Rockliffe Hall appoints new culinary director

Rockliffe Hall has announced the appointment of two Michelin star chef James Close as its new culinary director.

Joining from his role as chef patron of Raby Hunt, Close will open a new restaurant, as well as oversee and develop the culinary direction of the resort.

Close was the first chef in the North East to be awarded two Michelin stars, making his restaurant one of just 20 two Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK.

His new restaurant will continue his current global approach to gastronomy, but a new bespoke space will allow interaction with the chefs.

He will be joined by his wife Maria, who will head up development, and his head chef Adam Molloy and the new restaurant is targeted to open later in 2024.

Close will join the hotel in February, which will allow him time to get to know the current culinary offerings.

Close said: “To join Rockliffe Hall as culinary director is an incredible opportunity and the perfect progression to take everything we have developed and achieved at the Raby Hunt to the next level. I’m always striving to do better and I’m looking forward to being part of an ambitious team that wants to lead the way in the culinary hotel space and modernise what a luxury country hotel offers its guests across gastronomy, service, and experiences.

“I’m very thankful to all the people who have believed in us and been involved in our journey so far – repeat diners, guests travelling from further afield, chefs, suppliers, and Michelin, which has played a big part in my career – and we look forward to our continued relationship with all of them.”

Shauna Robb, general manager, added: “We are delighted to welcome James to Rockliffe Hall. James’ appointment as culinary director marks the beginning of an exciting new phase in Rockliffe Hall’s journey and will support us in our ambition to become a world-class luxury destination, offering the best in 5-star experiences to all our guests.”