Glynn Purnell to close The Asquith and reopen as Purnell's Bistro

Michelin-starred chef and Great British Menu mentor Glynn Purnell is to close his second Birmingham restaurant, The Asquith, in September and plans to reopen as Purnell's Bistro.

Purnell's Bistro, which opens on Wednesday 5 September, will offer diners honest portions of food, inspired by rustic home-cooking but with an eclectic twist.

Dishes on the new menu will include starters such as honey glaze confit duck with Waldorf salad and smoked haddock risotto, crunchy haddock and curry oil; main courses such as slow-cooked lamb with Moroccan spiced couscous with glazed plum tomatoes and harissa and Devon wreck fished cod with chorizo, spinach, goats cheese and butter beans. Desserts will include Bakewell tart with cherry ice cream and caramel chocolate and crème fraiche truffle.

"I want the new bistro to encompass much more than just my name. I am an extremely hands on chef and I will continue to support the team at the bistro, whilst cooking my fine-dining menu at Purnell's Restaurant on a daily basis," Purnell said.

A new team will be heading up Purnell's Bistro replacing restaurant manager Julie Tonsgaard and head chef Jason Eaves who both opened the Asquith with Purnell almost two years ago.

"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," Purnell adds.

Rebecca Dowling, acting as restaurant manager at The Asquith since June and will step up to the role of restaurant manager at Purnell's Bistro. Dowling trained at Michelin-starred restaurant Box Tree. Meanwhile, Micheal Dipple has been appointed as head chef. Orginally from from Birmingham, Dipple currently works as a senior sous chef at a four-star hotel in Wimbledon.

Ginger's Bar will remain at the same venue and will operate alongside the new bistro.

Glynn Purnell re-opens the Asquith and launches Ginger's Bar >>

By Katherine Alano

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