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

Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell has re-opened his second restaurant The Asquith and an exclusive cocktail bar Ginger's in Birmingham this week.

 

The two-time Great British Menu winner, has relaunched restaurant at a new site after Purnell was forced to close after a a fall out with the landlord.

 

The 6,500ft site on Newhall Street, formerly occupied by Must dim sum bar and restaurant has been given a £150,000 refurbishment.

 

Ginger's bar, which is housed in the same building, takes it's theme from the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire era, to inject a touch of elegance and flamboyance into Birmingham’s bar and restaurant scene.

 

“The concept of Ginger’s Bar will compliment The Asquith restaurant perfectly. After identifying a gap in the marketplace, I explored opportunities within the Colmore Business District and stumbled across this site. It will be a momentous moment when both ventures are working alongside each other,” said Purnell.

 

Chris Hoy, winner of the Chase Vodka’s National Bartender of the Year 2011, has been appointed general manager.

 

“Ginger’s Bar adopts the modern day “Design for Drinking” theory and is influenced by the golden age of the classic American cocktail bar," he said.

 

“We want people to enjoy the experience, offering a taste of Manhattan in Birmingham’s Square Mile. Customers will be able to relax in the heavily influenced 1930’s surroundings, while sipping on re-mastered timeless classic cocktails or more outlandish drinks, to include vodka based autumnal tipples or a lamb and mint flavoured Sunday roast in a glass."

 

Ginger's Bar will offer classic cocktails as well as ‘forward thinking’ creations such as the ‘Smoked Bacon & Maple Old Fashioned’ pioneered by New York bartender Eben Freeman.

 

Hoy hopes to also champion innovative techniques such as ‘grilling’ for the ‘Scorched Lemon & Vanilla Margarita’.

 

Ginger’s Bar will also offer an extensive spirits list, a variety of local ciders, bohemian lagers and award winning cask ales. A fine wine list has been meticulously selected by Tonsgaard and Jean-Benoit Burloux, maître de at Purnells.

 

“It is fantastic to have Chris involved to head up Ginger’s Bar, his experience and enthusiasm is mind blowing. My faith in the original team at The Asquith has never been in doubt, so it is a pleasure to welcome them back to create such an explosive formula with Chris and his new bar team,” Purnell added.

 

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