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Atkinson remains in North East for
‘toughest challenge yet’
Michelin-starred chef named new head at Rockliffe Hall
One of the UKs most highly talented and sought-after chef’s has shunned a number of high profile offers to undertake what he describes as his most ambitious project to date.
Michelin-starred chef, Kenny Atkinson will join Rockliffe Hall, a newly created luxury hotel, golf and spa development, in December. Rockliffe Hall is located in the picturesque village of Hurworth in County Durham, in the heart of Atkinson’s beloved North East.
The multi-million pound development, which opens at the end of this month, is likely to take advantage of the celebrated chef’s arrival by naming the new restaurant, Atkinson at the Orangery.
The 32 year old, who earned his first Michelin star two years ago while in the Scilly Isles, said of his move to Rockliffe Hall: “Quite simply, I was blown away when I first saw the place. The attention to detail here is staggering. The place and its people are demanding the very best. It was a challenge I simply could not resist once they suggested my name could be above the door of the restaurant here. They are taking me right out of my comfort zone, but I know I’ll thrive on that kind of pressure. This is my toughest challenge yet."
“I’ve had a number of really tempting offers from a host of amazing restaurants in London and across the world, but the opportunity to continue to wave the flag for the North East was one I simply could not resist. It’s so exciting to be part of such a major new project right here on my own doorstep.”
Atkinson shot to fame at the start of 2009 with his winning performance on the BBCs Great British Menu television series. His stunning beef salad starter was voted best by the viewers of the show, which was served as part of a celebration dinner to returning men and women from the British forces.
Just last week, Atkinson was named Chef of the Year at The Cateys, the catering industry’s most fiercely competitive awards, which is hosted by industry trade bible, Caterer and Hotelkeeper.
The owners of Rockliffe Hall have underlined the importance they place on Atkinson’s arrival from nearby Seaham Hall’s White Room restaurant, a place Atkinson put on the map 18 months ago when it was awarded a Michelin star, Atkinson’s second of his young career.
Managing director at Rockliffe Hall, Nick Holmes stated: “Kenny is a chef at the top of his game right now and we are thrilled to have him here at Rockliffe Hall. To secure a Michelin star not just once, but twice, is a feat bettered by few chefs the world over. His performance on Great British Menu backed up his growing reputation as one of the new stars of British cooking."
“Kenny will play a major part in making us one of the top five star hotel, golf, spa and now restaurant destinations in the UK.”
Atkinson, the married father of two young sons says he will stay fiercely loyal to quality local produce sourced within the North East to produce a ‘wow factor’ for diners at Rockliffe Hall.
He added: “Nick (Holmes) and the team at Rockliffe Hall are very ambitious and want to show the North East is one of the great parts of the world. I share their passion and drive and I know that, together, we can create something very special here. I cannot wait to get started.”
Rockliffe Hall itself is an independently-owned high-end development, which opened its golf operations this summer with one of the finest and longest new courses in European golf. The hotel operation, including a stunning new spa and wellness centre, as well as the new restaurant, opens to customers from November 23rd.
The development has been created from the remains of a previously disused 18th century country hall which, at great expense, has been painstakingly restored and sympathetically extended to create what will be one of the finest secluded resort-style destinations in the UK.
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