New Darlington restaurant to get excited about in 2026

The new restaurant at Rockliffe Hall near Darlington headed by culinary director James Close and his wife Maria, will likely be “a beacon of the North East and far beyond”.

Found within the hotel, golf and spa resort, it will be “shaped” by the global flavours, emotions and traditions that both James and Maria have encountered on their travels.

The new restaurant is also part of a renovation project at Rockliffe Hall that includes the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Old Hall.

The project will be focused on the site becoming a “world-class, gastronomy-focused destination” and “cementing its reputation as the leading resort in the region with international appeal”. 

It comes as Good Food Guide editor Chloë Hamilton has picked her top six new restaurant openings this year – from new-wave culinary stars to top chefs downsizing to intimate settings.

Food expert reveals why new Rockliffe Hall restaurant is one to ‘get excited about’

Chloë explained: “Bringing chef power couple James and Maria Close on board at Rockliffe Hall was owner Steve Gibson’s move to establish his golf hotel as a major culinary destination.

“Even the interim Terra by James Close was impressive despite its makeshift setting in the spa café.

“What we’re really waiting for – and have been since 2024 – is the standalone restaurant currently under construction in the grounds.

“With a supporting cast of key players from the exceptional Raby Hunt, this is likely to be a beacon of the North East and far beyond.”

Rockliffe Hall’s website shares the 584-square-metre pavilion restaurant pairs “contemporary architectural lines with sweeping views across the estate”.

It continues: “Guests begin in a dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge before moving into a dining room centred around three open kitchen islands.

“Dishes arrive in thoughtfully curated sequences rather than a traditional tasting menu, opening with globally inspired small plates and progressing to refined expressions rooted in specific locations, such as an oyster reflecting a visit to La Rochelle or a delicately spiced broth from Kyoto.

Have you ever been to Rockliffe Hall? (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

“The restaurant features a six-seat chef’s table, visible ageing fridges, a citrus fridge and a floor-to-ceiling spice wall, all reinforcing the transparency and craft behind the culinary philosophy.”

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Additionally, Rockliffe Hall will also introduce a “refined collection of dining and bar experiences that together elevate the resort’s culinary offering”.

It adds: “The former Orangery will reopen as a lively all-day restaurant with an Italian-American inspired menu that moves effortlessly from relaxed daytime dishes and cocktails to a more polished evening service, while the cocktail bar offers a curated list of classics and creative signatures beside a new central fireplace.”

Are you excited for the grand opening of Rockliffe Hall’s new restaurant, brought to you by James and Maria Close? Let us know in the comments below.