Glynn Purnell’s new tapas bar opens in Birmingham city centre

One of Birmingham’s most famous chefs has just opened a brand new tapas bar in Birmingham city centre.

Glynn Purnell, the city’s first Michelin star chef, has opened ‘Plates by Purnell’s’, which is just one street away from his flagship restaurant in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District. The new tapas bar opened its doors on Friday, 10 Febraury.

Glynn is now bringing the classic Spanish tapas inspired food and drinks to the bar, which is on the site of the former Spanish café bar Pinchos on Edmund Street. Named Plates by Purnell’s, the tapas bar will be run by the acclaimed chef.

The venue has been empty since closure during the Covid pandemic but has now been transformed.

What’s on the menu?

Plates by Purnell’s has around 28 covers inside and a small number on the pavement outside. It serves sharing plates inspired by classic Spanish tapas with influences from Glynn’s time training and working in northern Spain.

The menu includes small plates such as anchovies on toast, chorizo in red wine, cheese croquettes, grilled octopus, and Crème Catalan.

What has Glynn said about the new restaurant?

He said it had been a long-held ambition to expand his brand in his home city of Birmingham.

“Having worked in northern Spain, I have had a soft spot for pintxos or tapas for many years,” he said. “In Spain, I used to spend my days off eating and drinking in small tapas bars, which is the same philosophy we want to breed here at Plates by Purnell’s.

“Guests will be welcome to stay for two or three hours and graze, or nip in for a quick drink and a small plate of food. In the current climate, people are very conscious of what they’re spending, and I wanted to be able to provide an offering for anything from a full gastronomic evening, a pitstop while shopping or a pre-theatre bite.”

My award-winning team and I have worked hard on making this a stunning venue which will serve some amazing dishes. There are some recognisable tapas dishes on the menu- all with an added sprinkle of Purnell’s magic. The food is tasty, satisfying and will put a smile on people’s faces.

“I have been overwhelmed by all the support and well wishes we’ve had so far since we opened our doors.”

Visit the website, here.