That warm, woody scent from the hearth. Smoke, spice, maybe a whisper of rosemary. It feels like arriving somewhere you already know.

We’ve kept the menu simple, but everything’s been thought through.

There’s beef shin pie with cavolo nero and stout. Cornish hake with fennel and samphire. Bavette with green chilli and fries that demand fingers. Scallops roasted in their shells. Carrots that taste of flame. A proper parfait. Croquettes with punch.

What’s for pudding?

Maybe the chocolate mousse with cocoa nib brownie and tarragon ice cream. Or rhubarb with custard and white chocolate. Perhaps the tarte tatin, still warm, with a scoop that melts.

A trolley rolls by with cheesecake, charlotte cake, and yuzu choux bun. It doesn’t wait to be chosen. It comes to you.

Something to sip?

The drinks deserve a mention. A martini trolley rolls to your table. Cocktails are stirred, not shown off. There are low and no drinks, with just as much care behind them. The wine list offers favourites and quiet surprises.

Come for dinner. Stay for drinks. Stay for more than one pudding. No judgement here.

The fire’s lit, and your table’s waiting.

The Francis Hotel is undergoing a transformation, and you’ll notice it in the details. The first of our reimagined rooms are now revealed. With each thoughtfully updated space, we’ve aimed to create calm, elegance, and comfort.

Award-winning studio 3D Reid, known for their work on Gleneagles Townhouse and Cameron House, is leading the redesign. The focus is on blending the building’s Georgian heritage with modern comforts. Every room in the hotel is being updated, preserving what makes the hotel special while enhancing the overall experience.

Throughout your stay, you’ll discover key touchpoints, from room amenities to our team enhancing your journey. We’ll share personal favourites around Bath, along with insights into the owners of the townhouses that make up The Francis Hotel, with each detail unveiled in a unique, one-of-a-kind way.

The redesign combines classic elegance with modern luxury, featuring high-tech amenities and a thoughtful focus on wellness. From a restful night’s sleep to nourishing meals at Emberwood, and rejuvenation in our spa, the final phase of our multi-million-pound project, we’ve crafted an experience designed for complete relaxation.

We’re creating Bath’s most welcoming townhouse destination, a luxurious city escape where guests enjoy proper comfort and the warmth of a distinguished home.

This preview is just a glimpse of what is to come, a glimpse of what a stay at The Francis Hotel can feel like. With more exciting updates on the way, we’ll continue to share our next chapter, breathing new life into this beloved hotel’s rich history.

EMBERWOOD WELCOMES A CULINARY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF MAY OPENING

Opening on the 1^st of May, Emberwood proudly announces David Hazell as Executive Head Chef and Sharky Patterson as Restaurant General Manager.

At Emberwood’s heart lies an open kitchen with a charcoal-fired hearth, where guests will witness the art of cooking with exceptional local ingredients. The seasonal menu showcases the best of Somerset and the South West – featuring heritage-bred meats from Lower Westcombe Farm, a nod to the south coast with fresh Cornish seafood from Wings of St. Mawes, and artisanal dairy products from Wyke Farm. This commitment to sustainability and provenance reflects the brasserie’s dedication to celebrating our region’s agricultural heritage.

David brings impressive credentials, having refined his craft at Bristol’s Clifton Lido and the Michelin-starred Paco Tapas, where he helped secure its prestigious accolade shortly after joining. His cooking philosophy centres on seasonality, bold flavours, and the elemental power of fire.

“I am thrilled to have joined Emberwood and I look forward to bringing a new menu to Bath. The dishes are a celebration of the local area, and we hope to become a must-visit for locals in the heart of the city.  My approach is all about simply enhancing the natural flavours of top-quality ingredients. Cooking over fire adds a unique depth and elevated flavour profile, and we are embracing this at Emberwood to create something truly special.”

Sharky Patterson completes the leadership team, bringing rich experience from prestigious establishments across the UK and France. His talent for opening distinctive venues, building cohesive teams, and creating memorable guest experiences promises to make Emberwood a standout destination in Bath’s thriving culinary scene.

“It is so exciting to be part of creating such a passionate and motivated team.  I am looking forward to bringing a new dining experience to the already thriving scene in Bath. Emberwood takes inspiration from Bath’s fascinating history and local surroundings, whilst, at the same time, bringing a fresh approach to a modern brasserie with an open hearth at its core.

We can’t wait to open the doors this spring and offer exceptional cocktails, wine and a menu which tempts a return visit.”

For the full press release and updates on our opening or to book a table for the 1^st of May, visit emberwoodbath.com