BBC star who appeared on Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen heartbroken as she announces devastating news – and is flooded with fan support

A BBC chef who has appeared on shows including Come Dine With Me, The Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen shared his sadness as he announced devastating news about his career on Monday.

Glynn Purnell has announced that her Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s has closed, after more than fifteen years operating in Birmingham.

The 49-year-old TV chef has also appeared on ITV’s This Morning and TV show My Kitchen Rules.

A statement released by Purnell’s says: ‘Glynn Purnell, the chef at Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s, has announced that his establishment has closed its doors for the final time on Saturday 12th October.

“The news marks the end of an era for the Birmingham-based restaurant, which for 17 years has been widely acclaimed for its seasonally influenced dishes and contemporary take on British cuisine.

A BBC chef who has appeared on shows including Come Dine With Me, The Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen is heartbroken as he announces devastating news about his career on Monday

Glynn Purnell has announced that her Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s has closed, after more than fifteen years operating in Birmingham

‘Purnell’s, which opened on 7 July 2007, quickly became a foodie hotspot and Birmingham’s most iconic restaurant, winning a Michelin star in 2008.

‘Known for being a fixture on Birmingham’s food scene, Purnell, who trained under renowned chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, expressed deep sadness at the closure, citing a combination of economic pressures and the ongoing challenges facing the hospitality industry .’

Glynn added: ‘Purnell’s was my proudest moment and I am heartbroken to say that after 17 years we have served our last guest.

‘It fills my heart with pride to say that Purnell’s has been a smashing success since day one. It has won every award, 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.

‘Purnell’s has been a place where I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the greatest talent I’ve ever met and where I’ve trained people who now work in some of the best restaurants in the world, from New York to Australia.

‘However, the world does not stand still. Things have changed and times have changed. In this current climate, no one is bulletproof.’

The chef continued: “I would like to thank everyone who has worked for me over the years. I have always had a team that is like family to me, who have worked with creativity, passion and enthusiasm to make Purnell the success it has been for 17 years.

‘I would also like to thank everyone who has eaten here and celebrated life here. I’ve raised a glass with guests who have come through our doors to celebrate birthdays, graduations, first dates, weddings, anniversaries and many other life events, and I’m thrilled they chose Purnell’s for all of these occasions. Brum, love.

A statement released by Purnell’s says: ‘Glynn Purnell, the chef behind Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s, has announced that his establishment has closed its doors for the final time on Saturday 12th October.

The 49-year-old TV chef has also appeared on ITV’s This Morning and TV show My Kitchen Rules (pictured in his restaurant in 2007)

Purnell’s, which opened on 7 July 2007, quickly became a foodie hotspot and Birmingham’s most iconic restaurant, winning a Michelin star in 2008.

Former MasterChef winner Simon Wood and singer Beverley Knight commented on the post

The chef’s fans took to the comments to share their devastation

Former MasterChef winner Simon Wood wrote ‘When will this country listen. Hospitality needs help.

Beverley Knight also wrote: ‘Destroyed by you. I love this place. ❤️’

Meanwhile, other fans of the chef took to the comments to share their devastation, writing: “What a shame. We celebrate many happy occasions here ❤️ sad loss for Birmingham.’

‘Onwards and upwards man.. you killed it for years ❤️❤️❤️ long may you continue x’

‘Sad sad day for Brum. All the best to the team.

‘It’s very sad to read this, but I’m glad we managed to get there recently to enjoy it one last time. A true end of an era, what a legacy.”

‘What a loss in our great city. Purnell’s is iconic.

‘My favorite restaurant… what sad news. I’ve celebrated special birthdays and anniversaries there over the years!’

‘Devastating news for the industry and for Birmingham.’