More details released for James and Maria Close’s huge F&B project at Rockliffe Hall

James and Maria close are looking to create an "immersive chef-guided experience"
James and Maria Close will oversee a total of six concepts at Rockliffe Hall (©Rockcliffe Hall)

James and Maria Close have revealed further details of the six-strong food and beverage line-up at Rockliffe Hall, as the County Durham resort prepares for a major relaunch later this year.

The development will comprise six concepts in total, including the previously announced flagship restaurant ATLAS James & Maria Close.

New details include a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar, Ro, and an elevated sports bar offer at The Clubhouse.

Ro will explore craft, theatre and Japanese precision in a space that combines night-time elegance with inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage. The name references the Japanese word for furnace.

Developed by the Closes, the bar will pair a concise menu of izakaya-style dishes – such as wagyu sando, smashed cucumbers, and chicken karaage with togarashi ranch dip – with signature serves and classic cocktails.

A vault will house a selection of rare and ‘vintage’ spirits dating from the 1930s to the 1960s, alongside a curated list of Japanese whisky and sake.

The concept will be operated by a dedicated team of mixologists, supported by a development kitchen and laboratory for cocktail innovation.

A selection of dishes, including karaage, will also be available via in-room dining.

Meanwhile, The Clubhouse will be repositioned with an elevated sports bar concept as part of the resort’s reopening.

Alongside screens for live sport in the Spike Bar, the menu will feature dishes such as chicken wings, burgers and lobster rolls, as well as Indian-influenced options including tandoori jumbo prawns, chaat puri and a tikka masala-style house curry.

The Closes have also confirmed that their Italian-American all-day restaurant will be called Rialto.

Set within the former Orangery, it is expected to serve as the social hub of the resort, with a menu spanning breakfast through to evening dining, including sharing plates, pasta dishes and tableside elements.

The wine list will focus on Italian and emerging American producers.

Rockliffe Hall is targeting a September 2026 reopening following a multimillion-pound refurbishment.