Part of the multi-million-pound transformation at Rockliffe Hall, an award-winning resort in the North-East of England, Cafe TERRA offers a relaxed, all-day dining experience with a refined French influence.
Set within a bright, airy space surrounded by greenery, Cafe TERRA has been designed as a sociable setting that evolves during the day, welcoming hotel guests, spa visitors and regulars alike for leisurely breakfast, brunches, lunches and afternoon coffee.
The cafe is overseen by culinary director James Close alongside his wife Maria, an accomplished pastry chef with extensive international experience. Her experience includes a culinary bursary programme in Japan, a month at Cordon Bleu Tokyo, and serving as Head of Pastry at the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt.
Together with her team, Maria crafts and bakes pastries fresh each morning, with offerings ranging from classic croissants to more creative seasonal specials such as tiramisu and orange marzipan croissants. An extensive cookie selection - including s’more and pecan caramelised chocolate with smoked salt - sits alongside cake options such as lemon drizzle and rich chocolate bundt.
The pastries at Cafe TERRA are paired with barista coffee, sourced from local producers Railtown Coffee. The house blend combines flavourful Arabica beans from Guatemala, Brazil, Kenya and Sumatra, creating a smooth and flavourful cup best enjoyed on Cafe TERRA's sunlit terrace when the weather allows.
The menu also caters for more health-conscious palates, with dishes such as tropical overnight oats or smashed avocado on toast. Later in the day, the cafe transitions, with a more indulgent offering that includes savouries such as lobster rolls, perfectly crisp schnitzels and mortadella focaccia with pistachio pesto - the kind of sandwich worthy of the finest Italian cafes.