Ayrshire's biggest hospitality chain has bought three more venues following a takeover of a restaurant group.
The Buzzworks behemoth has continued its expansion to the east coast with two new offerings in Edinburgh and one in North Berwick.
The acquisition of hospitality business Herringbone means that the firm now owns 17 restaurants, five of which are on the east coast.
Two of the venues are currently operating — one within Edinburgh’s Goldenacre and the other by the coast in North Berwick. The third, at 3 Royal Terrance Gardens, Edinburgh is currently under construction.
Buzzworks bosses say they will take the keys once renovation work is completed.
Herringbone staff will remain in place at the two existing venues while a further 20 jobs will be brought to the capital with its new venue, due to open in the summer.
Discussing the expansion, Kenny Blair, Buzzworks Holdings MD, 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. The venues will not only continue to provide an excellent bar and food experience to complement the area, but with a further 20 jobs being created, it’s an ideal opportunity for those keen to work for a forward-thinking hospitality operator that provides both industry leading training and benefits for its team.”
It will be business as usual for the current Herringbone venues serving locals and visitors alike, and with the new property at 3 Royal Terrace Gardens quickly taking shape, the team are looking forward to opening its doors in the coming months.
Ash Bairstow, managing director at Herringbone, said: “Our Herringbone team have been incredible at developing a relaxed bar and restaurant in North Berwick, then Goldenacre, Edinburgh, serving lots of wines by the glass, craft & draught and our renowned selection of beautifully crafted cocktails, alongside an excellent complimentary food menu. We’re delighted to be joining the Buzzworks family and it is an exciting new chapter in our story.
“Joining Buzzworks 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.
“I know the previous owners Val and Martin will join me in thanking all of the Herringbone team, old and new, for their hard work as the business looks forward to developing further alongside Buzzworks in the future.”
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 their newest venue, The Fox, Troon.
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