Emberwood, a new British brasserie, will open as part of the multi-million pound refurbishment of The Francis Hotel in Bath.

The new venue’s name pays homage to architect and previous resident John Wood Senior and celebrates locally-grown and locally-sourced produce which will be prepared with theatre in a feature open kitchen and charcoal-fired hearth.

The menu will be inspired by the history and legacy of Bath and will focus on thoughtful, ingredient-driven dishes that highlight Somerset’s rich agricultural landscape, reflecting a commitment to local producers, seasonal cooking and the joy of gathering around the fire to share good food.

Alongside the new restaurant, a fully refurbished bar will offer an extensive selection of the finest wines and signature cocktails. Zoe Burgess, the celebrated author of The Cocktail Cabinet and director of Atelier Pip, will create an impressive cocktail list.

Located on Barton Street, this fresh dining concept is led by General Manager Shaun Bowles and created in partnership with restaurateur and managing director of Five Graces Hospitality; Alex Ghalleb.

With a 16-year career in restaurant launches, Ghalleb’s most recent projects include celebrity hotspot Julie’s in London’s Holland Park and the inimitable Dorian in Notting Hill.

Leading the Emberwood team, David Hazell has been appointed as Executive Head Chef and Sharky Patterson as Restaurant General Manager.

“We are incredibly excited to unveil Emberwood and the outstanding team that will be part of this new dining experience. At the heart of our restaurant is the best, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, cooked authentically and prepared in a feature open kitchen and charcoal-fired hearth,” says Bowles. “Our building is one of the original Georgian buildings in Bath, we are at the heart of Bath’s history and want to invite all the local community to experience our fantastic new menus and hospitality.”

On Queen Square, Bath’s first Georgian Square, the redesigned Francis Hotel will offer elegantly renovated bedrooms. The hotel was originally a row of Georgian townhouses and home to architect and visionary John Wood the Elder who designed the original building and went on to create the famous Circus.

In 1884, entrepreneur Emily Francis opened the hotel and extended it across the seven townhouses that now make up The Francis Hotel. The renovation will celebrate the history of the building and its original occupants, preserve its legacy and embrace the future.