Russell and Eléna Brown, owners of Michelin-starred Sienna Restaurant in Dorchester, have announced that they will be running their last service at the restaurant on Saturday 25th April 2015, twelve years to the day after they opened.
Russell said, “Our lease comes to the end in May 2015 and, after careful consideration, Eléna and I have decided that it is time to look for a new opportunity and therefore won’t be renewing.”.
“We have had a fantastic run at Sienna over the years 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. It hasn’t always been an easy ride but the last five years have seen the business really flourish. Getting a Michelin star in 2010 was a huge turning point and 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. A break in our lease is the right time to move on.”
He went on to say, “Both Eléna and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years; friends, family, staff, suppliers and all our customers. We hope that our remaining time will be as busy as ever and that we see as many of you as possible before April 25th. If you haven’t made it to us yet, it would be good to meet you! I will still be Tweeting away from @SiennaDorset and also from a new account @CreativeAboutCu so do keep reading to see what is happening.”
Speaking of the future, Russell said, “I have a new website launching, www.creativeaboutcuisine.com, and this will encompass a new blog, my consultancy service, teaching, writing, product development, and more. This will not only draw on my experience as a Michelin-starred chef and restaurant owner, but on the many areas of the industry that I have been involved in outside of the restaurant. Equally, I am open to offers of employment, backing for a new business, or a specific project.”
Russell and Elena have done some fundraising for Hospitality Action, the industry’s main benevolent charity, over the years and wanted to do something more before their last service at Sienna, so they will be donating £5 from every bill in April to the charity (www.hospitalityaction.org.uk)
A new lease will be available on the premises (subject to negotiation with the landlord) and as such Sienna will be offered for sale through BSK Services. For enquiries about the sale of Sienna, please contact brian@bskservices.com
For further enquiries or image requests please contact Russell directly at russell@creativeaboutcuisine.com.