Saturday Kitchen chef ‘heartbroken’ as he closes restaurant after 17 years
A renowned Michelin starred restaurant has shut its doors after 17 years as one of the best in the UK.
Purnell’s, which was launched in 2007 by chef and Saturday Kitchen regular Glynn Purnell, served its last customer on Saturday, October 12.
Purnell, who honed his culinary skills after training with the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Claude Bosi and Gary Rhodes, cited evolving times and the challenges faced by the hospitality sector as factors behind the closure.
He expressed his sorrow over 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. It fills my heart with pride to say that Purnell’s was a roaring success from day one.”
He further added: “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, he acknowledged the changing landscape, saying: “The world doesn’t stand still. Things have moved on, and times have changed. In this current climate, no-one is bulletproof.”
In a statement, he expressed his gratitude, stating: “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.”
Purnell, who has been for many years a regular on TV, including on Saturday Kitchen, where he frequently appeared as a host or guest chef alongside James Martin, continued: “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.”
Despite the end of an era for the landmark eatery in Birmingham, Purnell reassured fans: “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, and 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.”
Looking back on his impact, he added with pride: “I’m truly honoured to have played my part in the culinary history of this great city.”
This closure follows the loss of another of the city’s gastronomic jewels, Carter’s of Moseley, last year. However, Birmingham still boasts a trio of Michelin-starred restaurants: Opheem, with its two stars, and one-star holders Adam’s and Simpsons.
