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- 14th Nov 2025
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Taste the Riviera at Rockliffe Hall: A new limited-time dining experience to not miss
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If you’ve been craving sunshine, coastal glamour and Mediterranean plates, Rockliffe Hall is about to be your new favourite dining destination.
This autumn, the award-winning five-star hotel, spa and golf resort in the heart of County Durham has just launched TERRA Riviera, a new limited-time dining concept inspired by the effortless charm of the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Riviera.
Experience a taste of the Riviera but without the passport queues or airport stress right here in the North East.
But don’t miss out as this dining offering is available from Thursday to Saturday evenings from 6pm to 9pm until Saturday 20th December.
THE RIVIERA, REIMAGINED IN COUNTY DURHAM
Already renowned for being one of the most luxurious restaurants in Darlington, Rockliffe Hall has once again levelled up its culinary game.
TERRA Riviera is the brainchild of James Close, Culinary Director and two-time Michelin-starred chef, created in collaboration with his expert development team. Their goal? To bring the elegance and sun-drenched flavours of Riviera dining to County Durham, blending the sophistication of French coastal cooking with the warmth and generosity of Italy.
The new Riviera-inspired menu is designed around sharing, sipping and slowing down – just like dinner on a Mediterranean terrace where the hours out and nobody rushes for anything. A perfect escape from the stressful chaos leading up to Christmas.
START YOUR EVENING THE RIVIERA WAY
Your TERRA Riviera experience begins with aperitivo, a chance to catch up while slowly sipping on a spritz. The spritz selection is dreamy and full of holiday energy.
The LILLET x PIAFF royale spritz brings the prettiest blend of strawberries, mint and rosé Champagne, while the Italicus spritz delivers bright botanical freshness you’d swear was poured somewhere in Positano. Of course, there’s the signature Aperol spritz, our go-to classic cocktail, and the Riviera negroni if you fancy something more bold and bitter-edged.
If you’re after a lighter option or if you’re driving, the non-alcoholic selection – like the Menton G&T 0% or the Italian refresher 0% – is just as elegant and satisfying.
Nibbles to go with your spritz? The crostini bar is irresistible. Expect combinations like mortadella with burrata and pistachio, silky chicken liver crostini and seasonal oysters served by the piece. Add warm rosemary focaccia with olive oil or melted parmesan pommes dauphine, and you’re officially in holiday mode.
STARTERS AND SALADS
Once you’re ready to move on, the starters and salads section captures everything that makes Mediterranean dining so vibrant – freshness, colour and that gorgeous simplicity that still feels luxurious.
The autumn minestrone blends pumpkin, cavolo nero and salsa verde into the perfect seasonal bowl. The melt-in-your-mouth tuna crudo ‘puttanesca’ pairs delicate fish with burrata, olives and tomato ponzu in a way that feels both classic and fresh.
For something lighter but full of flavour, the 24-month aged Parma ham with Charentais melon is beautifully balanced, while the panzanella salad layers winter tomatoes, burrata and focaccia into a comforting bowl of goodness.
Seafood lovers, you’ll love the grilled colossal prawns with garlic and Espelette butter. At the same time, the carpaccio of Jack’s Creek olive-fed wagyu (for two) is so indulgent and perfect for sharing.
MAIN COURSES THAT TASTE LIKE THE MEDITERRANEAN
Choosing your main might take a while. Make sure to ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations.
The tuna niçoise ‘Ortiz’ is a refined twist on a Riviera classic, combining artichoke hearts, olives, cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked Ratte potatoes. The Riviera burger, stacked with Comté and Ramiro peppers, is comfort food with a glamorous twist. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty and rich, the lamb Provençal, with aubergine, olives and romesco, is so satisfying.
Fish lovers, don’t miss the sea bream en papillote, cooked with confit fennel and vermouth. And the grilled half corn-fed chicken, served with saffron aioli and coco de Paimpol beans – a dish that’s full of fresh holiday flavours.
And if you’re on a date night, these signatures for two are a must. The black truffle penne, made with Pastificio dei Campi pasta and topped with fresh shaved Alba truffle, is the definition of luxury. The charcoal-grilled rib of beef with Padrón peppers, chimichurri and triple-cooked chips is an impressive centrepiece designed for sharing.
DESSERTS WORTH SAVING SPACE FOR
If you’re usually too full for dessert, trust us – tonight is the night to make space. The millefeuille tropézienne comes with Grand Marnier ice cream and feels like pure French Riviera decadence. The chocolate soufflé is rich but surprisingly light, paired perfectly with raspberry sorbet. And if you’re sharing? The tiramisu for two is non-negotiable.
MAKE IT A NIGHT AWAY: THE RIVIERA RETREAT
Price: from £503 per person
Experience the Rockliffe way of Mediterranean living with an overnight stay for two in a New Hall room, extended spa access from noon until check-out, £80 per guest to dine at TERRA Riviera, an à la carte breakfast and full use of the gym, wellness classes, bikes, tennis and padel courts.
TASTE THE MEDITERRANEAN – RIGHT HERE IN THE NORTH EAST
So next time you find yourself searching “restaurants near me” or scrolling for the best Darlington restaurants, make Rockliffe Hall your go-to. TERRA Riviera is a limited-time experience, but it may just be the most memorable dining moment of the season.
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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