Rockcliffe Hall in County Durham has been given the go-ahead for the first phase of a major refurbishment project.
The five-AA Red Star hotel aims to establish itself as a “world-class, gastronomy-focused destination”, led by culinary director James Close, former chef at the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt.
Darlington Council has now granted the hotel permission to build a 584 square meter pavilion, which will house a restaurant and open kitchen managed by Close.
Rockliffe Hall is still awaiting a decision on another planning application to refurbish the hotel’s Grade II listed Old Hall and improve its rooms and facilities.
Shauna Robb, managing director of Rockliffe Hall, described the planning permission as an “exciting new phase” for the hotel, reinforcing its position as a “luxury, gastronomy-led destination”.
Robb said: “We are focused on putting the resort hotel and the North East of England firmly on the hospitality map, attracting tourists from around the world, and we thank Darlington Council for supporting the application.”
Construction of the new restaurant building is scheduled to begin in February 2025. During this time, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, Clubhouse, spa and restaurant Terra will continue to operate as normal.
Close joined the hotel team in February 2024 following the closure of the Raby Hunt.
