Purnell set to close his latest city restaurant
BIRMINGHAM’S Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell is to close his latest restaurant in the city and relaunch it as his own branded bistro.
The Asquith, which only opened in Newhall Street last year, will officially close after the last evening service on September 1. The venue will then be refitted ready for the launch of Purnell’s Bistro just five days later.
Mr Purnell said: “I promised myself that I would achieve certain ambitions in my career. Firstly, to gain a Michelin star at Purnell’s, the second to open Ginger’s Bar with The Asquith and the third being to launch Purnell’s Bistro.”
The new bistro is set offer a variety of more simplistic, classic dishes but with an outlandish twist. The chef hopes the new offering will be a welcome addition to the city’s thriving food scene.
“It is well-known that I am driven by my passion to excite people through food, especially the innovative dishes inspired by my childhood. The concept of Purnell’s Bistro will continue to entice people with honest portions of food, inspired by rustic home-cooking but with an eclectic twist,” he said.
“Running a Michelin starred restaurant allows you to be at the forefront the British food, there has been a massive movement in the bistro culture from Paris into London, with the likes of Bruno Loubet and Bistrotheque opening in the capital.
“The fine dining scene in Birmingham has gone from strength to strength and we have some top chefs already in the city, with more wanting a slice of the action. Well known chefs are choosing to open their brand of restaurants in the city centre but I want to go that step further.”
Mr Purnell said he was aware that rumours regarding The Asquith had begun to circulate and he wanted to clarify the situation.
“I know questions will arise from the closure of The Asquith, especially since I relocated from the original address in Edgbaston. The answer is simple, in this life we meet challenges and it is how we face them,” he said.
“I have met this challenge head on and want to aspire to greater things. I want to also stress that Ginger’s Bar will remain at the same venue and will operate alongside the new bistro.
“I opened The Asquith to give a younger management team the opportunity to grow the business and make their mark. For a variety of reasons, people chose different paths in life and I wish the original duo only the best in what they do; one heading off to travel the world and the other to start a family.”
