Rockliffe Hall in Darlington has announced two senior appointments, with Lewis Hunter joining as general manager and Cameron Baxter as director of food & beverage.
The appointments come as Rockliffe Hall undergoes a multimillion-pound transformation, ahead of its relaunch this autumn. The project includes the renovation of its Grade-II listed building and a new collection of six distinctive dining and bar experiences including ATLAS, a newly built, 36-cover standalone restaurant led by James and Maria Close, previously awarded two Michelin stars at the Raby Hunt.
Hunter joins Rockliffe Hall from his most recent role as director of operations at Grantley Hall, which he held for nearly two years. He has also previously worked at The Dorchester in London and Gleneagles in Scotland.
Hunter commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining Rockliffe Hall as the resort prepares for its next chapter. I’m eager to work alongside such a talented team to build on the property’s success and carry this momentum forward, creating exceptional experiences for our guests and establishing Rockliffe Hall as a leading luxury destination”, comments Lewis.
Baxter also joins from Grantley Hall, where he served as head of food and beverage.
Baxter commented: “Rockliffe Hall’s vision for the future and commitment to investing in its culinary offering made this a very compelling opportunity. I’m looking forward to working closely with James, Maria and the wider team to evolve the food and beverage experience and support the resort’s continued growth.”
Shauna Robb, who was recently promoted from general manager to group chief operating officer, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Lewis Hunter and Cameron Baxter to the Rockliffe Hall team, joining an already highly experienced leadership group. Their expertise and team will be invaluable as we continue to progress the refurbishment and brand evolution, helping to elevate the resort to a new level of luxury. They will build on the dedication and vision the team has invested, helping to deliver exceptional service, innovative experiences, and establishing Rockliffe Hall as a truly world-class destination.”
Rockliffe Hall is actively recruiting across a wide range of roles ahead of its relaunch in autumn 2026.
Image: L-R Lewis Hunter and Cameron Baxter
