Iconic Troon Hotel Set For New Chapter Under Buzzworks

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced the acquisition of The South Beach Hotel in Troon, marking the next chapter in its expansion into accommodation.

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 was owned and operated by the Watt family, becoming a well-established part of the local community. The hotel will continue operating under its current ownership until October before temporarily closing for refurbishment.

Following a major seven figure redevelopment, The South Beach Hotel will join Buzzworks' growing House Collection – bringing together timeless, stylish and comfortable bedrooms with a welcoming pub and restaurant at its heart. The redevelopment will create a destination where guests can eat, drink and stay, while building on the hotel’s long-standing reputation in the town.

The move builds on Buzzworks' well-established presence in Troon, where Scotts, Lido and The Fox have become firm favourites with locals and visitors alike. The South Beach Hotel adds a new dimension - bringing accommodation into the mix for the first time and giving guests the chance to eat, drink and stay with Buzzworks in the town, all under one roof.

Designed for staycations, golf breaks, family getaways and business travel, guests can expect exceptional hospitality, proper pints, premium steaks, comforting classics, contemporary bedrooms, all delivered with a warm, relaxed service.

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

Led by acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton, the refurbishment will draw on the building's rich history and coastal setting, introducing Buzzworks' signature approach to hospitality with a focus on timeless design, quality craftsmanship and creating warm, welcoming spaces that feel genuinely rooted in Troon.

When Buzzworks officially takes over The South Beach Hotel in October, the existing team will become part of the Buzzworks family. The BCorp certified company, which has been recognised as one of the UK's Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years, will offer team members 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.

Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, 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. 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, also 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."

The group currently operates 24 award-winning venues across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company (under 51 sites) at the 2025 Publican Awards.

For more information on Buzzworks please visit here.