Historic city centre hotel to join leading hospitality operator’s growing House Collection portfolio
Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced plans to acquire The Royal George Hotel in Perth, marking its first move into Perthshire and the latest step in the group’s expansion into accommodation.
Located close to Perth Bridge and overlooking the River Tay, The Royal George Hotel has been at the heart of Perth’s hospitality scene for more than 250 years, with the planned acquisition marking an exciting new chapter for the landmark venue.
Missives have now concluded on the acquisition of The Royal George Hotel, with planning proposals for the transformation of the venue set to be submitted. The acquisition is expected to complete in January 2027. Until then, The Royal George Hotel will continue to operate as normal under its current ownership. Following completion, the hotel will temporarily close for a major refurbishment programme and the transformed venue is expected to reopen later in 2027.
Following a major seven-figure redevelopment, The Royal George Hotel will join Buzzworks’ signature House Collection, bringing together timeless, stylish and comfortable bedrooms with a welcoming pub and restaurant at its heart. The transformation will create a distinctive destination where guests can eat, drink and stay while enjoying everything the Fair City has to offer.
The Royal George will join Buzzworks’ growing portfolio of award-winning venues across Scotland, which includes well-known brands such as Scotts, Lido and Herringbone, alongside its expanding House Collection of pubs, restaurants and rooms. The project represents another significant step in the family-founded hospitality group’s expansion into accommodation, while establishing Buzzworks in Perthshire for the first time.
Designed for golf breaks, couples’ getaways, family stays and business travel, guests can expect exceptional hospitality, great food and drink and stylish, comfortable bedrooms, all delivered with the warm, relaxed service Buzzworks is known for.
The redevelopment will build on everything that makes The Royal George special, reimagining the restaurant, bedrooms and guest spaces while introducing a new pub and enhancing the hotel’s historic ballroom.
Led by internationally acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton, the transformation will celebrate The Royal George Hotel’s rich heritage and distinctive character while introducing Buzzworks’ signature approach to hospitality, with a focus on timeless design, quality craftsmanship and creating warm, welcoming spaces that feel genuinely rooted in Perth.
As part of the acquisition, the existing team at The Royal George Hotel will be offered opportunities in the wider Buzzworks business, with the company committed to supporting team members throughout the transition. When the hotel reopens, there will also be exciting opportunities to be part of the new-look venue, with access to the training, development and career progression that Buzzworks is known for.
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.
“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, said: “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.
“It has been a wonderful journey, and I’d like to thank the many guests who have supported us and all the members of staff, past and present, who have been part of the hotel over the years.
“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.
To find out more, visit: https://www.buzzworksholdings.com/
Issued on behalf of Buzzworks Holdings Group by Tigerbond. For more information, please contact:
John Scott: john.scott@tigerbond.com
Lisa Boyle: Lisa.Boyle@tigerbond.com
