ATLAS James & Maria Close to open at Rockliffe Hall, Darlington 2026
Two Michelin-starred chef James Close, who is most famous for his creations at his former Raby Hunt restaurant, moved to Rockliffe two yars ago, and is now planning to open a new venue with his wife Maria.
Atlas will be a 36-seater restaurant offering an ‘immersive, chef-guided dining experience’ inspired by the coupleβs travels around the world.
It forms a key part of the Darlington hotel’s ambition to become a world-class destination.
Bosses say guests will begin their experience with Champagne and aperitifs before moving through a carefully-curated menu served in stages.
Dishes are set to include flavours from Asia and the Americas, alongside refined plates inspired by specific destinations, such as France.
The restaurant will feature three central kitchen islands dedicated to different stages of the menu, as well as a chefβs table for six guests to see what’s going on in the kitchen.
Design features include visible ageing fridges, a citrus fridge and a spice wall.
The team also includes Adam Molloy as assistant culinary director, Shaun Hurrell as head chef, Jack Adams as restaurant manager, and former Connaught head sommelier Manuel Ghezzi as head of wine, who will create a globally inspired wine list.
James Close, said: βAfter the Raby Hunt, itβs great to be stepping back into the process of creating a restaurant at this level, and weβre focusing on really enhancing the guestsβ experience both in Atlast and across the resort.
“Iβm particularly proud to be doing it again in the North East, which is where Iβm from, and putting the resort on the global culinary map.β
The restaurant pavilion is being built within Rockliffe Hallβs historic estate, with large windows overlooking the grounds and interiors inspired by North East heritage.
Rockliffe is also redeveloping its Grade II-listed hall and refreshing its wider food and drink offering, including a new all-day restaurant, cocktail bar, and afternoon tea experience.
Work is expected to be completed in the summer.
The restaurant will be open from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, with lunch services yet to be confirmed.