Plans have been approved to extend a five-star hotel to add a new restaurant led by a two Michelin starred chef.
Rockliffe Hall, in Darlington, County Durham, has had its first planning application approved for a purpose-built pavilion to house a flagship restaurant led by the resort’s Culinary Director James Close. It is also awaiting news on a second planning application to restore the hotel’s Grade II listed Old Hall.
James is the former chef-patron of the two-Michelin-star Raby Hunt, near Darlington, which closed in January 2024. He has been based at Rockliffe Hall since the restaurant’s closure.
Work on Rockliffe Hall’s new restaurant building, a 584-square-metre pavilion, is set to begin in February 2025. It will offer a sophisticated, modern space with the external design drawing inspiration from colonnaded architecture and materials that complement the Old Hall.
Inside, the venue will feature a bespoke dining area with an open kitchen, designed to enhance interaction between guests and chefs, offering an immersive experience that takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by the finest global cuisine.
Rockliffe Hall’s Culinary Director James Close
(Image: Ben Benoliel)
Shauna Robb, General Manager at Rockliffe Hall, said: “The approval of the purpose-built pavilion for James Close’s new restaurant welcomes an exciting new phase for Rockliffe Hall as a luxury, gastronomy-led destination that delivers exceptional guest experiences and contributes to the local economy.
“We are focused on placing the resort hotel and the North East of England firmly on the hospitality map, attracting travellers from around the globe, and we thank Darlington Council for supporting the application.”
James Close, Culinary Director at Rockliffe Hall, said: “This new build restaurant offers us the opportunity to create a world-class dining destination at Rockliffe Hall. We want to create a special experience that is inspired by our global travel influences, within a unique space that will attract diners locally, nationally and internationally to the North East.
Rockliffe Hall
(Image: Ben Benoliel)
“With the planning application approved, we are focused on developing the best experience we can for guests, and we look forward to sharing more details on that experience over the coming months.”
During the work on the new restaurant building, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, The Clubhouse, spa, and TERRA restaurant will all remain operational.