THE owners of Dorset’s only Michelin starred restaurant have announced it will close next year.

Russell and Elena Brown, who own Dorchester-based Sienna Restaurant, will serve their final meal at the restaurant on 25 April 2015, exactly 12 years to the day they opened on High West Street.

The restaurant and Mr and Mrs Brown have gained an excellent reputation in the county town and across Dorset since it opened, and were awarded a Michelin Star – only given to exceptional restaurants - in 2010 and it is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Dorset.

Mr Brown said: “The lease runs out next year and we have decided not to renew, it just felt like the right time to close.

“We have taken things as far as we can with the business.

“We have achieved some amazing things over the past few years but because of the constraints of the premises, we can’t move it forward at the moment so have decided to move on.”

Mr Brown has confirmed he will not open up another restaurant in the county at the present time, but has instead launched a new website called creativeaboutcuisine.co.uk which will see Mr Brown pass on his years of experience in the kitchen with a new consultancy service, educational courses, product development and more.

Speaking of the past 12 years, Mr Brown said: “Getting the Michelin star is definitely the highlight, it was quite a transformation from when we opened and there was an immense feeling of pride.

“It wasn’t something we were expecting and we were very lucky to get that, and now with three AA rosettes and five stars in the Good Food Guide, it is good to go out on a high.”

The couple have also thanked the thousands of customers who have sampled their food for more than a decade.

Mr Brown added: “First and foremost, it is business as usual until we close on April 25. We are hoping to sell the restaurant to someone else who has the same passion as we do, and it would be nice to see someone take it on and move it on further.

“I would like to say thank you to the people of Dorchester, we have had amazing support from the community and from across the county of Dorset as well.”

The couple have also been keen supporters of the industry charity of Hospitality Action over the years. and have announced £5 from every bill they serve in April will be donated to the charity.