Set within Rockliffe Hall’s luxury resort in County Durham, ATLAS James & Maria Close is an ambitious 36-cover fine dining restaurant led by acclaimed chef James Close and business partner Maria Close. Housed in a contemporary standalone pavilion at the heart of the estate, the restaurant forms part of Rockliffe’s wider transformation into a gastronomy-focused destination.
The concept draws heavily on the travels, experiences and culinary influences that have shaped James and Maria over the years. Guests begin their visit in an elegant bar, where a curated Champagne list and globally inspired cocktails set the tone before moving through to the dining room for a chef-guided tasting experience. Menus are designed as a journey, with dishes arriving in a carefully considered sequence that takes inspiration from destinations across Asia, North and South America, alongside more refined creations inspired by the pair’s personal travels and favourite flavours.
Attention to detail extends well beyond the food. The dining room showcases craftsmanship at every turn, from premium tableware by brands such as Christofle, Riedel and Hering Berlin to a striking collection of commissioned artworks. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the surrounding estate, while interiors combine contemporary luxury with subtle references to the North East’s heritage.
A chef’s table for six offers a front-row view of the action in the kitchen, centred around custom-made Molteni stoves created to James and Maria’s specifications. Wine is a major focus too, overseen by Head of Wine Manuel Ghezzi, formerly of The Connaught, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings available alongside an extensive international wine list.
The wider team includes Executive Chef Adam Molloy, Head Chef Shaun Hurrell and Restaurant Director Jack Adams. Together, they deliver an experience centred on precision, hospitality and storytelling, making ATLAS one of the region’s most ambitious destination restaurants.