Rosa Writes

Bath’s latest Michelin Guide restaurant has hit the streets of Queen Square, opening in May of this year, and is not here to disappoint. Let’s dive into what Emberwood is all about and discover whether it is worth the visit.

By Rosa Benbow

It goes without saying that food is one of the most important aspects of going to a restaurant. Still, the atmosphere and service further aid the overall quality of your dining experience. I can confidently say that Emberwood exceeded all expectations.

I’d be lying if I said that I had any expectations going in; my boyfriend took me here, and it was a place I had never heard of before. To my surprise, the restaurant was full and lively on this Monday evening – this was immediately a good sign.

Throughout our entire meal, we were greeted with nothing but big smiles and lovely waitresses. Imani, the head waitress, highlighted that the focus is to “make memorable experiences, everyone is welcome, and there is no dress code.” She further notes that it is essential for the staff to make recommendations tailored to the customer, rather than upselling the most expensive item on the menu.

“Every dish we serve is a reflection of our pride in Bath.”

Emberwood

What We Ate

As someone who likes to try a new restaurant every time I dine, it is rare for me to want to go back and try more of the menu.

I was thoroughly pleased with the range of options, and here is what we ate: crispy Porthilly oysters, sourdough and whipped butter, chargrilled Isle of Wight padron peppers, charred courgette Cacio e Pepe, rolled pork belly with spiced black pudding and borlotti beans, and finishing with the 70% dark chocolate and salted caramel cream sponge cake, alongside the petit fours.

Everything was absolutely delicious, and as a courgette lover, I couldn’t recommend the Cacio e Pepe more. I will say, the sponge cake wasn’t my favourite, but we were completely wowed by the dessert trolley that turned up at our table. The waitress even gave us some extras because it was the end of the night.

The restaurant has so much character, every small detail reflecting the Emberwood essence. An excellent touch was the branded matchbox that we received with our bill and the branded plates, which all added to our sublime experience.

Emberwood was added to the Michelin Guide in September, and for a good reason. The ingredients are sourced from local farmers, and the cocktail list, which is “inspired by the city’s rich cultural scene.”

“It starts with the seasons first. Flavours balanced always. Then hearth-fired over charcoal for bold, smoky flavours.”

David Hazel, Executive Head chef

Emberwood’s Backstory

Emberwood is an open fire restaurant, “Ember” named after the charcoal-fired open hearth. This element is one of my favourite things about the restaurant, there is something special about being able to watch the chefs plate your food.

“Wood” comes from John Wood the Elder, an English architect and town planner who worked in Georgian Britain. Wood established the physical characteristics of the city of Bath, and lived at number 9, Queen Square. The name subtly honours the visionary, who is one of the main people responsible for Bath’s eighteenth-century development.