Glynn Purnell — the “Yummy Brummie” himself- sits down for one of his most honest interviews to date.
In this episode of Breaking Bread Birmingham, Glynn opens up about the rise of Birmingham’s food scene, how his childhood shaped his cooking, and the huge emotional toll of closing his Michelin-star restaurant after nearly 20 years. He also talks openly about media pressure, his struggles behind the scenes, and why he’s more determined than ever to stay rooted in the city that made him.
We also dive into:
- Growing up in Chelmsley Wood & discovering food through family
- Winning Birmingham’s first Michelin star at Jessica’s
- The legacy of Purnell’s and what led to its closure
- How Birmingham transformed into a nationally recognised food city
- His brand-new restaurant, Trillium, opening in Snow Hill
- The resilience, humour and grit that keep him going
If you love food, Birmingham, or stories of ambition and adversity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
👇 Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 Intro
08:30 Birmingham's Best restaurants
15:14 "Chef's Nicknames"
17:40 "Football, Politics, and Blues Drama"
23:21 Saturday Traditions
27:19 "First Wok Cooking Mishap"
35:45 "Gary Rhodes: Reviving British Cuisine"
39:59 "Immersing and Adapting in Birmingham"
46:28 "Flexible Dining Experience Explained"
51:44 Resilience Despite Press Challenges
52:58 "Resolving Issues Through Accommodation"
01:03:02 "Asda Pan Cooking Story"
01:07:52 "BBC Sport Leak Discussion"
01:13:04 "Chaos in Fine Dining"
01:19:17 "Great British Menu Triumph"
01:23:40 Pork Belly and Polenta Feast
01:28:06 "Chasing Stars at 21"
Follow Glynn- https://www.instagram.com/chefglynnpurnell/
Check Out Trillium- https://www.instagram.com/trilliumrestaurant/
https://www.trilliumrestaurant.co.uk/
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