Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort hotel in the North East of England, has revealed the first details of its new 36-cover standalone restaurant, ATLAS James & Maria Close, opening in summer 2026.
The restaurant forms part of the resort’s significant renovation programme, which aims to establish Rockliffe Hall as a world-class, gastronomy-focused destination.
Created by James and Maria Close, ATLAS will offer an immersive, chef-guided dining experience inspired by the flavours, emotions and traditions discovered through their global travels. Guests will be welcomed into a dedicated Champagne and aperitif space before embarking on a curated culinary journey, with dishes presented in carefully structured sequences.
The first section of the experience will explore refined global flavours drawn from destinations including Asia, North America and South America. This will be followed by highly considered dishes inspired by specific places James and Maria have visited, such as La Rochelle in France, where a memorable trip may influence an elegant oyster dish crafted with precision and respect for ingredients.
The restaurant will feature three central kitchen islands, enhancing interaction between chefs and diners. Each island will focus on different stages of the menu, including introductions, sauces and patisserie. A six-seat chef’s table will run alongside the kitchens, offering an intimate vantage point of the culinary artistry in action. Visible ageing fridges, a citrus fridge and a spice wall will further showcase the craftsmanship behind the menu.
James Close will be joined by a handpicked team of culinary and hospitality experts, including Maria Close overseeing patisserie and overall development, Adam Molloy as Assistant Culinary Director, Shaun Hurrell as Head Chef, Jack Adams as Restaurant Manager and Manuel Ghezzi as Head of Wine. Together, the team will shape ATLAS into a true gastronomic destination.
Wine will play a central role in the guest experience, with Manuel Ghezzi tasked with creating an extensive, globally inspired wine list. Drawing on his experience as former Head Sommelier at The Connaught, the list will combine classic old and new world wines with contemporary and unique expressions. A dedicated wine display and new private cellar within the Old Hall will further elevate the offering.
Designed as a contemporary addition to Rockliffe Hall’s historic estate, the 584-square-metre pavilion will offer a sophisticated, modern setting. Large glass windows will frame views of the surrounding grounds and landscaped areas, while the interiors will blend North East heritage with international influences inspired by James and Maria’s travels.
Alongside ATLAS, James Close will oversee all dining across the resort. This includes the reopening of the former Orangery as a lively Italian-American all-day restaurant, alongside The Clubhouse, Afternoon Tea in the Morning Room, Café TERRA and a new cocktail bar.
Work on ATLAS and the Grade II listed Old Hall is ongoing, with completion due in summer 2026. During this time, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, spa, The Clubhouse and Café TERRA will remain open. ATLAS will open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, with lunch services to be confirmed.
