Stories
Hospitality
Meet Alex and Jerry: Our beloved local doormen
Welcoming you to the Francis Hotel with authentic local hospitality.
Walk along Queen Square, and as you pass the Francis Hotel you'll be greeted by Alex and Jerry. Our extraordinary doormen whose warm smiles have become as iconic as our historic façade.
Want to live like a local? Born and raised in our city, these gentlemen bring authentic local knowledge and genuine hospitality to every guest interaction. Their deep connection to our community, and being Bathonians, makes them a treasure for visitors seeking a memorable experience.
Alex has a repertoire of funny anecdotes, Jerry will wow you with his personalised recommendations. Think walks, pubs, places to eat, all becoming a new tradition in our brand story. From carrying your luggage, hailing a taxi, or sharing the perfect off-the-beaten-path café, they anticipate needs before they're even expressed.
As the Francis Hotel unveils its reimagined approach to hospitality, Alex and Jerry perfectly embody our vision. Warm, attentive service that remains firmly rooted in the present moment. In an age of digital convenience, these remarkable men provide a much-appreciated human connection and a friendly ‘hello’.
Alex and Jerry aren't just doormen, they're the living spirit of the Francis Hotel experience.
More to Explore
Steam, scrub and bubbles. A thermal spa experience in Bath
Forget the steam room. This is a whole new spa experience.
A letter to the Francis Hotel
Bringing together personal stories and memories connected to the hotel.
From schoolboy teas to filming in Bath
Film director Giles Foster remembers afternoon tea with his father at the Francis Hotel.
Afternoon Tea on Queen Square
Try Chef Pâtissier Dominique Bon's seasonal menu, with Gillards of Bath tea.
Easy Sundays x Negroni Week
We are closing out Negroni week the best we know how. Jazz, the lounge and snacks from the hearth.
Austen Autumn Guide to Bath
Your perfect guide for the Jane Austen Festival this September.
Easy Sundays jazz night at Emberwood
We are making Sunday the most favourable day of the week with local Jazz and the hearth lit.
The food handbook for Bath
Known by Michelin as one of the best cities for food, our curated handbook for your stay.
A year since we opened our doors
A reflection on our first year at the hearth, the dessert we created to celebrate.
Francis Hotel Spa awarded 5 Bubbles
Francis Hotel Spa has been awarded a prestigious 5 Bubble Rating by The Good Spa Guide.
More than a stay at the Francis Hotel
The story of what your stay with us, in beautiful Bath, truly means.
The Francis Hotel Spa is now open
A haven of wellbeing and tranquillity awaits at the newly open spa in the heart of Bath.
Investment in connection
How we are investing in creating meaningful connections to help meet client objectives.
A proud moment for the Francis Hotel Bath
We've proud to have been included in The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2026.
Meet your thermal sanctuary at the Francis Hotel Spa
The Francis Hotel introduces a sneak peek into their thermal experience spa.
The table is set with Bath Life lunches at Emberwood
Emberwood hosts Bath Life Network Lunches, meet Bath's business leaders over our signature hearth.
The couples un-cliché guide to Bath
Discover why Bath remains one of the world's most romantic cities.
Rather good news to digest
We are nominated for Best Newcomer at the Trencherman's Awards 2026. Voting opens January 12th.
Happenings for 2026 | Your year-round cultural calendar for Bath
This UNESCO city always has something unfolding. Here's your culture calendar for the year ahead.
Sink into hidden corners of beautiful Bath with our snug
Your hidden space in beautiful Bath for residents past 6pm and a space for upcoming events in 2026.
The Somerset edit a weekend in Bath
Your autumn stay at the Francis Hotel, complete with a curated itinerary for all that you want and...
Good news from the hearth
Just four months in, Emberwood’s made it into the Michelin Guide.
Follow in Jane Austen's footsteps this September
The Francis Hotel celebrates 250 years of Jane Austen.
Summer in Bath: A calendar of exciting events
Discover the charm of Bath this summer. From Jane Austen festivals to scenic walks.
Terrace dining at Emberwood
Soak up the city this summer season with our newly opened summer terrace.
Reimagining our guest experience
Find out how we are reimagining our guest experience here at Francis Hotel Bath.
GAIA skincare partnership at Francis Hotel Bath
New partnership launched with your comfort and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
From field to flame: Spring harvest
From Wye Valley asparagus to Isle of Wight tomatoes, every dish celebrates the season's finest...
Reimagined uniforms where pride is worn with purpose
Take a look at our new look staff uniforms, as we continue our multi-million pound investment.
Emberwood's launch party at No.5 Queen Square
We ignited Queen Square with our launch party at Emberwood.
Bath Christmas markets
Looking for that perfect little Christmas gift? Take a wander around Bath Christmas markets.
Emberwood is now open
There’s smoke in the air when you walk in. Spice, wood, a trace of rosemary. The fire’s lit, and the...
Anticipation builds for Bath's most exciting new restaurant opening
Emberwood will make its debut soon with open-fire cooking and a meticulously crafted seasonal menu.
A glimpse of your future stay at Francis Hotel
We're undergoing a transformation and you'll notice it in the details.
In conversation with our spa manager
Spa Manager Sarah Morris shares the vision behind the newly opened Francis Hotel Spa in Bath.
At the hearth with David Hazell
David Hazell lets the fire and the ingredients do the talking.
Guiding the hearth and house
We're delighted to announce the team leading our Emberwood restaurant.
Bath: the hottest new foodie destination in 2025
Bath is having a moment. And it tastes incredible.
Emberwood announced as Bath's hottest new restaurant
Emberwood has been unveiled as the newest, hugely anticipated restaurant to open in spring.
A modern British dining experience led by Alex Ghalleb
We are collaborating with some of the top experts in the hospitality sector.
Francis Hotel refurbishment update
Here's a sneak peek of how our multi-million reimagination is taking shape behind our doors.
Meet our team of award-winning designers
Introducing 3D Reid, our award-winning designers.
Discover past residents of the Francis Hotel Bath
How the story of John Wood Senior The Architect of Georgian Bath is interwoven in our history.
How it all began for our Emberwood restaurant
An exciting new dining concept is coming to Bath.
Seek out the most sought-after meeting spot in Bath
Our new bar will be the place to be seen. We think you'll agree.
Francis Hotel Bath wins Gold Green Tourism Award
Gold Green Tourism award achieved by Francis Hotel Bath.
A new chapter will begin with a plush new snug at the Francis Hotel
A place to reflect, spark conversation and make new connections.
Unveiling the plans for the new reception at the Francis Hotel
A world of warmth waits from the moment you step onto Queen Square.
The story behind our beautiful building
Step back in time and explore the rich Georgian history of the Francis Hotel.
The Francis Hotel Bath to undergo a multi-million pound transformation
The hotel will be transformed with a multi-million pound refurbishment programme.
Unwind at Thermae Bath Spa
There is nothing quite like a relaxing two hours at Britain's original natural thermal spa.
State-of-the art thermal spa to be developed
Relax and unwind in the all-new state-of-the art thermal spa in the heart of Bath.
Top 10 hidden spots in Bath
Bath is home to an abundance of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Explore the top tourist attractions in Bath
Welcome to the beautiful city of Bath, a place full of history, culture and charm.
