Troon’s South Beach Hotel set for a new chapter under Buzzworks

Adding to its rapidly expanding accomodation portfolio, Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has acquired The South Beach Hotel in Troon.

Located near Troon’s beachfront and less than a mile from Royal Troon Golf Club, The South Beach Hotel has been part of the town’s hospitality scene for more than a century, welcoming generations of residents, visitors and golfers to Ayrshire.

For more than 45 years, the hotel has been owned and operated by the Watt family, and will continue operating under its current ownership until October, when it will be temporarily closing for refurbishment.

Following what is promised to be a ‘major seven figure redevelopment’, The South Beach Hotel will join Buzzworks’ House Collection – boutique properties that bring together ‘timeless, stylish and comfortable bedrooms’ with a welcoming pub and restaurant.

This latest acquisition builds on Buzzworks’ well-established presence in Troon, where it already operates Scotts, Lido and The Fox.

The South Beach Hotel will bring accommodation into that mix for the first time, giving guests the chance to eat, drink and stay with Buzzworks in the town, all under one roof.

The refurbishment will include a ‘complete reimagining’ of the pub, restaurant and guest spaces, with the aim of creating something ‘vibrant and contemporary’ while holding onto everything that has made The South Beach Hotel so special to the town.

Led by designer Jim Hamilton, the refurbishment will draw on the building’s history and coastal setting, using quality craftsmanship to create ‘warm, welcoming spaces that feel genuinely rooted in Troon’.

When Buzzworks officially takes over The South Beach Hotel in October, the existing team will be offered offer roles across its nearby venues in Troon during the refurbishment – with full access to the training, development and career progression that Buzzworks is known for – before having the opportunity to return to The South Beach when it reopens.

CEO at Buzzworks, Kenny Blair, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming The South Beach Hotel into the Buzzworks family.

“Troon is a very special place for us – we’re already proud to be part of the community here, and we’re excited to continue investing in the town and welcoming The South Beach into the House Collection.

“The South Beach has everything we look for – a brilliant location, a strong local following and real character. We’re keen to build on its proud history and create something truly memorable – a great pub, great food and a stylish, comfortable stay, all under one roof.

“Our family has known the Watt family for decades, and having been regular visitors to the hotel ourselves, it means a great deal to be entrusted with its future,” added Blair.

“Our aim is to honour what they’ve built, preserve what people love about it and ensure The South Beach remains a place this town can be proud of for many years to come.”

Stewart Watt, of South Beach Hotel, commented: “For more than 45 years, our family has developed and improved The South Beach Hotel with our customers always in mind.

“Now it’s time for a new chapter, and we’re proud to be passing the hotel into the hands of Buzzworks – another Scottish, family-founded business – to take it forward and invest in its future.

“We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years – our loyal customers, many of whom have become lifelong friends, and our wonderful team, past and present, who have shared the hard work, the laughter and the memories along the way.

“We feel incredibly proud of what we’ve built and are genuinely excited for what’s ahead. We wish Buzzworks every success as they take The South Beach Hotel into its next chapter, and look forward to seeing it continue to thrive for years to come.”