Chef
James Close
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Darlington, United Kingdom
i. Biography
The Climb
A kitchen reputation can be built on consistency rather than volume, and James Close’s was. At Raby Hunt Restaurant, where he served as Chef Patron until 2024, the work was defined by calm control, exacting standards and a clear point of view. That kind of cooking does not rely on flourish; it holds together through discipline, repetition and a refusal to miss the small things. In that setting, Close shaped a signature that read as precise, focused and recognisably his. The move from Raby Hunt Restaurant to Rockliffe Hall in 2024 widened the frame without changing the method. As Culinary Director, Close took on a broader remit at Rockliffe Hall in Darlington, United Kingdom, carrying the same standards into a larger operation. The shift from Chef Patron to Culinary Director is not just a change in title; it is a change in scale, with the earlier work at Raby Hunt now functioning as the base of the role he holds at Rockliffe Hall.
Today
Since 2024, James Close has been Culinary Director at Rockliffe Hall. The position follows his run as Chef Patron at Raby Hunt Restaurant and places him in a role that extends his kitchen discipline across a wider canvas. The progression is straightforward: a career built one stage at a time, with each step adding weight to the last. At Rockliffe Hall, the same measured approach that defined his earlier work now operates in a broader setting.
Signature
Crab taco is one of James Close’s signature dishes. It sits within a body of work associated with precision and clarity, and it is one of the clearest named markers of his cooking.
Recognition
Two Michelin stars are among James Close’s honors. That recognition places his work at a high level of peer acknowledgment and gives context to the steady ascent from Raby Hunt Restaurant to Rockliffe Hall.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of James
What is James Close's current role?
As of 2026, James Close is Culinary Director.
Where did James Close work before?
James Close's earlier career included Raby Hunt Restaurant.
What recognition has James Close received?
Two Michelin stars.
