Rockliffe Hall gets green light for plans to create 'world-class' culinary destination

Rockcliffe Hall in County Durham has secured planning permission for the first phase of a major redevelopment plan.

The five-AA-red-star hotel is aiming to become a “world-class, gastronomy-focused destination” overseen by culinary director James Close, former chef patron at the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt.

Now Darlington Council has given the hotel the green light to build a 584 sq.m  pavilion that will house a restaurant with an open kitchen run by Close.

Rockliffe Hall is still awaiting the outcome of a second planning application to restore the hotel’s Grade II-listed Old Hall and upgrade guest rooms and facilities.

Shauna Robb, general manager at Rockliffe Hall, said the planning approval marked an “exciting new phase” for the hotel as a “luxury, gastronomy-led destination”.

“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,” said Robb.

Work on the new restaurant building is set to begin in February 2025. During this period, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, the Clubhouse, spa, and Terra restaurant will all remain operational.

Close joined the hotel in February 2024 following the closure of the Raby Hunt.