Glyn Purnell - Chef's Table Show Garden

BBC Gardeners’ World LIVE 2024 - Show Interviews

Find Glynn Purnell at BBC Gardeners’ World Live on all four days (13-16 June) at the Chef’s Table Show Garden.

Often called the ‘Yummy Brummie’, Glynn Purnell started cooking professionally at the age of 14. After securing a work experience placement in a hotel kitchen, he spent the next two years catching the No 966 bus to the Metropole Hotel at the NEC where he was quickly promoted to making salads and flipping burgers. A six-year stint followed, gaining experience in every department from banqueting to the A La Carte Terrace Restaurant, where he discovered his talent and passion for fine dining. It wasn’t long before he began winning awards including the prestigious Salon Culinaire.

His next professional step was as Chef de Partie at Simpson’s Restaurant where he progressed to the position of Sous Chef. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star and Glynn went on to win many accolades within the industry.

After training with top chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, Glynn travelled abroad to work with well-known Michelin starred chefs in Europe. He went on to help launch Jessica’s in July 2003, which was awarded Birmingham’s first Michelin star back in 2005. Glynn is now the proud owner of two establishments in Birmingham, Purnell’s Restaurant on Cornwall Street, which opened in July 2007 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, and Purnell’s Bistro & Ginger’s Bar on Newhall Street, which opened in September 2012.

Glynn has become a household name after taking part in the Great British Menu, winning twice and then later appearing as a mentor. He has previously featured on The Great British Food Revival and The Secret Chef, among other television programmes. He can regularly be seen on Saturday Kitchen as a host and guest chef. He presented the latest series of My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4 last year.

Michelin Star – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
AA Restaurant of the Year (England) 2009
The Guardian Top 10 Restaurants in the Midlands 2010
Harden’s Restaurant Guide 2016 – listed 54th in top 100 restaurants in the country
BMW Square Meal Best UK Restaurant Award 2012
What’s On Readers Awards 2016, 2017, 2018 – Best Midlands Chef (Glynn Purnell)
What’s On Readers Awards 2016, 2017, 2018 – Best Birmingham Restaurant
Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2016, 2018 – Best Michelin Star Restaurant
Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2016 – Best Chef (Glyn Purnell)
Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2018 – Special Recognition Award (Glynn Purnell)