Rockliffe Hall has revealed the first details of its new 36-cover standalone restaurant – ATLAS James & Maria Close – which will open this summer.
Part of the resort hotel’s significant renovation plans as it aims to become a world-class, gastron-omy-focused destination, the new restaurant being created by James and Maria will offer an im-mersive chef-guided experience, combining culinary expertise with global flavours, emotions and traditions discovered through their travels.
Diners will be welcomed into ATLAS in an area dedicated to Champagne and aperitifs, before embarking on a culinary experience in the restaurant. The first section will take them on a global tour with sophisticated tastes of James and Maria’s favourites from around the world including Asia, North and South America, and others. The second section will immerse diners in flavours and ingredients from locations James and Maria have travelled to.
The restaurant space features three central kitchen islands with dedicated areas. One will focus on the first introductions to the menu, the next will be for the second section and sauces, and the third will be for patisserie.
A chef’s table, which runs parallel to the kitchen islands, will offer an exclusive vantage point for six guests. Visible ageing fridges, a citrus fridge, and a spice wall will further showcase what goes into the menu.
James – who held two Michelin stars at The Raby Hunt before closing the restaurant and joining Rockliffe Hall – will be joined by a handpicked team, including his wife Maria working on patisserie and overall development, Adam Molloy as assistant culinary director, Shaun Hurrell as the new head chef, Jack Adams as restaurant manager, and Manuel Ghezzi as head of wine.
James’ passion for wine will also be part of the guest experience with Manuel – whose previous role was head sommelier at The Connaught for three years – being tasked with building ATLAS’ extensive wine list. There will be a wine display to pique diners’ interest, and the Old Hall renova-tion project at Rockliffe Hall includes the creation of a new private wine cellar.
“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,” said James. “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.”
Designed as a contemporary addition to Rockliffe Hall’s historic estate, the 584sqm pavilion will offer a sophisticated, modern space with the external design drawing inspiration from colonnaded architecture and materials that complement the Old Hall.
While the restaurant is being built, James’ role as culinary director involves overseeing Rockliffe Hall’s additional dining options. These include the former Orangery, which will reopen as a lively all-day restaurant with an Italian-American inspired menu. Meanwhile, The Clubhouse continues as a relaxed setting for golf members and guests. Afternoon tea is set to be an elevated take on the British classics accompanied by an extensive range of English sparkling wines and speciality teas enjoyed in the Morning Room. Café TERRA will continue to develop as a boutique café with an exceptional bakery offering and nutrient-conscious dishes. The new cocktail bar completes the offering with a curated list of classics and creative signatures in an impressive space including a new central fireplace.
The renovation project also includes work to renovate the hotel’s Grade II-listed Old Hall, preserv-ing its historic charm and celebrating the North East while enhancing guest accommodations and experiences. Design inspiration has been taken from the reclaimed industrial landscape of the North East seen through the raw and natural textures of the materials used. The area’s manufac-turing heritage informs the colour palette with inspiration from iron ore and the smelting process.
Work on the Old Hall and the new restaurant is ongoing, with completion due for summer 2026. During this period, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, The Clubhouse, spa, and Café TERRA all remain operational.
