Rockliffe reopens following a multimillion-pound transformation, emerging as a gastronomy-led, five-star luxury resort in the North East of England.
At the heart of this thoughtful transformation is ATLAS James & Maria Close, a newly built 36-cover restaurant – located within the 375 acres of private grounds – led by Culinary Director James Close, formerly chef-patron of the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt.
The reopening follows the meticulous renovation of Rockliffe’s Grade II listed estate, including carefully reimagined communal spaces and new suites in the resort’s East Wing, bringing the total rooms and suites to 43. In addition to ATLAS James & Maria Close, the culinary pair has developed five further distinctive dining and bar experiences including Rialto, an all-day Italian-American restaurant; Ro, an intimate cocktail bar with Japanese influence; The Morning Room, a refined setting for Afternoon Tea; Café TERRA, a boutique café; and The Clubhouse, a sports bar food and drink concept at the resort’s championship golf course.
Throughout the resort, warmth is experienced through the heartfelt, personality-filled service that this North East region is known for. It offers a sense of place that is also seen in the design influences drawn from the area’s industrial heritage, considered craftsmanship, and surrounding landscape.
The wider resort offering includes an award-winning 50,000-square-foot spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis and padel courts, and a state-of-the-art gym. At Rockliffe, luxury is entirely personal with curated bespoke experiences crafted to the guest’s desires and highlighting the region’s moments of wonder. There are exclusive country shoots, bespoke fishing excursions, and local art-inspired experiences, as well as resort-based experiences including; aperitivo afternoons and in-room Negroni trolley service, curated walled-garden tours and wine tastings, and intimate spa rituals designed for guests.
From arrival, Rockliffe delivers a considered journey of luxury touches, with personalised welcomes, bespoke check-in rituals and signature refreshments setting the tone, alongside Emberfield, the resort’s signature scent, which quietly captures the atmosphere of the resort with notes of rain-cooled woods, river air and a soft ember warmth. Hand-selected in-room amenities anticipate every need, alongside carefully considered moments, from locally crafted turndown gifts to tailored spa experiences, and a parting gift at check-out.
At the heart of the reopening is ATLAS James & Maria Close, a 36-cover pavilion restaurant that establishes Rockliffe as one of the UK’s leading gastronomic destinations. The immersive experience begins in a dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge before guests move into a dining room centred around three open kitchen islands, reinforcing craft and theatre.
The menu is shaped by the global travels, memories and influences of James and Maria Close, presented in carefully curated sequences that invite guests to savour discovery and the unexpected. A six-seat chef’s table, visible ageing fridges and a striking spice cabinet further express the precision and considered craftsmanship behind the culinary philosophy.
James and Maria have built 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.
The wider dining collection spans a series of distinct venues. Rialto, an all-day Italian-American restaurant, forms the social heart of the resort, evolving from breakfast through Aperitivo-led afternoons to family-style evenings, with dishes often finished tableside and a wine list focused on Italian and young American producers. Ro is an intimate cocktail bar inspired by Japanese precision and industrial heritage, offering Izakaya-style snacks alongside rare spirits, vintage-led cocktails and Japanese whisky and sake. The Morning Room presents a refined Afternoon Tea experience created with Head Pastry Chef Ashleigh Pitcher, combining classic patisserie with modern technique and seasonal evolution.
Café TERRA is a boutique café and bakery serving hotel guests, spa visitors and locals throughout the day, with pastry-led viennoiserie, savoury classics and light seasonal dishes. The Clubhouse overlooks the championship golf course, offering an elevated sports bar concept with relaxed classics, globally influenced dishes and live sport.
The reopening also reveals the East Wing, the reimagined former Old Hall, where historic architectural detailing now sits alongside layered contemporary interiors. Suites and public spaces draw inspiration from the North East’s industrial heritage, celebrating materials, textures and bespoke joinery that create a dialogue between old and new.
The suites see textures inspired by the area’s history of wool and linen production, and bathrooms reference the timeless solidity of North East sandstone architecture. A palette of creamy neutrals is layered with deeper warm tones and burnished brass details to reflect the understated richness of the region. Generous bathrooms with oversize showers and baths, and considered vanity spaces add an element of indulgence to the suites.
Across the estate, each public area carries its own distinct character, enhanced by commissioned artworks that honour the landscape and industrial legacy of the North East.
Rockliffe’s reopening builds on its established reputation as one of the UK’s leading destinations for an immersive escape. The award-winning 50,000-square-foot spa and Spa Garden offer hydrotherapy, thermal experiences, 11 treatment rooms, a 20-metre indoor pool and outdoor facilities designed around holistic wellbeing. A state-of-the-art gym, personal training and sports therapy further enhance the wellness offering.
Beyond the spa, the championship 18-hole golf course – one of the longest in Europe – sits alongside tennis and padel courts, bike hire, landscaped gardens and nature trails that follow the natural curve of the River Tees, reinforcing the resort’s identity as a unique retreat deep within the quiet richness of the North East.
“This reopening represents a defining moment for Rockliffe,” says Shauna Robb, Group Chief Operating Officer. “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.”
The companies who worked together on the project with Rockliffe include; BSBA Architects, GT3 Architects & Interiors, Identity Consult and BRIMS Construction, Monarch Catering Equipment, DESCO Engineering – electrical and mechanical engineers, and BGP Consulting – structural engineers. Identity Consult led the program as Project Managers with IC Planning as Planning Consultants, BSBA Architects as Lead Designer, and GT3 managing the Interior Design development.
Rooms start from £550 per night to £1,200 per night for suites, on a bed and breakfast basis. Please visit https://www.rockliffe.co.uk/ for more information and to book.
Getting to Rockliffe
