Last November, the five-star resort hotel lodged proposals with Darlington Council to construct a purpose-built pavilion for its new restaurant.
The new pavilion is designed to offer an immersive dining experience under the direction of new culinary director James Close, former chef-patron of the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt.
The 584-square-metre pavilion will offer a modern space with the external design drawing inspiration from collonaded architecture and materials that complement the Old Hall.
The new plans for Rockliffe Hall (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)
Inside, the venue will feature a unique dining area with an open kitchen.
Darlington Council approved the plans on January 8 with conditions, including that the development gets underway within three years.
Other conditions include the submitting of a hard and soft landscaping scheme, which must be approved in writing, and a 30-year Habitat Monitoring and Management Plan (HMMP).
Rockliffe Hall marked the green light as a “significant milestone” in the next chapter of Rockliffe Hall in its journey to becoming a “global gastronomic destination”.
This is one of two applications recently submitted for Rockliffe Hall, with the other focusing on restoring the hotel’s Grade II-listed Old Hall.
The application – which has not yet been decided on – would include the transformation of The Orangery and its kitchen into the main resort restaurant.
The stunning grounds of Rockliffe Hall (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)
Key upgrades include enhancements to upper-floor guest rooms, a proposed new staircase, and opening sections between the cocktail bar, drawing room, and terrace.
Renovations are earmarked to begin in February – with the New Hall accommodation, golf course, clubhouse, and spa all planned to remain operational during this.
If approved, the Old Hall restoration is due to be completed in October 2025 and the new restaurant in December 2025.
The news comes just weeks after Mr Close’s summer residency at the hall – TERRA – came to an end on December 21.
James Close, culinary director at Rockliffe Hall (Image: BEN BENOLIEL)
Rockliffe Hall said: “A significant milestone in the next chapter of Rockliffe Hall!
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“We’re thrilled to announce that the planning permission for our flagship restaurant has officially been approved.
“This marks a notable step in our journey to becoming a global gastronomic destination.
“The plans for this restaurant include a stunning new pavilion designed to offer an immersive dining experience under the direction of Culinary Director, James Close.”