Rockliffe Hall development to create ‘world-class’ culinary destination

Rockliffe Hall in County Durham has submitted plans for a multimillion-pound development in a bid to turn the hotel into a “world-class dining destination”.

The five-AA-red-star hotel is seeking approval to build a 584 sq m pavilion dining space with an open kitchen that will be overseen by culinary director James Close.

The chef joined the hotel in February following the closure of his two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt restaurant after 14 years.

A second planning application for the hotel’s Grade II-listed Old Hall will see the existing Orangery restaurant and its kitchen converted to become the main resort restaurant, overseen by Close.

Plans also include upgrades to upper floor guest rooms, a proposed new staircase, and opening sections between the cocktail bar, drawing room and terrace to improve flow for guests.

Shauna Robb, general manager at Rockliffe Hall, said the plans would position Rockliffe Hall as a “premier five-star resort hotel” and put the north-east of England “firmly on the international hospitality map”.

Close said: “This project is focused on creating a world-class dining destination and is the perfect progression of everything we developed and achieved before joining Rockliffe Hall. 

“Using our experience, our global travel influences, and the opportunity that the new build offers us, we are looking to create something really special for the north-east that will be recognised and enjoyed locally and internationally.”

The Terra restaurant, which began as a summer residency run by Close, has been extended until 21 December and will become the main resort restaurant from January 2025.

If plans are approved, construction will begin in February 2025. The Old Hall will close during the works while the New Hall accommodation, golf course, club house, spa and Terra will remain open.

Rockliffe Hall opened in 2009 and is set within 375 acres of grounds on the banks of the River Tees.

The proposals are under review by the relevant planning authorities.