The Francis Hotel is undergoing a multi-million pound investment to transform the hotel and build a team to deliver an unparalleled sojourn. The Francis Hotel plays a huge part in Bath’s history. The original building was the inspiration of local freemason John Wood the Elder. It was built on Queen Square – the first Georgian square created in Bath. John lived at No. 9 Queen Square which is now the front door to The Francis Hotel and he went on to create the vision for the world-famous Circus before his son (John Wood the Younger) took his father’s inspiration and created the Royal Crescent. We are a long lasting part of Bath’s history and a play a pivotal part in the city. Our investment will touch every part of the hotel with opulent design, personalised service and curated experiences for our guests. It will be a place where we will celebrate Bath’s heritage and continue Bath’s beautiful legacy. We want you to feel your best self and will be one of the most sought-after hotels to stay in Bath.
THE FRANCIS HOTEL IS ONE OF THE FINEST AND FIRST EXAMPLES OF GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE IN BATH AND HOLDS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN THE HEARTS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Our plans
Join us on our exciting journey as the much-loved Francis Hotel undergoes a magnificent transformation. Experience 98 new-look bedrooms, a gourmet restaurant serving the tastiest cuisine, a cosy snug, and a stylish bar which will become Bath’s hottest spot. Unwind on the stylish outdoor terrace with a drink in hand and indulge in the cutting-edge spa. We look forward to welcoming you.

Reimagined uniforms – Where pride is worn with purpose.

Emberwood Restaurant welcomes Bath, South West

Meet Alex and Jerry, the heart of the Francis Hotel

Reimagined uniforms – Where pride is worn with purpose.
Confidence in Every Thread
At Francis Hotel Bath, a sense of welcome begins the moment a guest approaches. Even before a word is exchanged, there’s a quiet ease in how our team presents themselves, relaxed yet attentive, professional without being stiff. Our newly reimagined uniforms reflect that spirit. More than a nod to tradition, they’re designed to help every team member feel confident, comfortable, and completely themselves.
Wearing the Role with Ease
Whether it’s the tailored three-piece suits worn by our doormen, Alex and Jerry, or the crisp green polos of our housekeeping team, each garment has been chosen with intention. Designed to move with ease and to feel as good as they look, these uniforms support the rhythm of daily service, seamlessly blending style with practicality.
We’ve focused on what feels right, not just what appears polished. Because real hospitality isn’t about performance. It’s about people. When our team feels grounded and at ease, that sense of connection naturally extends to every guest they welcome.
Pride in the Detail
Every uniform carries thoughtful touches that speak to who we are, symbols of shared standards, high expectations, and a genuine care for how we present ourselves. For our team, getting dressed each day is more than preparation; it’s an act of pride and a small but significant reminder of the part they play in creating guest experiences and lasting memories.
In Emberwood, our chefs wear the match emblem on the chest of their aprons. Our waiters wear it stitched on the sleeve. A subtle spark, inspired by the fire of our open hearth, and a respectful nod to the match manufacturing company that once stood at No. 5 Queen Square in 1925.
Even our new Francis Hotel logo carries meaning, echoing the Bath stone street name carvings etched into the corners of Bath’s Georgian buildings. It’s a tribute to craftsmanship, place, and our city’s beauty.
More Than Fabric
These uniforms are not just about appearance. They are a physical expression of our values, welcoming, connected, thoughtful, and proper in the best possible way. Designed to support, not constrain, they help our team feel at home in their roles, free to bring their best selves to every guest interaction.

Emberwood Restaurant welcomes Bath, South West
We reignited Queen Square last night with our launch party at Emberwood.
Beginning with Executive Head Chef Dave Hazell at our open hearth. Guests gathered around, as he served cote boeuf straight from the flames and dishes that perfectly captured our concept in a moment of canapes.
We opened our doors to beloved locals, London journalists, influencers, and neighbouring businesses. All brought together to celebrate this exciting new chapter in our Francis Hotel story.
The bar team showcased our martini trolley with theatrical flair to those who sipped and had guests reaching for their cameras. Meanwhile, the magnificent magnum bottles gifted from 100 Hills provided the perfect welcome toast to our new beginnings and a celebration of our wine list curated by Clair Vins.
As we settled in for the evening, our thoughtfully designed interiors glowed warmly, filled with the ambience from the live band. Dom, our extraordinary Patisserie Chef, presented the evening’s finale, the dessert trolley laden with petit fours that had even the most sophisticated palates enchanted.
No guest departed empty-handed, with each receiving our signature rhubarb macarons, a souvenir of celebrating.
As we unveil our reimagined approach to dining, we perfectly embody the Francis Hotel’s vision: warm, attentive service firmly rooted in the present moment while honouring our storied past. In an age of fleeting dining trends, we provide something more substantial, a much-appreciated return to the fundamentals of hospitality, elevated through careful attention to detail.
Always ready with a warm welcome, we’re not just a restaurant; we’re the newest expression of the Francis Hotel experience where every meal becomes a memory, and every visit tells a story.

Meet Alex and Jerry, the heart of the Francis Hotel
You walk along Queen Square, and as you pass the Francis Hotel you’ll be greeted by Alex and Jerry, our extraordinary doormen whose warm smiles have become as iconic as our historic façade.
Born and raised in our city, these gentlemen bring authentic local knowledge and genuine hospitality to every guest interaction. Their deep connection to our community, and being Bathonian’s, makes them a treasure for visitors seeking a memorable experience in the city, living like true locals.
Alex’s funny anecdotes and Jerry’s personalised top 5 recommendations of walks, pubs and places to eat have become a new tradition in our brand story. Whether it’s carrying your luggage, hailing a taxi, or sharing the perfect off-the-beaten-path café, they anticipate needs before they’re even expressed.
As The Francis Hotel unveils its reimagined approach to hospitality, Alex and Jerry perfectly embody our vision, warm, attentive service that remains firmly rooted in the present moment. In an age of digital convenience, these remarkable men provide a much-appreciated human connection and a friendly ‘hello’. Always ready with a warm welcome or fond farewell, Alex and Jerry aren’t just doormen, they’re the living spirit of the Francis Hotel experience.