The Russell Hotel
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1880s |
| Founder | Sir Thomas Russell, 1st Baronet |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Dublin , Ireland |
| Products | Hotel accommodation, restaurant services |
Hotel Russell, also known as The Russell Hotel, was a distinguished establishment located at 101–104 St. Stephen's Green South in Dublin, Ireland, renowned for its gourmet dining venue which received a Michelin star in 1974.
History
Established during the 1880s by temperance proponent Sir Thomas Russell, 1st Baronet, the hotel was overseen by his son-in-law, Victor Marcel Charles Barrois de Sarigny, until 1929. By 1927, it had gained recognition as a reputable restaurant with a full liquor license. The Besson family took ownership in 1947, bringing in fine French cuisine under Ken Besson’s direction. He appointed sous chef Matt Byrne, who previously worked at the Hotel Café Royal and had experience at another Besson venue, the Royal Hibernian Hotel.
Initially housed within three Georgian townhouses (numbers 102–104), the hotel expanded its premises by acquiring number 101 in 1947 under the Besson family’s management.
20th century cuisine
During Ken Besson’s tenure, several French culinary experts were hired despite early resistance from the ITGWU, which raised concerns about local employment. A compromise was reached to provide training opportunities for Irish chefs and kitchen personnel. Consequently, The Russell became an important institution for developing Irish culinary talent.
In 1963, it stood out as the sole Irish hotel to receive three stars in the Egon Ronay Guide. Although there was a general decline in star ratings across the sector by 1973, The Russell retained two stars and secured a Michelin star in 1974 under head chef Matt Dowling. Prominent chefs associated with the hotel included Pierre Rolland, Jackie Needham, and Roger Noblet.
The Robert Emmet Grill within the hotel also catered official state dinners at the nearby Department of Foreign Affairs building (Iveagh House).
Closure
In 1966, ownership transferred to the London-based Kingsley Windsor group, which also acquired adjacent land formerly occupied by Wesley College. They engaged Scott Tallon Walker to create plans for redevelopment involving a large contemporary hotel and an office complex on the site. Planning permission was granted in June 1970. The hotel ceased operations prior to its demolition in April 1974.
See also
External links
References
- Articles with short description
- Defunct restaurants in Ireland
- Defunct Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland
- Defunct restaurants in Dublin (city)
- Restaurants disestablished in 1974
- Demolished buildings and structures in Dublin
- Hotels in Dublin (city)
- St Stephen's Green
- Demolished hotels
- Buildings and structures demolished in 1974
- Defunct hotels