After six years of operation on Crown’s riverside, the acclaimed The Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel restaurant is set to close.

In a media release Crown announced that the restaurant will cease to operate under the name from the end of June.

The end of an era of one of Melbourne’s most awarded restaurants was a mutual decision between Crown and the restaurant’s chef, Philippe Mouchel, said Crown.

Crown’s chief executive officer, David Courtney, said Crown has “enjoyed the partnership between Philippe Mouchel and our food and beverage operation and wishes Mouchel every success in the future”.

“His contribution to the industry has been significant,” said Courtney.

“His knowledge and competence as a chef is exceptional and we thank and congratulate him for his achievements and far-reaching acclaim received during his tenure at Crown.”

The Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel was awarded one chef’s hat in the The Age Good Food Guide in every year of the restaurant’s operation. It was also named Best European Restaurant in Victoria at the Restaurant and Catering Association of Victoria’s Awards of Excellence and was repeatedly recognised in the annual Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide.

Mouchel said he planned to produce a cookbook as well as work on other projects.

“Cooking is my passion and pleasing diners brings me great pleasure,” Mouchel said. “I enjoyed returning to Melbourne and indeed my time at Crown.

“I appreciate the recognition and acknowledgement for our efforts to create a classic, yet contemporary brasserie which hums with activity. It’s now time to focus on producing a cookbook and other projects.”

The restaurant will operate until 30 June 2010. Ahead of its closure it has a full program of special events including hosting American chef, Josiah Citrin from Los Angeles’ two Michelin Star restaurant, Melisse, during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival next month.