Sunday roasts to waiting on international movie stars, Plymouth’s “queen of hospitality” has hung up her uniform after 30 years.
Betty Davis started working at Plymouth’s large New Continental Hotel in the 1980s and has become a part of the fabric of Plymouth’s hospitality community.
But in August 2019, at the age of 80, Betty is putting away her piny to embark on a well-earned retirement.
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And it hasn’t been all about work. many customers are Betty’s friends and she has also been involved in hundreds of charity events, from dinner dances to functions for under-privileged children and has even been known to don fancy dress outfit for a themed party night – including being Mother Christmas for children every festive season.
Bobbie Hajiyianni, director at the New Continental Hotel, said Betty has been an asset to hospitality in Plymouth.
“One of the greatest pleasures for me as director of the New Continental Hotel is our wonderful work force,” said Bobbie.
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“They are by far the biggest asset not only to my hotel, but for our city. Every member of staff gives 110% in a very testing sector and I feel fortunate to have them as part of my team, and for their passion and enthusiasm.”
Describing Betty as “a constant engine of passion” she added: “When my father and mother bought the hotel in 1984, I’m sure they could only have dreamt that 35 years on, we would still be employing staff that shared their ethos and passion for hospitality.”
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“Betty has certainly helped put Plymouth on the map and been able to truly make a real difference to our guests stays, and for that our entire family will be eternally grateful.”
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Bobbie said: “Betty is not one to be selfish with her time or indeed work in a silo. Her passion has always been contagious. Joining us with her many years of experience and knowledge, she instantly began to share her skills and passion with our teams.
“Betty has a gift for challenging ways of thinking requiring us all to explore different, new and improved practices to ensure our customers are always happy and that we always strive to do better.
“Betty has trained and mentored hundreds of people within the sector over the years, perhaps even thousands and her true legacy will be what she has given to those that she has taught and inspired.
“She will be missed; but she will never be forgotten by anyone she has worked with, trained or served.”
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The Hajiyianni clan celebrated 30 years of ownership of the New Continental Hotel in 2015. The building was built in 1865 but bought by Steve and Persefoni Hajiyianni in 1984.
Persefoni remains the matriarch of the dynasty which has control of the well-known Mission and Kuku restaurants, and The Dock, at Millbay’s King Point Marina.
They also run Strathmore House Apartments, on Elliot Street, The Hoe, a block containing 18 serviced units. And they have an interest in Cafe Curva, in Drake Circus Shopping Centre, along with members of the extended family.
Persefoni and Steve came to Plymouth from Cyprus in 1953. Steve died in 1996, but he was survived by his wife, and their children Mario, Bobbie, Chris, Tina and Alexandra. Another son, Costas, was general manager at the hotel, but died in 2006.