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Rockliffe Hall unveils first details of
ATLAS James & Maria Close
Opening summer 2026
Rockliffe Hall unveils details of ATLAS
A concept by James & Maria Close
Inspired by their global travels and culinary experiences
Rockliffe Hall has revealed the first details of its new 36-cover standalone restaurant, ATLAS James & Maria Close, opening this summer.
Forming part of the resort hotel’s significant renovation plans to become a world-class, gastronomy-focused destination, James and Maria Close have developed a concept that offers an immersive chef-guided experience, combining culinary expertise with the global flavours, emotions, and traditions discovered through their travels.
Diners will be warmly welcomed into ATLAS in an area dedicated to Champagne and aperitifs, before embarking on a culinary experience in the restaurant that sees dishes arrive in curated sequences. The first section will take them on a global tour with sophisticated tastes of James and Maria’s favourites from around the world including Asia, North and South America among others.
The second section will see highly refined dishes that immerse diners in the flavours and ingredients from locations to which James and Maria have travelled to. A memorable trip to La Rochelle in France may inspire an elegant oyster dish, crafted with expertise and respect.
The restaurant space features three central kitchen islands with dedicated areas, which enhances the connection between chefs and diners. One will focus on all the first introductions to the menu, the next will be for the second section and sauces, and the third will be for patisserie.
A chef’s table, which runs parallel to the kitchen islands, offers an exclusive vantage point for six guests even closer to the culinary artistry taking place. Visible ageing fridges, a citrus fridge and a spice wall, provide a backdrop that will further showcase the precision and craftsmanship behind the menu.
James Close will be joined by a handpicked team of culinary and hospitality experts, including his wife Maria Close working on patisserie and overall development, Adam Molloy as Assistant Culinary Director, and Shaun Hurrell as the new Head Chef, Jack Adams as Restaurant Manager, and Manuel Ghezzi as Head of Wine. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and global inspiration, shaping the restaurant into a true gastronomic destination.
James' passion for wine will also be a major part of the guest experience, and the expert team continues in this area with Manuel, whose previous role was Head Sommelier at The Connaught for three years, being tasked with building ATLAS’ extensive wine list, to mirror the global ethos of the restaurant and combine well-regarded old and new world wines with more contemporary unique expressions. There will be a wine display to pique diners’ interest and the Old Hall renovation project sees a new private wine cellar being built.
A first-look inside ATLAS opening summer 2026
The dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge
Watch the culinary artistry unfold from the chef's table
"It’s great to be stepping back into the process of creating a restaurant at this level." James Close
ATLAS will be framed by large glass windows
Blending North East heritage with global influences
James Close, Culinary Director of Rockliffe Hall, 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.”
Designed as a contemporary addition to Rockliffe Hall’s historic estate, the 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. The restaurant space is framed by large glass windows, which offer views of the expansive grounds on one side and a thoughtfully landscaped area on the other. The interiors have been designed to feel luxurious with materials and colour palette that draws on the resort renovation’s design inspiration of the North East’s heritage, paired with international influences inspired by James and Maria’s travels.
Whilst the restaurant is being built, James’ role as Culinary Director involves overseeing Rockliffe Hall’s additional dining options, ensuring an exceptional culinary experience across the resort.
This includes the former Orangery, which 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.
The Clubhouse continues as a relaxed setting for golf members and guests, and Afternoon Tea will be an elevated take on the British classics accompanied by an extensive range of English Sparkling wines and speciality teas enjoyed in the stunning Morning Room, and Café TERRA will continue to develop as a boutique café with exceptional bakery offering and nutrient-conscious dishes crafted with meticulous detail.
The new cocktail bar completes the offering with a curated list of classics and creative signatures in an impressive space including a new central fireplace.
The former Orangery will reopen as a lively all-day restaurant
Afternoon Tea will be served in the refreshed Morning Room
The new cocktail bar completes the offering
Rockliffe Hall's iconic Old Hall is also under renovation
Accommodations & experiences are also being enhanced
With completion due for summer 2026
The renovation project also includes work to renovate the hotel’s iconic Grade II listed Old Hall, preserving its historic charm and celebrating the North East, while enhancing guest accommodations and experiences at the resort. Design inspiration has been taken from the reclaimed industrial landscape of the North East seen through the raw and natural textures of the materials used. The area’s manufacturing heritage informs the colour palette with inspiration from iron ore and the smelting process found in local industry.
When will ATLAS open?
Work on the Old Hall and the new restaurant is ongoing, with completion due for summer 2026. During this period, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, The Clubhouse, spa, and Café TERRA will all remain operational.
The restaurant will open from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, and lunch services are to be confirmed.
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