A GORDON Ramsay trained chef has closed his top Michelin Star restaurant in Birmingham.
The Cornwall Street restaurant closed its doors for the final time on Saturday, October 12.
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After serving guests for 17 years, Purnell’s will no longer be open for business.
Chef Glynn Purnell described the flagship restaurant as his “proudest moment”.
Having opened the site in 2007, Chef Glynn had previously trained with Gordon Ramsay, Claude Bosi and Gary Rhodes.
The chef suggested that the closure comes as “things have moved on'” and the pressures faced by the hospitality industry have contributed to the decision.
He added that he was “heartbroken” to be closing the business.
Glynn 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, 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.
“I’m truly honoured to have played my part in the culinary history of this great city.”
After the closure of Carter’s of Moseley last year, Birmingham now has three Michelin Star restaurants – Opheem, which holds two stars, Adam’s and Simpsons, which both hold one.
It comes after a spate of Michelin chefs have been forced to close restaurants due to the high rental costs, staffing issues amongst the long list of other causes.
Earlier this month, celebrity chef, Michael Caines, shocked fans after announcing the sale of Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant in Exmouth.
In September, a well-known TV chef, Simon Rimmer, closed his only remaining branch after 33 years in business.
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Why celeb restaurants go bust
By Paul Lochhead – managing director of Drinkstuff
THE recent wave of celebrity chef restaurant closures can indeed be attributed to several factors, with the pandemic being a significant one.
The hospitality industry, particularly high-end restaurants, faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Restrictions on dining, a shift to takeaways, and the need for social distancing significantly reduced footfall and revenue for these establishments.
However, the impact goes beyond the pandemic. High-end restaurants operate on a model that requires substantial overheads—premium locations, top-quality ingredients, and skilled staff.
With the economic uncertainty and a change in consumer behaviour post-pandemic, there’s been a shift in dining preferences. Many diners are now seeking more casual, value-driven experiences, which puts pressure on the viability of luxury dining.
Moreover, for celebrity chefs, these ventures are often passion projects rather than primary revenue sources.
If a restaurant isn’t performing well, it may not be worth the continued investment, especially when compared to the other income streams they have, such as media appearances, books, and endorsements.