(Image: Supplied)
Viral nutritionist and internet personality Emily English has praised a fine dining experience in Darlington.
The nutritionist and food writer, with over 3 million followers across her social media pages, recently visited Rockcliffe Hall, south of Darlington, for a 24-hour luxury getaway.
The Sunday Times bestselling author began her career as a social media creator during the pandemic, sharing lifestyle and recipe content, and has since become a recognisable figure in nutrition and restaurant spaces.
She has appeared in publications including Vogue, The Telegraph and Cosmopolitan UK throughout her career, with her followers trusting her food and drink recommendations.
During her stay at Rockcliffe, with her husband Aaron McFeely, Emily visited two of the hotel's most luxurious restaurants - Rialto and ATLAS.
Rockliffe Hall's fine-dining experience ATLAS was at the heart of the estate's recent multimillion pound redevelopment. (Image: ROCKLIFFE HALL)
Rialto, created by two-Michelin-starred chef James Close, is an Italian-American restaurant praised by the nutritionist for their ragu-stuffed olives and lasagne.
"This lasagne changed my life," she said, adding:
"That is a lasagne that I will think about for a very long time."
Mrs English also complimented the decor of the hotel, including her room. She said:
"There has been no expense spared with this renovation; there was so much marble everywhere."
Described by English as "the real reason" for the couple's visit, ATLAS was the centrepiece of Rockliffe Hall's recent redevelopment, and certainly met the social media star's expectations.
Created by James Close alongside his wife Maria, ATLAS' fine dining menu, The Art of Discovery, was inspired by the couple's travels around the world.
Dishes arrived with postcards in envelopes, showing the inspiration behind each part of the meal.
Ms English said her favourite dish was Marsielle, featuring lobster in a "rich, deep-flavoured" bisque, laminated bread and "perfectly salty" butter.
The nutritionist praised every aspect of her experience, from the cutlery and glassware to the service provided by staff.
Emily said: "These guys didn't miss a single detail."
"They've only been open for six weeks," she added, "but it's a restaurant that's run like it's been open for years now."
Mrs English described ATLAS' menu as "a love letter to food," writing in her post's caption that it was "a menu designed by people who genuinely love to eat."
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Rockliffe Hall is an early-19th century estate south of Darlington, and has housed Lords, film crews and served as a hospital in its two centuries of history.
In 2009, the hall opened as a luxury resort featuring a spa, golf course and restaurants.
After major redevelopment in recent years, Rockliffe boasts fine-dining experiences with ATLAS at its heart, and welcomes guests for luxurious stays in the quiet North East countryside.