The Clubhouse, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth

Dec 27 2009 by Eddy Eats, Sunday Sun

GOLF has made the national news of late, or rather its biggest star has, but it’s never really been a game for me.

There’s too much standing around in the cold, although I have had the odd hack around. I’m more of a darts and a pint kind of guy, but I know plenty of folk who love the sport, and that’s how I came to hear about The Clubhouse at Rockliffe Hall.

It’s on course to be one of the top golfing destinations in the country and everyone is raving about it.

Naturally, as soon as Mrs Eats got wind of this she had to go and see what all the fuss was about.

The Clubhouse is not just for those who want to achieve the perfect swing – they have a restaurant and bar area where you can indulge in some fine grub while surveying the greenery outside through large floor-to-ceiling windows. You don’t have to be a member of the club to eat here, either.

As we made the approach down the driveway to Rockliffe Hall, there were gasps coming from the passenger side of the Eatsmobile. She Who Must Be Fed was impressed by the stunning surroundings and the building, “Ooh, it will be posh nosh,” she remarked.

But I had to remind her that we wouldn’t be dining in the finery of the hall but, instead, were off to The Clubhouse for Sunday scran. After parking up we walked along to The Clubhouse and passed a trio of golfers, who were in good spirits, and we heard one of them say they just sank a perfect chip, so we reckoned that meant the food was going to be good.

Inside The Clubhouse, you have a choice of eating in the bar or the restaurant, which is more formal.

Mrs Eats, on a quest for finery, insisted on the restaurant and she was delighted to discover that there was live entertainment during the meal. It definitely hit the sweet spot for her.