Major seven-figure redevelopment planned for River Tay landmark, marking Buzzworks’ first move into Perthshire.
Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced plans to acquire The Royal George Hotel in Perth. This marks the group’s first expansion into Perthshire and represents a further step in its growth into accommodation.
The Royal George Hotel, situated near Perth Bridge and overlooking the River Tay, has been central to Perth’s hospitality scene for over 250 years. Missives for the acquisition have concluded, with planning proposals for a transformation of the venue expected to be submitted. The acquisition is anticipated to be completed in January 2027. Until then, the hotel will continue to operate under its current ownership. Following completion, the hotel will temporarily close for a major refurbishment programme and is expected to reopen later in 2027.
A major seven-figure redevelopment will see The Royal George Hotel join Buzzworks’ signature House Collection. This will combine timeless, stylish, and comfortable bedrooms with a welcoming pub and restaurant, creating a distinctive destination for guests to eat, drink, and stay while experiencing Perth.
The Royal George will join Buzzworks’ growing portfolio of award-winning venues across Scotland, which includes brands such as Scotts, Lido, and Herringbone, alongside its expanding House Collection of pubs, restaurants, and rooms. The project signifies another important step in the family-founded hospitality group’s expansion into accommodation.
The redevelopment will build upon the existing character of The Royal George, reimagining its restaurant, bedrooms, and guest spaces. It will also introduce a new pub and enhance the hotel’s historic ballroom. Internationally acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton will lead the transformation, aiming to celebrate the hotel’s heritage while incorporating Buzzworks’ approach to hospitality, focusing on timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and creating welcoming spaces rooted in Perth.
Buzzworks has committed to supporting the existing team at The Royal George Hotel, offering opportunities within the wider Buzzworks business during the transition. Upon reopening, there will also be new career opportunities at the venue, with access to Buzzworks’ training, development, and career progression programmes.
Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, said: “The Royal George Hotel has an incredible history, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to welcome such a well-known Perth landmark into the Buzzworks family. Hospitality has been at the heart of this site for more than 250 years, with its prominent position overlooking the River Tay and long-standing role within the city’s hospitality scene making it a very special venue. There is so much about The Royal George that we want to celebrate and build upon.”
Mr Blair added: “This also marks an exciting milestone for us as our first move into Perthshire. We’re looking forward to becoming part of the local community, building on the hotel’s fantastic legacy and creating something that Perth can be proud of for many years to come. We look forward to sharing more details on our plans and welcoming everyone through the doors once the hotel reopens.”
Eddie Anderson, owner of The Royal George Hotel, commented: “After more than 26 years at The Royal George, it’s a bittersweet moment for us. Having celebrated my 80th birthday recently, I realise nothing can last forever, and January will bring to a close more than 45 years for me in the hotel industry here in Perth.”
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Mr Anderson added: “I’m delighted that Buzzworks will be taking The Royal George into its next chapter. They are an award-winning Scottish hospitality business with exciting plans for the hotel, and I’m confident its future is in very good hands. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here and excited to see what the future holds for The Royal George. I’ll certainly be popping back in once the transformation is complete.”
Buzzworks is a B Corp-certified business and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years. The group currently operates 25 award-winning bars and restaurants across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company in the UK (under 51 sites) at the 2025 Publican Awards.
