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Rockliffe Hall has unveiled the first details of its 36-cover standalone restaurant, Atlas James and Maria Close, which is scheduled to open this summer.
The pavilion is part of a renovation project to establish the County Durham resort as a gastronomy-focused destination.
Culinary director James Close and Maria Close developed the concept to offer an immersive experience based on global flavours.
The 584-square-metre building features glass windows and colonnaded architecture designed to complement the Grade II-listed Old Hall.
Inside, the space includes three central kitchen islands and a spice wall to showcase the culinary team’s craftsmanship. A chef’s table will run parallel to the kitchen islands, providing an exclusive vantage point for six guests.
The team includes assistant culinary director Adam Molloy, head chef Shaun Hurrell, restaurant manager Jack Adams and head of wine Manuel Ghezzi.
Ghezzi, previously head sommelier at The Connaught, is building a wine list to mirror the global ethos of the menu.
While construction continues, Close is overseeing additional dining options including a new all-day Italian-American restaurant and an elevated afternoon tea service.
The project also involves renovating the Old Hall to enhance guest accommodation using materials inspired by the industrial heritage of the North East.
Work is ongoing with completion due for summer 2026, though the New Hall, golf course and spa remain operational.
The restaurant will open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, with lunch services yet to be confirmed.
Close said: “After the Raby Hunt, it’s great to be stepping back into the process of creating a restaurant at this level, and we’re focusing on really enhancing the guests’ experience both in ATLAS and across the resort. I’m particularly proud to be doing it again in the north east, which is where I’m from, and putting the resort on the global culinary map.”
