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.

EMBERWOOD WELCOMES A CULINARY DREAM TEAM

Anticipation builds for Bath’s most exciting new restaurant opening

Introducing Emberwood

EMBERWOOD WELCOMES A CULINARY DREAM TEAM
EMBERWOOD WELCOMES A CULINARY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF MAY OPENING
Opening on the 1st 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 1st of May, visit emberwoodbath.com

Anticipation builds for Bath’s most exciting new restaurant opening
Emberwood will make its debut as one of Bath’s most anticipated restaurant openings set to ignite the city’s dining scene with open-fire cooking and a meticulously crafted seasonal menu. Earlier this year, Bath was named one of the world’s top culinary destinations by the Michelin Guide, setting the stage for an extraordinary year across the city’s food and arts scene. With preparations in full swing for the 250th anniversary of the city’s most celebrated daughter, Jane Austen, Bath is poised to shine on both the cultural and culinary map as never before.
David Hazell, formerly of Michelin-starred Paco Tapas and Bristol’s Clifton Lido, takes the role of Executive Head Chef, bringing his signature ingredient-led style to Emberwood. David’s menu will celebrate the rich agricultural bounty of Somerset and the South West. Starters will include burnt aubergine with goat’s curd, confit tomatoes, green beans, as well as crispy Porthilly oysters with Somerset lardo and spiced ketchup.
Mains further reflect David’s commitment to sourcing the finest local produce including West Country bavette with anchovy butter, green chilli, while vegetarian options include charred courgette and wild garlic cacio e pepe and chargrilled heritage carrots, crispy polenta, burnt baby gem and pumpkin seed pesto.
Adding the all-important final note, classic British desserts have been given a fresh modern twist. Highlights include Miso custard tart with vanilla pod ice cream and Chocolate mousse with coca nib brownie, raspberry and tarragon ice cream.
Complimenting the menu is an inspired cocktail list crafted by Zoe Burgess, the celebrated author of The Cocktail Cabinet and director of Atelier Pip. Guests can expect signature serves that reflect the surrounding countryside and the art of British mixology. Highlights include Solomon’s Spritz – a crisp blend of Somerset cider brandy, Pomona, Vault Champagne and Oyster vermouth, and Hundred Hills Sparkling Wine, while the Emberwood Negroni offers a sophisticated twist with London Dry Gin, Vault Bitter, Sweet Vermouth, and a black cardamom and saffron tincture.
At the helm of Emberwood are some of the most respected names in hospitality, ensuring the brasserie reflects the city’s rich heritage while offering a modern, vibrant experience. The launch is being overseen by leading consultancy Five Graces Hospitality, whose recent projects include celebrated London destinations such as Julie’s in Holland Park and Dorian in Notting Hill.
With its enviable location in the heart of the city and a team of industry leaders behind it, Emberwood is poised to become a must-visit UK dining destination, perfectly complimenting Bath’s upcoming year of cultural and culinary celebrations.

Introducing Emberwood
Emberwood is set to ignite the heart of the city later this year, bringing a modern British brasserie to Queens Square with an open kitchen, a charcoal-fired hearth and a love for locally sourced produce. Inspired by Bath’s architectural heritage, its name pays homage to John Wood Senior, but its vision is all about the now, celebrating seasonal ingredients, open fire cooking and the art of gathering over exceptional food.
Guiding this exciting new venture is a team of seasoned industry leaders. General Manager Shaun Bowles joins forces with acclaimed restaurateur Alex Ghalleb, of London institutions Julie’s and Dorian, to bring Emberwood to life. In the kitchen, Executive Head Chef David Hazell will craft ingredient-driven dishes that showcase Somerset’s rich agricultural landscape, while Sharky Patterson leads the restaurant with seamless hospitality and expertise.
The bar will feature a carefully curated cocktail and wine list, created in collaboration with Zoe Burgess from Atelier Pip, the mastermind behind The Cocktail Cabinet Taste.
Shaun perfectly captures our vision, “We want Emberwood to be a place where the community comes together, where Bath’s history, seasonal cooking and warm hospitality meet in one unforgettable dining experience.”
We cannot wait to welcome you soon.