In a heartfelt statement, Glynn Purnell announced the closure of his flagship restaurant, expressing profound sadness due to a mix of economic challenges and the ongoing struggles within the hospitality sector. The final service took place on Saturday, October 12.
“Purnell’s has been my proudest moment, and I am heartbroken to say that after 17 years we have served our final guest,” the chef reflected. He emphasized his pride in the restaurant’s success from the very beginning.
Having trained under prominent chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes, and Claude Bosi, Purnell opened his namesake restaurant on Cornwall Street in 2007. It quickly gained recognition, earning a Michelin star just a year later, alongside accolades such as 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 had the honor of working alongside incredible talent and training individuals who are now thriving in some of the world’s best restaurants,” he continued. However, he acknowledged the changing times, stating, “In this current climate, no one is bulletproof.”
Purnell expressed gratitude to everyone who has been part of his journey: “I would like to thank everybody who has worked for me over the years. My team has always felt like family, bringing creativity, passion, and enthusiasm to make Purnell’s a remarkable success for 17 years.”
He extended his thanks to all guests who chose Purnell’s to celebrate significant life events, stating, “I’ve raised a glass with guests marking birthdays, graduations, first dates, weddings, anniversaries, and more, and I’m thrilled they chose Purnell’s for those occasions.”
Despite the closure of Purnell’s, he assured that his other establishments, Plates by Purnell’s on Edmund Street in Birmingham and The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden, remain open. “I’m excited for the future and the next steps in my journey; this isn’t the last you’ve heard of me. I’m truly honored to have contributed to the culinary history of this great city.”
