A modern British dining experience led by Alex Ghalleb

For our exciting new Emberwood British brasserie, we have partnered with Alex Ghalleb, Managing Director of Five Graces Hospitality Consultancy, who is leading the transformation. Alex’s deep passion for hospitality, rooted in his upbringing in Torquay and early experiences in the industry, makes him the perfect partner for this project. 

Alex has already had a fascinating career. He gained valuable skills in various venues, from fine dining to high-energy nightclubs, before taking a brief detour to study media. However, his love for hospitality drew him back, and he quickly rose through the ranks at Soho House to become their youngest General Manager at the time. His success continued at Grind, where he helped transform the brand into a dynamic, multi-site operation. 

Now, Alex is bringing his expertise and passion to the Francis Hotel. His vision for the restaurant blends tradition with innovation, reimagining the beloved memories locals have of Francis Hotel while infusing fresh energy into the space. Alex’s approach is to create a welcoming environment that feels like a timeless institution for both locals and hotel guests. He is focused on cultivating an authentic experience, with special touches. Our open charcoal hearth that adds a theatrical element, dynamism and warmth to the dining room is one of these.

Emberwood will be a vibrant, inviting space, with energy flowing through the restaurant, bar, and lobby. Alex’s design and service approach will ensure that every guest feels welcomed. The focus is on local produce, championing artisanal quality and celebrating the best that the southwest has to offer. 

The dining scene in Bath has been burgeoning over the last decade, and Alex is eager to contribute to this thriving community. With Bath’s large university scene, he is looking forward to welcoming the younger generation into the restaurant. Providing work opportunities, and inspiration through passionate, energetic restaurant and kitchen leadership. For Alex, creating a great restaurant is all about energy—it is what drives momentum, engagement, and the overall guest experience. His attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant, from lighting and music to service flow, ensures that guests will enjoy an exceptional experience every time. 

At its core, Alex’s vision is about reconnecting Emberwood with the Bath community. Transforming the restaurant into a space that celebrates Bath’s heritage with subtle, meaningful touches throughout. From the carefully chosen artwork that reflects the city's rich history to the local produce on the menu, every detail has been thoughtfully curated. The menu showcases top-quality local produce, ensuring that the flavours of Bath are front and centre, creating a dining experience that truly resonates with the local culture.  As Alex puts it, “We will know we have done a great job when our restaurant is full of locals, hotel guests, and even guests from other hotels, all enjoying the experience.”