Gorleston hotel owners keeping it in the family

A landmark Norfolk hotel has been sold for the second time in four months.

Gorleston's Pier Hotel has been bought by businessman Rodney Scott and his son Ian, who plan to refurbish it in the new year. They currently own and operate the popular Pub on the Prom on Yarmouth's Golden Mile.

The Pier, which overlooks the harbour and beach, was sold through specialist licensed trade agents Fleurets. Bob Whittle, a director of Fleurets, said, “In July we sold the hotel to an entrepreneur from Essex but it became necessary for it to be placed back in the market.

“We were instructed to sell four days after the sale had had gone through and the Scotts completed the purchase of the three-star hotel second time round within five weeks of solicitors being instructed.”

Rodney Scott is well known in the hotel and licensed trade in Norfolk. He formerly owned the Cliff Hotel, Gorleston, Star Hotel, Yarmouth, Crown Hotel, Lowestoft, and Scotties Brewery.

The Pub on the Prom and the Prom Hotel, which overlook the Britannia Pier, were created by redeveloping two neighbouring hotels - the Lincoln and the Sandringham - and opened in August 2007.

More than a century old, the 20-bedroom Pier Hotel is a long established fully-licensed hotel and function venue which is also registered to hold civil ceremonies. The asking price for the hotel was £1,250,000.

Ian Scott said: “We're absolutely delighted to have acquired the Pier, which occupies one of the most outstanding positions on the Norfolk coast. The harbour entrance is close by and Gorleston's lovely sandy beach is just a short walk across the promenade.

“We have great plans for the hotel and are determined to see it as busy and exciting as it was in its heyday.”

Courtesy of EDP

21 November 2008