BBC chef ‘heartbroken’ to announce closure of Michelin-starred restaurant after 17 years --[Reported by Umva mag]

A chef who has appeared on shows including Saturday Kitchen, Come Dine with Me and Great British Menu has announced the closure of his Michelin-starred restaurant.

Glynn Purnell started his career in 1996, working with notable chefs including Gordon Ramsay.

He later went on to open his own restaurant, Purnell’s, in Birmingham in 2007.

It was awarded a coveted Michelin star the following year.

Glynn, 49, also appeared on several TV shows, as well as helming 40 episodes of My Kitchen Rules in its third season.

However this week he announced the closure of his restaurant, which was known for its contemporary approach to British cuisine.

The chef pointed to economic pressures and the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry when explaining the decision.

‘Purnell’s has been my proudest moment, and I am heartbroken to say that after 17 years we have served our final guest,’ he said in a statement posted on Instagram.

‘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.’

He continued: ‘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.’

Glynn then thanked those who had worked for him over the years, who had displayed ‘creativity, passion and enthusiasm to make Purnell’s the success it has been’.

‘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,’ he added.

The chef also said the establishment had been going through a ‘really tough time’ and had seen bookings fall by more than 20%.

‘It’s just come to a point where it’s not sustainable for me to continue,’ he told the BBC.

However, he did say he ‘still wanted to cook and loved what I do’.

Former MasterChef winner Simon Wood commented: ‘When will this country listen. Hospitality need help.’

‘Gutted for you. Love this place,’ Beverley Knight added.

Glynn said he would now devote his time to his two other establishments, Plates by Purnell’s on Edmund Street in Birmingham and The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden.

After opening his second restaurant, The Asquith, in 2010 it closed the following year due to a dispute with the building’s landlord.

Saturday Kitchen airs each weekend at 10am on BBC One.

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