Iconic South Beach Hotel in Troon to Join Buzzworks Following Seven-Figure Redevelopment
The South Beach Hotel in Troon is set to begin a new chapter after award-winning Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks announced its acquisition of the long-established venue.
The hotel, which has been part of Troon’s hospitality scene for more than a century, will become the latest addition to Buzzworks’ growing House Collection.
Located close to Troon beach and less than a mile from Royal Troon Golf Club, The South Beach Hotel has welcomed generations of residents, tourists and golfers visiting the Ayrshire town.
The venue has been owned and operated by the Watt family for more than 45 years, during which time it has become a familiar and well-regarded part of the local community.
It will continue to operate under its current ownership throughout the summer before Buzzworks officially takes over in October.
The hotel will then temporarily close to allow a major seven-figure refurbishment to take place, with plans to reopen in spring 2027.
The redevelopment will include a complete transformation of the hotel’s pub, restaurant, bedrooms and guest areas.
Buzzworks said the new-look venue will combine stylish and comfortable accommodation with a vibrant pub and restaurant, allowing guests to eat, drink and stay under one roof.
The company already has a significant presence in Troon through Scotts, Lido and The Fox. The acquisition of The South Beach Hotel will introduce accommodation to its offering in the town for the first time.
The redeveloped hotel will cater for staycations, golfing breaks, family holidays and business travel, with plans for contemporary bedrooms, premium steaks, traditional favourites and a welcoming pub atmosphere.
Acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton will lead the refurbishment, drawing inspiration from the building’s long history and its coastal location.
Buzzworks said the designs will focus on quality craftsmanship and warm, welcoming spaces that remain firmly connected to Troon and the hotel’s heritage.
When the company takes ownership in October, the existing South Beach Hotel team will be invited to become part of Buzzworks.
Staff will be offered opportunities to work across the company’s nearby Troon venues while the refurbishment is carried out, before being given the opportunity to return when the hotel reopens.
Buzzworks is B Corp certified and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years.
Kenny Blair, chief executive of 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 The South Beach Hotel, said the family was proud to be handing the venue over to another Scottish family-founded business.
He said: “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 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.”
Buzzworks currently operates 24 venues across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company with fewer than 51 sites at the 2025 Publican Awards.