The Francis Hotel Bath is launching A Sparkling Affair, a contemporary afternoon tea experience created in collaboration with Saicho, the award-winning sparkling tea brand, placing exceptional sparkling refreshments at the heart of the occasion.

Set within Emberwood, the hotel’s British brasserie overlooking Queen Square, the experience combines the elegance of traditional tea with the atmosphere of a chic city brasserie. Known for bringing together traditional tea craftsmanship and fine dining sensibilities, Saicho’s sparkling teas offer a sophisticated alternative to conventional champagne-led afternoon teas, delivering complexity, balance and a sense of celebration in every glass.

The collaboration reflects a growing appetite for elevated alcohol-free experiences and forms a key part of Emberwood’s vision for a more inclusive and contemporary afternoon tea. Guests can choose from a selection of Saicho sparkling tea pairings, carefully chosen to complement the menu, alongside premium alcoholic options including Hundred Hills English sparkling wine. Each experience is also accompanied by hand-blended teas from the renowned Gillards of Bath, bringing a strong sense of local provenance and craftsmanship to the menu.

The afternoon tea menu itself follows Emberwood’s contemporary brasserie style, combining classic elements with modern presentation and flavour. Served in a relaxed setting designed for long afternoons and conversation, the experience is intended to feel indulgent without formality.

To encourage guests to truly settle in and slow down, decks of cards and miniature board games are available tableside. Together with Saicho’s distinctive sparkling teas, the experience invites guests to savour afternoon tea in a way that feels both modernised and celebratory.