Bar and restaurant operator Buzzworks has acquired a further three venues.
The Kilmarnock-headquartered company has taken over independent hospitality business Herringbone.
The deal includes two venues within Edinburgh’s Goldenacre and by the coast in North Berwick, which are already operating, with a third on the way at 3 Royal Terrance Gardens, Edinburgh.
With construction currently underway on 3 Royal Terrace Gardens, Buzzworks will take the keys once renovation work is completed, bringing the family business’ current portfolio up to 17, with five venues now on the East Coast.
The new acquisition will also see the Herringbone team stay in position at their respective venues, whilst a further 20 jobs will be brought to the capital with its new venue, due to open in the summer.
Buzzworks managing director Kenny Blair said: “Branching out the business to the East Coast has been an exciting journey so far, with two fantastic venues in Scotts South Queensferry and The Bridge Inn Linlithgow already in place.
“We see the addition of Herringbone to our portfolio as the perfect fit, due to our commitment to creating fabulous venues that offer delicious food, great drinks and outstanding service – which Herringbone already provides to its customers on a daily basis.
“This is another great step forward in our continued growth strategy as we branch out from the West of Scotland.”
Ash Bairstow, managing director at Herringbone, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the Buzzworks family and it is an exciting new chapter in our story.
“It will allow the team to develop further as we expand the Herringbone brand, with a third venue this year and more to come and we’re proud to become part of such a forward-thinking, people-focussed business like Buzzworks.”
Alongside the Herringbone acquisition, Buzzworks operates a further 14 venues, including Scotts in Troon, Largs and South Queensferry, Vic’s & The Vine in Prestwick, Lido venues in Prestwick and Troon, The Tree House in Ayr, The Long House and The Duke in Kilmarnock, The Mill House in Stewarton, The Corner House in Kilwinning, The Coach House in Bridge of Weir, The Bridge Inn in Linlithgow and the newest venue, The Fox in Troon.
Separately, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired the 14-room Plockton Inn and its adjoining seafood restaurant.
Founded in spring 2021, the company is investing in and developing independently-owned hotels in the region, having already bought up the Kylesku Hotel, Newton Lodge, the Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch and the Royal Marine Hotel Brora.
Located on the western seaboard of the North Highlands, the new hotel is situated in the village of Plockton adjacent to the sheltered bay. The Plockton Inn will retain its name and become part of the Highland Coast Hotels Collection.
As the company "evolves the guest experience", it stated that suppliers and experience providers in the local area are invited to get in touch.
Highland Coast Hotels chair David Whiteford, explained: “It’s a daunting prospect to be picking up the baton from Kenny and Mary Gollan and Susan Trowbridge, who have nurtured and developed the hotel into such a landmark in this beautiful part of the world.
“However, with a clear focus on working closely with the local communities around our properties, and investing back into the local economy, we very much hope we can add even further value to the hotel and the surrounding area.
“While it's early days, we have exciting plans for the hotel which we anticipate will undergo a substantial refurbishment this coming winter.’’
As a Scottish Living Wage Employer, the company has also promised wage increases to reflect this, alongside additional training and development opportunities for the 30-strong team, which will grow in size as the hotel is integrated within the wider group.
Kenny Gollan, departing owner of the Plockton Inn, commented: “After 25 years of ownership of the Plockton Inn, Mary, Susan and I are very sad to be handing over our wonderful hotel after all these years.
“We have also been very mindful of ensuring that we only sell the hotel to a company that we believe share our values, and will carry on the hard work we have personally invested over the years - we are delighted to be selling to Highland Coast Hotels and from our dealings with the senior team, we believe they will build on our legacy.”
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