Rockliffe Hall hotel reopens with new Atlas restaurant

The hotel, near Hurworth, Darlington, has undergone a major renovation of its Grade II-listed estate, with new rooms created in the East Wing and six new food and drink venues introduced.

At the centre of the redevelopment is Atlas, a new 36-cover restaurant by chef James Close and his wife Maria.

James was previously chef-patron at the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt restaurant, near Darlington.

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

The new restaurant has been built within Rockliffe Hall’s 375-acre estate and includes a Champagne and aperitif lounge, three open kitchen islands and a six-seat chef’s table.

Executive chef Adam Molloy and head chef Shaun Hurrell are part of the team, alongside restaurant director Jack Adams and head of wine Manuel Ghezzi.

Five other restaurants, bars and cafés have also been introduced as part of the changes.

They include Rialto, an Italian-American restaurant serving food throughout the day, and Ro, a Japanese-influenced cocktail bar.

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

Rockliffe Hall has reopened following a revamp. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)

The Morning Room will serve afternoon tea, while Café Terra will operate as a café and bakery for hotel guests, spa visitors and members of the public.

The Clubhouse, overlooking Rockliffe’s golf course, has also been developed as a sports bar and restaurant.

The reopening has also seen work completed on the East Wing, formerly known as the Old Hall.

Its rooms and public spaces have been redesigned while retaining historic features, with the redevelopment taking inspiration from the North East’s industrial heritage.

The work has brought the total number of rooms and suites at Rockliffe to 43.

Prices start from £550 per night for a room on a bed and breakfast basis, rising to £1,200 per night for suites.

Rockliffe’s existing facilities include a 50,000 sq ft spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis and padel courts and a gym.

The estate also offers walking and cycling routes alongside the River Tees.

Shauna Robb, group chief operating officer, said: “This reopening represents a defining moment for Rockliffe.

“We have reimagined the resort to celebrate our regional heritage while introducing a new standard of English luxury – one defined by craftsmanship, genuine North East warmth and meaningful moments of discovery.”