Brummie Chef Glynn Purnell Calls for Continued Promotion of City's Food Scene
Famed Brummie chef Glynn Purnell has urged the public to keep pushing Birmingham's great food scene, even as he acknowledges the hospitality sector is facing significant difficulties. This message comes amid recent personal challenges, including restaurant closures, yet Purnell remains optimistic about the city's culinary future.
Honour at Birmingham Airport's Icons Wall
Earlier this week, Glynn Purnell was honoured on Birmingham Airport's brand-new Icons Wall, a recognition he described as a massive honour. Having grown up near the airport in a council estate, this accolade holds special significance for the chef, celebrating his contributions to the local community and culinary landscape.
Recent Restaurant Ventures and Closures
In recent months, Purnell's focus has shifted to his new Birmingham restaurant, Trillium, which opened in December 2025. This launch followed the closure of his flagship Michelin-starred restaurant, Purnell's, in October 2024, after 17 years of operation in the city. Additionally, The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden had to shut its doors on March 15, 2026, due to unsustainable rising costs, highlighting the broader challenges in the hospitality industry.
Purnell's Perspective on Birmingham's Food Scene
Despite these setbacks, Purnell is keen to share his positive outlook on Birmingham's food scene. He reflected on past criticisms, noting that in the 1990s and early 2000s, Birmingham was often labelled the culinary desert of Europe. However, he pointed out that the city is now twinned with Lyon, a renowned gastro centre, showcasing its transformation.
"Birmingham has had many transitions, and it's got such a wealth of great food and culture. I think it's really important that we keep on promoting that, keep pushing how great our food scene is," Purnell told the Express & Star.
When asked about the current state of the food scene, Purnell admitted things are difficult, citing economic pressures where eating out and travel are often the first expenses cut. Yet, he remains hopeful, noting that new restaurants are opening, including his own Trillium, which he describes as thriving.
"It's obviously really difficult at the moment, in the hospitality sector. Eating and travelling go out the window first when you can't afford to do that. But I do think there's restaurants opening, I recently opened up a restaurant three months ago, and that's a thriving restaurant. There's lots of restaurants closing, I've closed restaurants myself. I think it's having that faith and that confidence to open it and give people what they want," he said.
Purnell's Favourite Dining Spots in Birmingham
To end on a positive note, Purnell recommended some of his favourite places to eat in the city. He highlighted Opheem, a restaurant by his friend Akhtar Islam, as the best place for a special night out. He also mentioned his own restaurants, humorously noting that he still has to pay and tip when dining there.
Additionally, Purnell praised Happy Lamb, a hot pot place in the China Quarter, located at 21 Ladywell Walk, Arcadian Centre, Birmingham, B5 4ST. He described it as great, offering an all-you-can-eat experience that showcases the diversity of Birmingham's food offerings.
Through his insights and recommendations, Glynn Purnell emphasises the importance of supporting and celebrating Birmingham's evolving food scene, even in challenging times.
