Rockliffe Hall in the north east of England has begun work on a significant renovation, with plans to become a gastronomy-focused destination.
The project includes a new 36-cover standalone restaurant, led by Culinary Director James Close, and restoration of the hotel’s Grade II listed Old Hall.
The new restaurant has been designed as a contemporary addition to Rockliffe Hall’s historic estate. A 584-square-metre pavilion will offer a modern space with the external design drawing inspiration from colonnaded architecture. The space will be framed by large glass windows, which offer views of the expansive grounds on one side and a thoughtfully landscaped area on the other.
The Old Hall project sees enhancements to upper-floor guest rooms, the transformation of The Orangery and its kitchen to become the main resort restaurant, and opening sections between the cocktail bar, drawing room and terrace.
Across both the Old Hall and new restaurant, architectural integrity underpins the plans and internally the interior design draws inspiration from the region’s manufacturing heritage and reclaimed industrial landscape of the area, which will be seen through the colour palette and materials used.
Whilst the restaurant is being built, Close’s role as Culinary Director involves overseeing Rockliffe Hall’s additional dining options. This includes the development of the concept and menus for the renovation of the dining space in the Old Hall – formerly The Orangery – which is set to become the beating heart of the hotel with an all-day dining and drinks offering.
A new cocktail bar in the Old Hall will focus on expert mixology, offering guests a selection of curated classic and creative cocktails. Additionally, during this period he will be creating a series of food-focused pop-ups around the resort, and there will be new events and experiences launched this summer.
Completion for the renovation and restaurant is due for the second quarter of 2026.
The companies working on the project 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 are leading the program as Project Managers with IC Planning as Planning Consultants, BSBA Architects as Lead Designer and GT3 managing the Interior Design development.
“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 guest experience both in the restaurant and across the resort,” says Close. “I’m particularly proud to be doing it in the north east, which is where I’m from, and putting the resort on the global culinary map.”
“After a huge amount of work from many people both at the resort and those from external businesses and contractors, it’s satisfying to see the diggers on site and the renovation really beginning,” says Shauna Robb, General Manager. “The new restaurant, the renovation of the Old Hall, and all the work that is going on behind the scenes from the team is all focused on positioning Rockliffe Hall as the leading resort in the region with international appeal.”
