14/10/2026
At a time when so much of the conversation surrounding our town and city centres focuses on closures, empty premises and struggling businesses, something rather encouraging is happening in Perth.
People are investing in our city. And not just one or two businesses, but a growing number of independent operators, experienced restaurateurs and established hospitality groups who clearly believe Perth has a bright future.
And I think that's something worth celebrating!
Over the past year, we've seen an impressive collection of new hospitality businesses opening their doors, established premises being given a new lease of life and some genuinely exciting investment announcements.
Take Milas Restaurant on Perth High Street, for example.
When we announced its opening on Perth Local, the post attracted more than 1,300 likes. That's quite an extraordinary response to a restaurant opening, and it demonstrates just how much enthusiasm exists for new businesses coming into the city.
Having recently visited ourselves, it's easy to understand the excitement. A stunning restaurant, wonderful Turkish food and a fantastic addition to Perth's increasingly diverse dining scene.
But Milas is far from alone.
The Postbox by Andrew Spence has brought fresh investment and culinary expertise to George Street, while La Cave à Vin has created a distinctive destination combining w**e, hospitality and entertainment.
Thistle & Vine, The Italian Corner and Nawaab have all contributed to the city's growing food and drink offering, bringing different experiences and giving people more reasons to visit Perth.
Wasted Degrees is another example of the independent hospitality businesses helping to give the city its own character.
Meanwhile, BRO CRAFT KEBAB has introduced something different on South Street, and the reopening of Holdgates Fish And Chip Shop, under new ownership has brought a familiar Perth institution back to life.
Then there's Pig Floyd’s BBQ and TexMex, which has taken over the former premises of The Mexican on Atholl Street.
It means that despite the challenges facing hospitality, entrepreneurs still see opportunities in Perth.
And now we have the announcement concerning the Royal George Hotel.
BuzzworksLife, one of Scotland's most respected hospitality operators, has announced plans to acquire the historic hotel and undertake a major seven-figure refurbishment.
The proposed redevelopment will transform the property while retaining its heritage, introducing a new pub and restaurant offering alongside refurbished accommodation and guest facilities.
The acquisition is expected to complete in January 2027, with the hotel reopening later that year.
For a company of Buzzworks' standing to choose Perth for its first venture into Perthshire is a significant statement of confidence in the city.
And when you consider all these developments together, a much bigger picture begins to emerge.
PERTH IS ATTRACTING INVESTMENT, AND THAT MATTERS TO EVERYONE.
Every new restaurant, café, bar or hospitality venue creates opportunities that extend far beyond its own front door.
There are jobs to be created, local suppliers to support, contractors to employ and neighbouring businesses that benefit from increased activity.
A couple visiting Perth for dinner might also visit a bar or attend an event.
A family coming into the city for lunch might spend the afternoon exploring the shops.
Visitors attending a festival or concert might stay overnight, eat in local restaurants and spend money with independent retailers.
It's all connected.
For years, we've tended to judge the success of our city centres by the strength of their retail offering.
But shopping habits have changed, and the role of the modern city centre is changing with them.
Hospitality, entertainment, culture and events are no longer simply supporting attractions. They're increasingly becoming reasons in their own right for people to visit.
And Perth has an enormous opportunity to capitalise on that.
Through Perth Fringe, we've seen first-hand the appetite for things to do, places to visit and experiences to enjoy.
People want a lively, welcoming city centre. They want choice, variety and somewhere they can spend an afternoon or evening.
And increasingly, businesses are stepping forward to provide exactly that.
Of course, we shouldn't pretend everything is rosy.
Hospitality remains an incredibly challenging industry. Rising costs, staffing pressures and changing consumer spending habits are placing enormous demands on operators.
We've also seen businesses close, and there are others working extremely hard simply to survive.
That's precisely why we should recognise and support those willing to invest.
Opening a restaurant, taking on commercial premises or committing millions of pounds to refurbishing a historic hotel isn't a casual decision.
These are substantial financial commitments, often involving considerable personal risk.
And every one of those investments represents somebody making a positive judgement about Perth's potential.
BUT INVESTMENT ALONE ISN'T ENOUGH.
We need to make sure Perth is a city where these businesses can succeed.
That means creating an attractive, accessible and welcoming environment, encouraging events and activities throughout the year, and giving people reasons to spend more time in the city.
It means recognising that hospitality, retail, culture and tourism are all part of the same local economy.
And it means supporting the businesses that are already here, not simply celebrating the arrival of new ones.
A thriving restaurant next door can be good news for an existing café. A successful event can bring customers into shops. A busy evening economy can create opportunities for hotels, taxis and entertainment venues.
Success doesn't have to come at someone else's expense.
In fact, the stronger Perth's overall offering becomes, the more attractive it is to everyone.
We have a beautiful historic city, a fantastic location, excellent transport connections and an increasingly interesting hospitality scene.
There is no reason Perth shouldn't be a destination that people actively choose to visit, rather than somewhere they simply pass through.
And the businesses investing here are helping to make that happen.
From independent operators opening their first premises to established Scottish hospitality groups committing significant sums to landmark buildings, the message is an encouraging one.
PEOPLE BELIEVE IN PERTH.
Now it's up to all of us, businesses, residents, organisations and decision-makers, to build on that confidence.
Because attracting people into Perth is only part of the challenge.
The real opportunity is giving them more reasons to stay, more reasons to spend locally and more reasons to come back.
And looking at the investment we're seeing across the city, there's every reason to be optimistic about what comes next.
Perth has enormous potential.
Let's make the most of it.
