Glynn Purnell’s Michelin-starred Birmingham restaurant closes after 17 years

The news marks the end of an era for the Birmingham-based restaurant, which for 17 years had garnered widespread acclaim for its seasonally influenced dishes and contemporary approach to British cuisine.

Purnell’s, which first opened on 7 July 2007, quickly became a gastronomic hotspot and the most iconic restaurant in Birmingham, earning a Michelin star in 2008.

Known for being a leading light in Birmingham’s dining scene, Purnell, who trained with top chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, expressed deep sadness over the closure, citing a combination of economic pressures and the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry.

Glynn Purnell said: “Purnell’s has been my proudest moment, and I am heartbroken to say that after 17 years we have served our final guest. It fills my heart with pride to say that Purnell’s was a roaring success from day one. It won every accolade going, from a Michelin star just a year after opening, to the Craft Guild of Chefs New Restaurant of the Year Award, and the AA Restaurant of the Year Award. 

“Purnell’s has been a place where I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest talent I’ve ever known, and where I have trained people who are now working in some of the best restaurants in the world, from New York to Australia. However, the world doesn’t stand still. Things have moved on, and times have changed. In this current climate, no-one is bulletproof.

“I would like to thank everybody who has worked for me over the years. I have always had a team who are like family to me, who have worked with creativity, passion and enthusiasm to make Purnell’s the success it has been for 17 years. I’d also like to thank everybody who has ever eaten here and celebrated life here. I’ve raised a glass with guests who have come through our doors to mark birthdays, graduations, first dates, weddings, anniversaries, and many more life events, and I’m thrilled that they chose Purnell’s for all those occasions.”

Plates by Purnell’s on Edmund Street in Birmingham and The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden remain open for business as usual.

Mr Purnell added: “I will be devoting my time between these two establishments. I’m excited for the future and the next steps in my journey; this isn’t the last you’ve heard of the Yummy Brummie. I'm truly honoured to have played my part in the culinary history of this great city.” 

What you need to know about Glynn Purnell

Often called the ‘Yummy Brummie’, Glynn Purnell started cooking professionally at the age of 14. After securing a work experience placement in a hotel kitchen, he spent the next two years catching the no. 966 bus to the Metropole Hotel at the NEC where he was quickly promoted to making salads and flipping burgers. A six-year stint followed, gaining experience in every department from banqueting to the A La Carte Terrace Restaurant, where he discovered his talent and passion for fine dining. It wasn’t long before he began winning awards including the prestigious Salon Culinaire.

His next professional step was as Chef de Partie at Simpson’s Restaurant where he progressed to the position of Sous Chef. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star, and Glynn went on to win a number of accolades within the industry.

After training with top chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, Glynn travelled abroad to work with well-known Michelin starred chefs in Europe. He went on to help launch Jessica’s in July 2003, which was awarded Birmingham’s first Michelin star back in 2005. Purnell’s Restaurant on Cornwall Street opened on 7 July 2007 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2008.

Glynn became a household name after taking part in The Great British Menu, winning twice and later appearing as a mentor. He has previously featured on The Great British Food Revival, Saturday Kitchen, The Secret Chef, Masterchef, and James Martin’s Saturday Morning, alongside other television programmes.