Cooking was a career change for Russell some 14 years ago.  Driven by a passion for good food, the long-term ambition was to open his own restaurant.

Early inspiration came from Pierre Koffman’s book La Tante Claire, and also from meals at The Horn of Plenty in Devon.

Russell’s first full-time job was as a commis chef at the Alverton Manor Hotel in Truro, Cornwall, working under Head Chef Colin Gilbert.  Aged 27, the move from the sedate world of retail to a three star hotel with a 2 AA rosette restaurant and banqueting for 120 was certainly an eye-opener.

Under Colin’s guidance, Russell quickly progressed and moved up from commis chef to chef de partie on the sauce section.  He says, “Every day, I use skills that Colin taught me at the Alverton Manor.  The discipline, the attention to detail, the importance of being en place, and all the craft skills.

After the Alverton Manor, Russell worked at Percy’s Country Hotel in Virginstow, followed by his first Head Chef position at the Yalbury Cottage Hotel in Dorset.  “This was where my own cooking really started to develop.  Owners Heather & Derek Furminger allowed me the freedom to do this; quite a gamble on their part!”  Russell achieved 2 AA rosettes at the Yalbury Cottage in 1999, and maintained them for the rest of his 3½ year tenure.  During this time, Russell was also made a member of the Masterchefs of Great Britain.  A change of ownership at Yalbury saw Russell move to the Horn of Plenty in Devon, working for Peter Gorton.

“Peter’s food has definitely had an influence on my own cooking.  I can still vividly remember the first meal we ate there and many of the subsequent ones.”

In April 2003, Russell & his wife Eléna opened their own restaurant, Sienna, in Dorchester, Dorset.  With only 15 seats, it’s certainly small, but does what it set out to do; serving great food & wine in a relaxed atmosphere.  The restaurant has achieved much critical acclaim with 2 AA rosettes in November 2003, just 7 months after opening, followed by 3 AA rosettes in January 2007 and now it’s first Michelin star in January 2010.

Russell was also made a Fellow of the Masterchefs of Great Britain in 2008.

Russell Brown- head chef