ATLAS to put Rockliffe Hall on culinary map

A North East luxury hotel is expanding its culinary offer as part of a wider investment programme.

Rockliffe Hall has unveiled the first details of ATLAS James & Maria Close, a new standalone restaurant set to open in summer 2026 as part of a wider renovation programme at the five-star resort. 

The 36-cover venue will be led by James and Maria Close and is designed to deliver an immersive, chef-guided dining experience inspired by global travel, flavour and storytelling.

ATLAS will welcome guests into a dedicated Champagne and aperitif space before guiding them through a carefully choreographed dining experience, with dishes served in curated sequences. 

The opening chapter will explore refined interpretations of global cuisines, before moving into a more focused immersion in specific places and ingredients inspired by the chefs’ travels.

The purpose-built pavilion is centred around three kitchen islands, each dedicated to a different stage of the menu, alongside a six-seat chef’s table designed to bring guests closer to the action. 

Visible ageing fridges, a citrus fridge and a spice wall form part of the backdrop, showcasing the precision and craftsmanship behind the cooking.

Artist's impression of the new restaurant and bar

James will be supported by a handpicked team of culinary and hospitality specialists, with Maria leading on patisserie and overall development, Adam Molloy as assistant culinary director, Shaun Hurrell as head chef, Jack Adams as restaurant manager, and Manuel Ghezzi overseeing wine, bringing together a breadth of experience to shape the restaurant’s delivery.

Wine will play a central role in the experience, with an extensive list spanning established and emerging regions, supported by a new private wine cellar within the Old Hall.

James, who closed his two Michelin-starred restaurant The Raby Hunt in 2024 when he joined Rockcliffe Hall as culinary director, 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.”

Spanning 584 square metres, the pavilion has been designed as a contemporary addition to Rockliffe Hall’s historic estate. 

Its architecture and interiors draw on North East heritage alongside international influences, with large glazed elevations offering views across the surrounding grounds and landscaped areas.

Artist's impression of how the new pavilion will appear upon completion

Alongside ATLAS, Rockliffe Hall, which is on the banks of the River Tees and just outside the village of Hurworth, in County Durham, is refreshing its wider food and drink offering, including the transformation of the former Orangery into an all-day restaurant, continued development of Café TERRA, an elevated Afternoon Tea experience and a new cocktail bar. 

The wider renovation also includes the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Old Hall, with completion scheduled for summer 2026, while the resort remains operational throughout.

For more information and to register your interest for when restaurant bookings open, see here and follow ATLAS James & Maria Close on Instagram.

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