ATLAS James & Maria Close will open this summer as a 36-cover restaurant, the centrepiece of a major refurbishment aimed at establishing the resort as a global gastronomic destination.
Guests will begin in a champagne and aperitif area before moving into the main dining room, where dishes will be served in a series of ‘curated sequences’.
The opening section of the menu draws on flavours and influences from the couple’s travels, spanning Asia and the Americas, before moving into more refined plates rooted in specific destinations and ingredients.
A trip to La Rochelle, for example, has informed an oyster course inspired by the French port’s seafood traditions.
The 584sq m pavilion has been designed as a contemporary addition to Rockliffe Hall’s historic estate.
Large glass windows overlook the grounds on one side and landscaped gardens on the other, while the interior combines materials and tones that reference the North East with international influences.
At the heart of the dining room are three open kitchen islands, each dedicated to different stages of the menu.
One will handle the opening courses, another the main savoury section and sauces, and the third will focus on patisserie under Maria’s direction.
A six-seat chef’s table will run parallel to the kitchen, offering diners a closer view of the action. Ageing fridges, a citrus fridge and a spice wall will all be visible within the space.
James and Maria will be joined by a senior team including assistant culinary director Adam Molloy; head chef Shaun Hurrell; restaurant manager Jack Adams; and head of wine Manuel Ghezzi.
Ghezzi, previously head sommelier at The Connaught for three years, is building a wine list to reflect the restaurant’s global outlook and James’ love of wine, combining established Old and New World regions with less obvious producers and regions. Wine will play a central role in the overall experience.
“After the Raby Hunt, it’s great to be stepping back into the process of creating a restaurant at this level,” says James. “I’m particularly proud to be doing it again in the North East, which is where I’m from, and putting the resort on the global culinary map.”
While Atlas is under construction, Close continues in his role as culinary director across the resort.
The former Orangery will reopen as an all-day Italian-American restaurant, while The Clubhouse remains focused on golf members and guests.
Afternoon tea will be served in the Morning Room, alongside a range of English sparkling wines and speciality teas, and Café TERRA will continue to operate as a bakery-led café.
Close shuttered his two Michelin-starred restaurant The Raby Hunt in 2024 as he joined Rockliffe Hall as culinary director.