Maria Close at Rockliffe Hall near Darlington is in the running for “Chef to Watch” among the likes of Jake Dolin at Manteca in London and Sam Lomas at Briar, Somerset.
The category is said to be “more hotly contested than ever” with seven entrants considered to be the “biggest talents of tomorrow”.
It comes as the shortlist for The Good Food Guide Awards 2025, has been revealed ahead of the big ceremony next month, including “Restaurant of the Year”, along with new awards for “Best Value Set Menu” and “Most Beautiful Restaurant”.
@eatlikelev What a way to start the new year😍🧖🏼♀️@rockliffe_hall #rockliffehall #spa #darlington #ukspa #northeast ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
The shortlist comprises some of Britain’s most prolific restaurants with The Ritz Restaurant, St John and Opheem among the contenders for “Restaurant of the Year”.
County Durham chef among The Good Food Guide Awards 2025 shortlist
The full shortlist for “Chef to Watch”, sponsored by Champagne Billecart-Salmon at The Good Food Guide Awards 2025 is as follows:
- Jake Dolin – Manteca, London
- Elliot Hashtroudi – Camille, London
- Sam Lomas – Briar, Somerset
- Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson – Dongnae, Bristol
- Maria Close – Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
- Meedu Saad – Super8 Restaurants, London
- Philip Mcenaney and Katie Austin – Boath House, Nairn
On Tripadvisor, Rockliffe Hall has a boastful rating of 4.5/5 out of 3,786 reviews.
A couple who recently visited wrote: “What a truly wonderful experience. My hubby and I went for an anniversary dinner. The staff were absolutely fantastic. Food was amazing, but the staff were so attentive, professional and so friendly. Would definitely recommend as a treat.”
Chloë Hamilton, co-editor of The Good Food Guide, commented: “This year’s shortlist is a magnificent mix of starry names alongside some brilliant lesser-known talent that anyone interested in restaurants should be taking note of.
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“If last year’s ceremony is anything to go by, our return to Theatre Royal Drury Lane is set to be a huge night of celebration with some revelations to remember.”
The Good Food Guide Awards 2025 ceremony will be taking place on Monday, February 3 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London.
The awards, in partnership with OpenTable, will be hosted by TV presenter and restaurant-goer, Richard Bacon.