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Rockliffe Hall has had its first planning application approved for a purpose-built pavilion that will house a flagship restaurant of award-winning quality.
This new restaurant is part of a renovation project, focused on becoming a world-class, gastronomy-focused destination, and cementing its reputation as the leading resort in the region with international appeal. The restaurant will be led by the resort’s Culinary Director James Close, former chef-patron of the two-Michelin-star Raby Hunt.
The project also includes a second planning application to restore the hotel’s iconic Grade II listed Old Hall, preserving its historic charm while enhancing guest accommodations and experiences at the resort. Rockliffe Hall is currently awaiting the outcome of this planning application.
The proposed 584-square-metre pavilion will offer a sophisticated, modern space with the external design drawing inspiration from colonnaded architecture and materials that complement the Old Hall. Inside, the venue will feature a bespoke dining area with an open kitchen, designed to enhance interaction between guests and chefs, offering an immersive experience that takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by the finest global cuisine.
"The approval of the purpose-built pavilion for James Close’s new restaurant welcomes an exciting new phase for Rockliffe Hall as a luxury, gastronomy-led destination that delivers exceptional guest experiences and contributes to the local economy. We are focused on placing the resort hotel and the North East of England firmly on the hospitality map, attracting travellers from around the globe, and we thank Darlington Council for supporting the application.” said Shauna Robb, General Manager.
James Close, Culinary Director at Rockliffe Hall, said: “This new build restaurant offers us the opportunity to create a world-class dining destination at Rockliffe Hall. We want to create a special experience that is inspired by our global travel influences, within a unique space that will attract diners locally, nationally and internationally to the north east. With the planning application approved, we are focused on developing the best experience we can for guests, and we look forward to sharing more details on that experience over the coming months.”
Work on the new restaurant building is set to begin in February 2025. During this period, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, The Clubhouse, spa, and TERRA restaurant will all remain operational.
The companies collaborating to usher Rockliffe Hall into a new era include; BSBA Architects, GT3 Architects & Interiors, Identity Consult, IC Planning, BRIMS Construction, Monarch Catering Equipment, DESCO Engineering - electrical and mechanical engineers, and BGP Consulting - structural engineers. Identity Consult are leading the program as Project Managers with BSBA Architects as Lead Designer, and GT3 progressing the Interior Design development. After an in-depth exploration of key considerations including heritage context, and future sustainability, the chosen strategy introduces a contemporary building that complements the historic Old Hall, while ensuring its long-term preservation as a heritage asset.
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Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort hotel and historic destination in the north east of England, has submitted two planning applications as part of a renovation project aimed at cementing its reputation as the leading resort in the region with international appeal.
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