Emberwood: Bath’s Bold New Dining Destination

In the heart of Bath’s elegant Georgian quarter, a new restaurant is setting the city’s dining scene alight – quite literally. Emberwood, located within one of Bath’s most iconic addresses, is a celebration of open-fire cooking, local ingredients, and refined creativity. The restaurant forms part of the much-anticipated reopening of The Francis Hotel, which is currently being refurbished, and it’s already drawing attention as one of the UK’s must-visit culinary openings of the year.

The concept is the vision of Executive Head Chef David Hazell, whose seasonal menu pays homage to Somerset and the South West’s exceptional produce. Emberwood’s ethos is one of craftsmanship and connection, between land, fire, and flavour – and the results are both primal and polished.

We began with an array of stunning starters that perfectly embodied this philosophy. The fresh Porthilly oyster, served with chilli pepper, was a bright, briny awakening, while the coal-roasted Cornish scallops with garlic butter and gremolata arrived sizzling from the flames, their smoky sweetness balanced by the punch of citrus and herbs. A side of Emberwood’s house pickles provided an unexpected delight – crisp, tangy, and the ideal palate cleanser between bites.

Each dish showcased a deft balance between rustic technique and fine-dining precision. The restaurant’s open-fire kitchen, visible from much of the dining room, adds both theatre and warmth, filling the space with the scent of smoke and spice.

For mains, we shared the Ex-dairy South West sirloin, cooked over the hearth until perfectly charred on the outside and meltingly tender within. Served with a rich ember-infused jus, it was an ode to the region’s farms and the skill of the kitchen. The flavour carried that unique depth only fire can deliver.

Then came one of the most charming touches of all: the dessert trolley. A nod to classic British dining tradition, it rolled gracefully to our table, adorned with confections too tempting to resist. We chose macarons and choux buns, each bite a delicate balance of sweetness and texture, the perfect finale to a meal that was as elegant as it was indulgent.

The experience at Emberwood extends well beyond the food. The drinks list, curated by Zoe Burgess, author of The Cocktail Cabinet and director of Atelier Pip, brings a sense of artistry to mixology, while the wine selection – handpicked by local Bath sommelier Claire Thevenot – offers pairings that beautifully complement the restaurant’s smoky, layered flavours.

With its bold open-fire concept, luxurious Georgian setting, and a menu that celebrates Somerset’s finest ingredients, Emberwood stands poised to become Bath’s most exciting new restaurant. It’s a place where every plate tells a story of the South West, written in smoke, salt, and flame.

Find out more > www.emberwoodbath.com