Eight years into a supposed retirement and evergreen entrepreneur Rodney Scott is still adding to a business portfolio that spans generations.Gorleston's landmark Pier Hotel is the latest enterprise set to benefit from Mr Scott and son Ian's Midas touch that last year transformed two hotels into the popular Pub on the Prom, facing Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier.

Eight years into a supposed retirement and evergreen entrepreneur Rodney Scott is still adding to a business portfolio that spans generations.

Gorleston's landmark Pier Hotel is the latest enterprise set to benefit from Mr Scott and son Ian's Midas touch that last year transformed two hotels into the popular Pub on the Prom, facing Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier.

“It was an opportunity that arose - it was there and I could not really say no. It's in the blood. My family really enjoy it and are keen to carry on.” Mr Scott said. The asking price for the hotel was £1,250,000.

The father and son this week assured locals and trippers that all bookings would be honoured. Mr Scott said there would be no meddling with the successful formula that made the 22-bedroom hotel tick until after Christmas. Many of the rooms he added had been brought up to three-star standard fairly recently but there was room for some refurbishment and a rethink.

It is the second time the hotel has been sold in four months.

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 personal issues made it 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, Great 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 adjacent hotels - the Lincoln and the Sandringham - and opened in August 2007 serving up to 44 meals a day in the summer.

More than a century old, the Pier Hotel is a long established fully-licensed hotel and function venue which is also registered to hold civil ceremonies. 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.”