considered design and the art of dining

There’s something special about photographing a restaurant where the interiors and the food feel so closely connected. Emberwood, at The Francis Hotel in Bath, is a wonderful example of this, bringing together a rich, atmospheric interior with a real sense of purpose behind the dining experience.

Set within the newly refurbished hotel, the restaurant has a character all of its own. Rich tones, intimate booths and a striking central bar create a space that feels warm and inviting, with a more intimate atmosphere as the light begins to fall. At the heart of it all is the open charcoal hearth, which gives the restaurant a natural focal point and brings a sense of theatre to the room.

When photographing hospitality spaces, I’m always interested in how the design makes you feel. It’s not just about the finishes or the furniture, but the atmosphere they create togetheR, the quality of the light, the balance of textures, the way a space draws you in and makes you want to stay a little longer. Emberwood has that quality, with a considered interior that feels refined without losing its warmth.

That same attention to detail carries through to the kitchen, where Executive Head Chef David Hazell’s menu celebrates seasonal produce and the exceptional ingredients found across the South West.

There’s a real emphasis on provenance, from grass-fed beef sourced from Lower Westcombe Farm to Cornish seafood from Wings of St Mawes, alongside artisan dairy products from Somerset producers such as Wyke Farms. It’s a lovely reminder of the depth of quality available on our doorstep, and of the value of knowing where the ingredients on your plate come from.

For me, this is what makes photographing a project like Emberwood so rewarding. The strongest hospitality spaces are about more than how they look. They bring together design, craftsmanship, food and service to create an experience that stays with you. Every element has a role to play, from the first impression of the interiors to the warmth and atmosphere that make an evening memorable.

Emberwood marks an exciting addition to Bath’s dining scene, and it was a pleasure to capture a space where thoughtful design and culinary ambition come together so naturally.

location - emberwood

hotel - the francis hotel

Interior of an upscale restaurant with pink velvet chairs, white marble tables set with white napkins, glassware, and small lamps. Green plants and elegant lighting fixtures are visible, with a bar area in the background.
Francis Hotel by Pete Helme Photography ph41 copy.jpg
Francis Hotel by Pete Helme Photography ph45 copy.jpg
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Elegant restaurant interior with marble tables, red velvet chairs, a green leather banquette, and modern pendant lighting, decorated with greenery and wall lamps.
A breakfast table with croissants, fruit, coffee, orange juice, and a newspaper, set near a window with potted plants outside.
Elegant restaurant interior with large pendant lights, marble-top tables, pink velvet chairs, decorative pillows, lush greenery, and windows with floral curtains.
Stylish restaurant interior with a long table set for dining, modern pendant lights hanging overhead, a curved banquette seating with decorative pillows, and lush greenery in the background.
Elegant restaurant interior with hanging lamps, marble-topped tables set with white napkins and glassware, plush pink and blue seating, and green plants.
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A woman sitting at a marble table enjoying breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee. The table has various breakfast items including toast, croissant, bowl of fruit, pastries, orange juice, milk, and condiments, along with a newspaper. The setting appea
Elegant restaurant interior featuring a bar with four pendant lights, a long marble-top table set with white napkins and glassware, upholstered chairs in earthy tones, lush green plants, and warm ambient lighting.
Elegant restaurant interior with white and gold hanging lamps, green plants, and neatly set dining tables with white napkins and gold lamps.
Francis Hotel by Pete Helme Photography ph50 copy.jpg
Two women having breakfast at a marble table, with plates of eggs, bacon, baked beans, and toast, in a cozy, well-lit dining room with warm lighting, plants, and vintage lamps.
Person pouring coffee into a cup at a breakfast table with scrambled eggs, bacon, baked beans, toast, orange juice, and condiments.
Elegant bar with marble counter, vintage patterned chairs, and glass shelving holding alcohol bottles and glassware, with large windows and lush green plants in the background.
Elegant bar with a marble countertop, surrounded by patterned upholstered bar stools. Behind the bar, shelves display various bottles and glassware, with large windows and floral curtains. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding a touch of
A breakfast scene with two plates of beans, scrambled eggs, bacon, and mushrooms, along with toast, a cinnamon roll, and cups of coffee and orange juice on a marble table.

“There’s a real emphasis on provenance, from grass-fed beef sourced from Lower Westcombe Farm to Cornish seafood from Wings of St Mawes, alongside artisan dairy products from Somerset producers such as Wyke Farms. It’s a lovely reminder of the depth of quality available on our doorstep, and of the value of knowing where the ingredients on your plate come from.”