In a significant blow to Birmingham's culinary scene, after 17 years of operation, on Saturday 12 October acclaimed chef Glynn Purnell closed his flagship restaurant, Purnell's. Just a year after opening in 2007, the restaurant earned a Michelin star, and for the best part of a decade stood as a cornerstone of Birmingham's dining scene, accumulating numerous accolades along the way.
Affectionately known as the ‘Yummy Brummie,’ Purnell cited a combination of economic challenges and declining footfall as the primary reasons for the closure.
Confounded by concerns over rising costs, labour shortages, and changes to social dining post-pandemic, independent restaurants in Birmingham face significant obstacles. Purnell’s, one of the city’s most revered restaurants, had seen a 20% drop in bookings. Purnell points to dwindling footfall in central Birmingham, exacerbated by parking charge changes, traffic caused by building works, and the implementation of the city's Clean Air Zone.
Purnell, who trained under culinary tastemakers such as Gordon Ramsay, Claude Bosi, and Gary Rhodes, expressed his disappointment at the decision, stating, ‘Purnell's has been my proudest moment, and I am heartbroken to say that after 17 years we have served our final guest.’
A household name, Purnell also took part in the Great British Menu, winning twice and later appearing as a mentor.
Despite the closure of Purnell's, the chef's other ventures, including the Birmingham tapas-style Plates by Purnell's and The Mount by Glynn Purnell pub in Henley-in-Arden, will continue to operate as normal.
Purnell remains optimistic, hinting at new projects on the horizon: ‘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.’
Restaurants nationwide are under pressure, with several well-known names like Karen’s diner forced into liquidation alongside various London restaurants that have closed this year.