SimpsInns expands in Ayrshire with new Waterside

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
August 2011

The Waterside will be the standout, “must visit” destination along the north Ayrshire coastline and will become a key source of employment to the area despite these economically straitened times.

The Waterside at Seamill, West Kilbride is the latest development in the growing SimpsInns portfolio, which already includes the established Gailes Restaurant and Hotel in Irvine and the renowned Old Loans Inn, Troon among other on-going projects in Ayrshire.

Malcolm and Karen Simpson, owners of the family-run SimpsInns Ltd, acquired the site for their latest venture in February 2009. For years the existing building and surrounding area lay derelict before the Simpsons secured planning and decided to bring their vision to fruition.

After an initial £1.5million first phase investment the finishing line is now in sight with the New England (Cape Cod) design theme coming into focus. The Waterside will open its doors to the general public from the beginning of October 2011.

High quality, imaginative cuisine and fantastic service has always been a standard at SimpsInns; those traits and more will carry through to The Waterside where unspoilt, panoramic views out to the Isle of Arran are also on show.

“We are very excited at the prospect of The Waterside opening in the coming weeks,” explained owner Malcolm Simpson, a key player in the Ayrshire hospitality industry since the mid 1990s. “After months of planning, all the hard work behind the scenes is coming together in what promises to be a unique bar and dining experience on the north Ayrshire landscape.”

On arrival at The Waterside, guests will immediately be struck by the New England design of the building, which utilises its location adjacent to the beach to offer front row viewing across the bay - scenery you will never tire of.

SimpsInns engaged local company RDK Construction to carry out the work after they were also contracted for the £2million redevelopment programme of the Old Loans Inn, completed ahead of the 2009 Open Golf Championship at Turnberry.

An innovative, nautical design theme carries into the open plan interior where the main bar and kitchen serving pass will become focal points. An upstairs mezzanine area will provide another sought-after retreat, ideal for private functions or space to simply while away the afternoon with stunning, uninterrupted views to Arran serving as the idyllic backdrop.

Management and the head chef are already busy preparing the new menus. The fresh fish ice display, Robata barbeque grill, rotisserie chicken facility and further local produce will be on display at the kitchen’s open pass where those dining will see the team of chefs at work and their meals come together before their very eyes.

As part of the building’s unique design, expansive sliding doors open out onto the wrap around covered verandah, which in turn feeds into the private garden. Just a matter of steps away and beyond the boundary wall is the unspoilt beach, ideal for a leisurely stroll before working up an appetite. The Waterside will cater for up to 400 covers between the interior and exterior dining areas.

With such a considerable investment, SimpsInns envisage the need to employ in the region of 60 new staff and are actively seeking applications ahead of October’s opening. With a strong emphasis placed on fresh produce, management are especially keen to engage a large team of experienced chefs from executive to trainee level.

For further details contact SimpsInns directly on 01294 204040 or email: info@gaileshotel.com. Application forms can be downloaded from the Waterside website at www.simpsinns.com

“We are fortunate to have a core of loyal staff through our existing properties and with the new Waterside we are actively looking to add to the team. We are offering excellent career opportunities across all areas of the business and welcome all applications,” added Simpson.

There are already plans afoot for the second phase at The Waterside to incorporate conference and banqueting facilities and bespoke bedrooms. Given The Gailes Hotel success as a wedding venue – winner of the ‘Vows Wedding Venue of the Year’ - The Waterside promises to be another stunning SimpsInns venue for that special day.

In the meantime SimpsInns continues to break new ground with the eagerly awaited first phase of The Waterside just a matter of weeks from completion.

For further information contact: SimpsInns Recruitment Team, Gailes Hotel, Marine Drive, Irvine, Ayrshire KA11 5AE T: 01294 204040 | E: info@gaileshotel.com | W: www.simpsinns.com