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Purnell's: A Modern British Culinary Icon in Birmingham

Experience inventive modern British cuisine with playful elegance at Birmingham’s Michelin-starred Purnell's, a city dining icon.

4.7

Located on Cornwall Street in Birmingham, Purnell's is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant renowned for its inventive modern British cuisine crafted by celebrated chef Glynn Purnell. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience featuring playful, detailed dishes that blend local pride with culinary creativity in a stylish, contemporary setting.

A brief summary to Purnells

  • 55 Cornwall St, Birmingham, B3 2DH, GB
  • +441212129799
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-1:30 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-1:30 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-1:30 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-1:30 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-1:30 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-1:30 pm

Local tips

  • Reserve well in advance, as Purnell's was highly sought after during its operation.
  • Explore the tasting menu for a full experience of Glynn Purnell’s inventive dishes.
  • Enjoy the attentive and knowledgeable service, which complements the sophisticated atmosphere.
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Purnells location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Legacy of Culinary Innovation

Purnell's has been a cornerstone of Birmingham's fine dining scene since its launch in 2007 by Glynn Purnell, a chef celebrated for his inventiveness and deep connection to the city. Over 17 years, the restaurant built a reputation for delivering highly individual tasting menus that mix humor, nostalgia, and technical skill. Dishes often include playful nods to British culinary history, such as reinterpretations of classic party foods and desserts, all presented with meticulous detail and creativity.

Atmosphere and Service Excellence

The restaurant’s interior is spacious and modern, reflecting a contemporary British aesthetic that complements its culinary style. The staff are known for being friendly, polite, and highly knowledgeable, providing pitch-perfect service that enhances the overall dining experience. The atmosphere balances refined elegance with a welcoming warmth, making it suitable for special occasions and discerning diners seeking a memorable meal.

Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights

Purnell's offers a full tasting menu that is experimental yet accessible, featuring a range of dishes that showcase seasonal British ingredients with unexpected twists. Highlights have included truffle-themed pig sablés with cheese custard, roast sirloin of beef with girolles and pistachio, and inventive desserts like mint chocolate chip finales. The lunch menu is pared down but equally impressive, with perfectly seasoned fish dishes and crisply textured tart creations.

Chef Glynn Purnell's Vision and Impact

Glynn Purnell’s approach combines a proud Brummie identity with a devotion to detail and a sense of humor that permeates the menu and dining experience. His refusal to adopt pretentious culinary terms in favor of more approachable language reflects his personality and philosophy. Purnell’s has influenced Birmingham’s dining culture by elevating local ingredients and flavors to a fine dining context, inspiring chefs and food lovers alike.

The Closing Chapter and Lasting Influence

After a distinguished 17-year run, Purnell's closed its doors in October 2024, marking the end of an era for Birmingham’s gastronomic landscape. Despite its closure, the restaurant’s legacy endures through its contributions to modern British cuisine and the city’s culinary prestige. Glynn Purnell remains a celebrated figure, continuing to shape the region’s food scene with new ventures.

Location and Setting

Situated in the heart of Birmingham on Cornwall Street, Purnell's was easily accessible within the city center, surrounded by the vibrant urban environment. Its location added to its appeal as a destination for both locals and visitors seeking an exceptional dining experience in a stylish setting.

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