Michelin-starred restaurant Sienna to close

Michelin-starred restaurant Sienna is to close in April 2015, 12 years to the day after it opened.

The Dorchester restaurant, from Russell (pictured) and Eléna Brown, will run its final service on Saturday 25 April 2015, after which its lease will expire and not be renewed.

The three-AA-rosette restaurant first opened in 2003, and won a Michelin star in 2010. The Browns will now look for a new opportunity and have decided jointly to close the site.

The couple thanked everyone who had supported them since the opening, including customers, staff and suppliers.

Russell said: "I know it may seem odd that we are making this announcement, however I genuinely feel we have come as far as we can with Sienna in its current guise. It hasn't always been an easy ride but the last five years have seen the business really flourish. A break in our lease is the right time to move on."

He added: "We have had a fantastic run and, for me in particular, it has been an amazing journey. I have learnt a huge amount, shed some tears, made some true friends and above all I have been able to pursue a dream."

The restaurant will also seek to raise money for industry benevolent charity Hospitality Action before it closes, by donating £5 for every bill in April.

Russell will now work to develop his new website, creativeaboutcuisine.com, which will include a blog, a consultancy service, teaching, writing, and product development. He has also said he would be open to new opportunities, including welcoming backers for a new project or business.

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