Mayor 'extremely sad' over closure of Birmingham restaurant Purnell's

Glynn Purnell at Purnell's
-Credit: (Image: Jack Spicer Adams)


The closure of one of Birmingham's top restaurants has been described as "extremely sad" by the Mayor of the West Midlands. Richard Parker said Purnell's in Cornwall Street was 'instrumental' in putting the city on the food map and added the closure of the restaurant reflected the challenges faced by the sector.

But he added there were reasons to be optimistic with record numbers of visitors to the region last year. Heartbroken chef Glynn Purnell announced on Monday (October 14) he was closing his Michelin Star sport after 17 years, with the last meals served there on Saturday.

He said 'things have moved on' and that the pressures faced by the hospitality industry have contributed to the decision. He said 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.

READ MORE: Top Birmingham restaurant Purnell's closes after 17 years as chef says 'no one is bulletproof'

Mr Parker said: "It’s extremely sad to hear that Glynn Purnell has closed his flagship restaurant. Purnell's was instrumental in putting Birmingham and the wider region on the map as a top food destination, with a restaurant scene second only to London.

"A thriving hospitality sector is key to creating vibrant places where people want to live, work, and enjoy their time. This closure reflects the tough challenges our restaurants, bars, and clubs have faced since the pandemic. However, there are reasons to be optimistic. Last year, a record 145.4 million people visited the West Midlands, with our food and drink scene growing in popularity.

"While this is a difficult moment, the region’s hospitality sector remains resilient, and I’m confident it will continue to thrive as more people discover everything we have to offer."

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