Raby Hunt restaurant near Darlington up for sale for £750k

At the end of last week, the Raby Hunt restaurant in Summerhouse, near Darlington, said that their two Michelin-starred chef James Close would be stepping away from the venue after 14 years - effectively closing the Raby Hunt on January 27.

In a statement, Mr Close said that he would be switching the Raby Hunt for Rockliffe Hall in Darlington, and will be opening a new restaurant at Rockliffe Hall in 2024. 

The Raby Hunt in Summerhouse, near Darlington (Image: CHRISTIE & CO)

Mr 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.

The Raby Hunt’s last service will be January 27.

James has created ‘The Final Menu’ for the remaining services, which will include favourite dishes from over the years. James will sign each menu in person as a keepsake for those dining at the restaurant.

One of the bedrooms in the Raby Hunt (Image: CHRISTIE&CO)

The team will also hold a final celebration event to thank those who have been involved in James and Maria’s journey so far, including chefs, suppliers, regular diners, family and friends. 

After the unexpected announcement from Raby Hunt and Mr Close last week, the restaurant has now appeared on the property expert site, Christie & Co. 

Appearing on Christie & Co for £750,000, the Raby Hunt, which is currently owned by Mr Close's parents, is described as a 'perfect opportunity' for any prospective buyers. 

An outside area of the Raby Hunt (Image: CHRISTIE&CO)

On the listing, 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."

Several of the tables at the Raby Hunt (Image: CHRISTIE&CO)

The listing added: "The Raby Hunt presents a superb opportunity for a restaurateur to purchase a 'best in class' premises which was established as a high-end eatery in 2009, gaining its first Michelin Star in 2012 and a second in 2017 under the stewardship of Chef Patron, James Close.

"Fantastic opportunity to purchase one of the top restaurants in the UK, recently voted fourth best restaurant in the UK by Good Food Guide and current holder of two Michelin Stars.

"Equally, if somebody wanted to reposition the business as a more traditional restaurant operation then this is more than feasible. The property could also be converted into a stunning Bed and Breakfast."

According to the Christie & Co listing, the average turnover for the last two years for the Raby Hunt is £1,098,807 per year and the average adjusted net profit for the last two years is £203,690 per year.