Extensive new culinary concepts

Rockliffe Hall introduces Italian-American restaurant and Japanese inspired bar as part of the extensive new culinary concepts by James and Maria Close.

As part of the multimillion-pound transformation of Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort in the North East of England, Culinary Director James Close and his wife Maria are announcing the new collection of six distinctive dining and bar experiences. In addition to ATLAS James & Maria Close, a newly built, 36-cover standalone restaurant, the resort will include Rialto, an all-day Italian-American restaurant, Ro, a cocktail bar with Japanese influence, The Morning Room for afternoon tea, a boutique cafe in Café TERRA, and a sports bar food and drink concept for The Clubhouse at the resort’s championship golf course.

James, Maria and the team are focused on creating distinct venues that combine expertise and flavour-led experiences with sociable spaces that evolve across the day. The development of the culinary offering is taking place alongside the meticulous renovation of the resort’s Grade II listed building including new suites and redesigned communal areas, to see Rockliffe Hall re-emerge as a world-class, gastronomy-focused, luxury resort destination this September 2026.

Ro

Rockliffe Hall’s new atmospheric and intimate cocktail bar, Ro, will explore craft, theatre and Japanese precision in a space that combines nighttime elegance with inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage. This heritage is also seen in its name - Ro - the Japanese word for furnace.

Developed by James and Maria Close, the concept will pair a concise menu of Izakaya-style dishes - such as Wagyu Sando, Smashed Cucumbers, and Chicken Karaage with Togarashi Ranch dip and optional caviar - with signature creations alongside expertly executed classic cocktails. A bespoke designed vault will feature an exclusive selection of cocktails, created to evoke nostalgia using rare and vintage spirits dating from the 1930s to the 1960s. This selection will be complemented by a curated list of Japanese whisky and sake​.

Ro will be operated by its own dedicated team of mixologists who will have access to a development kitchen and laboratory within the hotel for cocktail innovation.

In-room dining will also have the option to order movie night items including a special delivery selection from Ro, like the Chicken Karaage with Togarashi Ranch dip.

James Close said: “I see Ro as a very cool, grown-up bar concept. Drinks that are intentional, not over-complicated, and that communicate confident craftsmanship and well-placed theatre in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Café TERRA

The team will continue to develop Café TERRA as a boutique café serving hotel guests, spa visitors and local regulars in the bright, airy space and with to-go options. An exceptional bakery section sees Maria Close draw on her extensive patisserie experience to expand the croissant offering from fresh plain croissants to changing signature expressions - Tiramisu and Orange and Marzipan as examples - and indulgent savouries like croque monsieur. There will also be a high-quality coffee bar, fresh smoothies and juices, and nutrient-conscious dishes crafted with meticulous detail - a classic Waldorf salad, light lobster rolls, and perfectly crisp schnitzels.

Maria Close said: “Café Terra is such a joy because that’s one of the concepts that has come to life already and it’s a daily reminder for us that anything is possible. It’s a pleasure to see members and hotel guests alike enjoying it throughout the day. I can’t imagine a better place for a great cup of coffee and a fresh croissant - other than Café Terra’s sunlit terrace.”

ATLAS James & Maria Close

Rockliffe Hall’s new 36-cover standalone restaurant, ATLAS James & Maria Close, will form the heart of the resort’s transformation into a world-class, gastronomy-focused destination. Led by Culinary Director James Close, the concept is shaped by the global flavours, emotions and traditions he and his wife, Maria have encountered on their travels.

The 584-square-metre pavilion restaurant pairs contemporary architectural lines with sweeping views across the estate. Guests begin in a dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge - with a dedicated mixologist - before moving into a dining room centred around three open kitchen islands. Dishes arrive in thoughtfully curated sequences, opening with small tastes of James and Maria’s favourites from around the world and progressing to refined expressions rooted in specific locations, such as an oyster reflecting a visit to La Rochelle.

ATLAS 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.

James and Maria are currently building a team of culinary and hospitality experts, which for ATLAS already includes Adam Molloy as Executive Chef, and Shaun Hurrell as Head Chef, Jack Adams as Restaurant Director, and Manuel Ghezzi as Head of Wine. This expertise is also being sought across the resort with recent hires including Lewis Hunter as General Manager and Cameron Baxter as Director of Food & Beverage. Both bring a wealth of experience across five-star hospitality, positioning them well to lead Rockliffe Hall through its next chapter and set the standard for luxury hospitality during its reimagining.