The Raby Hunt restaurant hits the market ahead of closure
The Raby Hunt is currently the only two-star restaurant in the North East
The Raby Hunt, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant near Darlington, has hit the market for an undisclosed amount.
The restaurant has announced it will close its doors later this month as its two Michelin star chef, James Close, plans to step away and embark on a new challenge at Darlington’s Rockliffe Hall.
Close was the first chef in the North East to be awarded two Michelin stars, making the Raby Hunt one of just 20 two-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK and the only two-star restaurant in the North East.
It was also placed fourth in The Good Food Guide’s Top 20 Most Exciting UK Restaurants of 2022.
Close will join the hotel in February, which will allow him time to get to know the current culinary offerings, before identifying opportunities to strengthen the resort dining experiences through adding his passion and personality.
He said: “I’m very thankful to all the people who have believed in us and been involved in our journey so far – repeat diners, guests travelling from further afield, chefs, suppliers, and Michelin, which has played a big part in my career – and we look forward to our continued relationship with all of them.”
The Raby Hunt Restaurant with rooms, which is owned by Close’s parents, will be put up for sale with Christie and Co.
David Cash, regional director for the North pubs and restaurants team at Christie & Co said: “Set in a pretty, rural village, this former drovers’ inn was previously part of the Raby Estate. The Raby Hunt is a superb example of a state-of-the-art restaurant decorated in a contemporary style, fully fitted with cutting-edge equipment and high-end furnishing. The property is in turnkey condition, and able to trade immediately without any need for investment.
“We are delighted to have been appointed by the Close family to sell this superb restaurant with rooms. We expect interest from other, very capable and ambitious chefs, as well as hospitality operators who have other venues elsewhere who see the Raby Hunt sitting well within their portfolio.”