- Play Hard
- 17th Jul 2025
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Tacos, tipples and tasting menus: Rockliffe Hall’s serving serious new summer vibes
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Love tacos and margaritas? Fancy a new tasting menu? Rockliffe Hall is serving serious summer flavour.
This award-winning five-star hotel, spa and golf resort in the heart of County Durham is now a must-visit foodie destination.
Think laid-back lunches, bold tacos, bespoke margaritas and a Latin American-inspired tasting menu from Michelin-starred chef James Close.
Whether you’re brunching on the terrace or going all-in on a luxury tasting experience, this is flavour-packed fun with a side of sunshine.
Ready to plan a summer escape with a foodie twist? Here’s all the details for your group chat…
TACOS & MARGARITAS
Until Saturday 20th September
From the creative mind of Shaun Hurrell (the man behind Durham’s Barrio Comida), Rockliffe’s bar is seriously spicing things up this summer with tender lamb belly barbacoa tacos, red prawns with creamy morita crema and tinga tostadas.
Pair with a trio of bespoke margaritas (watermelon and mint, mango picante or the classic) and settle in for a fiesta with views. Plus, there’s a giant outdoor screen showing everything from live sports and music to romantic movie nights under the stars.
HLN TOP TIP: Want to make a night of it and sip on more margaritas? Book the Tacos & Tranquilo overnight experience, which includes spa access, tacos, margaritas, a luxury room and a leisurely lie-in the next morning.
EL CAMINO: A LATIN AMERICAN TASTING ADVENTURE
Fridays and Saturdays until Saturday 20th September 2025
This summer, Michelin-starred Culinary Director James Close takes you on a sensory road trip across Latin America with El Camino, a jaw-dropping tasting menu featuring A5 Gunma Wagyu beef, halibut moqueca and Anjou pigeon with mole.
Expect storytelling through food, vibrant pairings and a journey that hops from Peru to Brazil to Mexico – all without leaving your seat at Café TERRA.
HLN TOP TIP: Need the full experience? Pair it with the El Camino overnight break for a foodie retreat you won’t forget.
THE CLUBHOUSE: GRILLS, VIEWS AND SUNDAY ROASTS
This is your ultimate go-to for relaxed, all-day dining with a side of sweeping golf course views. Think 65-day salt-aged Yorkshire steaks, reimagined British classics and a Sunday roast.
With live music on Saturday nights, a sunny terrace for alfresco sipping and lunch with the ladies, The Clubhouse serves with style.
P.S. The new summer menu just dropped…
CAFÉ TERRA
Looking for something a little more low-key (but no less delicious)? Café TERRA has you covered with beautiful breakfasts (Severn & Wye smoked salmon, anyone?), light lunches and patisserie treats that are worth travelling for.
Grab a table on the terrace and soak up those garden views while tucking into an artisan pastry and rich cup of coffee. It’s open daily and honestly? It’s a vibe.
Next time you’re searching for ‘Darlington restaurants’ this summer, Rockliffe Hall should be your go-to.
Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth Road, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2DU
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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