A LUXURY hotel development opened its doors for an exclusive taster lunch today.

Staff at Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington, gave guests a chance to sample the menu at The Clubhouse restaurant overlooking the hotel’s stunning 300 acre golf course which officially opens tomorrow.

Head chef Martin Moore said: “Two months of hard work – if not longer – have gone into preparing for the launch of the restaurant, including employing local staff, working with contractors on the final build and spec of the kitchens, creating the menu and liaising with local food suppliers.”

Moore, who came to Rockliffe Hall from the five-star Seaham Hall, near Sunderland, has made every effort to source local produce for The Clubhouse menu.

The end result is a menu which, in Moore’s own words, “covers a lot of base”, mixing classics such as rib eye steak and the signature Rockliffe burger with exotic dishes such as a Thai red curry and grilled soy and ginger tuna loin.

The development of Rockliffe Hall is set to be a valuable asset to local infrastructure, providing the area with a five-star hotel, wedding and function venue and a luxury spa.

For more information visit www.rockliffehall.com