Customers face voucher loss after Michelin-starred restaurant’s closure

A woman who invested £750 in vouchers for a Michelin-starred restaurant before its closure is concerned she may have lost her money. Purnell’s in Birmingham, celebrated for its contemporary seasonal cuisine, ceased operations in October. However, more than a dozen individuals have contacted the BBC, reporting that they were informed their vouchers, some valued at hundreds of pounds, would not be refunded or redeemed. Glynn Purnell, the restaurant’s operator, stated he was “heartbroken” by the closure and apologized for what he described as a “difficult situation”. Therese Roberts, a 58-year-old retired marketing professional from Coventry, explained she purchased £500 worth of vouchers for her children last Christmas, subsequently spending an additional £250 on a voucher for a friend. She noted she only became aware of the restaurant’s closure after reading the BBC’s report. Upon contacting liquidators, Ms Roberts was informed that the vouchers were irredeemable and refunds could not be issued. Her request to utilize them at another of Mr Purnell’s restaurants was also denied. “I’m really disappointed,” she expressed. “He classes himself as the ‘Yummy Brummie’. He blames greedy chains taking his business but he didn’t want to communicate or come to a compromise with me.” She added, “I thought he was a better man than that. It’s left a rotten taste in my mouth.” Ms Roberts had previously visited Purnell’s with her husband, describing it as a “great experience”. She conveyed her enjoyment of dining at the premium establishment and wished for her loved ones to experience it as well. “He’s come across as a down to earth boy from Chelmsley Wood,” the mother commented regarding Mr Purnell. “I thought he would understand what it was like to be an ordinary person in the street.” Ms Roberts was among several customers advised to contact their banks to seek a refund, though many had received the vouchers as gifts, in some instances up to a year prior. Sean Devlin, 72, from Malvern, Worcestershire, reported holding a £110 ticket for a five-course lunch for two, which he can no longer use. The retired head teacher received the voucher as a Christmas gift last year, but was informed Purnell’s was closed when he attempted to book a table. “I have had no information at all from them,” he stated. “It makes me cross really. “They have had a difficult time, but so have many other people. I’m sure they have made good money over the years.” Angela Blacker, from Broseley in Shropshire, received the same voucher as Mr Devlin as a present for her 60th birthday. The retiree expressed surprise upon discovering the gift would not be honored. “I’m shocked at the level of customer service,” she said. “We have had absolutely nothing at all. “It’s not our fault he’s closed the restaurant. I was really looking forward to going somewhere posh, but it’s not going to happen now.” Speaking after the restaurant’s closure, Mr Purnell mentioned the eatery had endured “a really tough time” and experienced a decline in bookings exceeding 20%. “Things have moved on and times have changed,” he remarked. “In this current climate, no-one is bulletproof.” He also hinted at future ventures, adding: “I’m excited for the future and the next steps in my journey. This isn’t the last you’ve heard of the ‘Yummy Brummie’.” On Saturday, Mr Purnell issued a statement clarifying that the closure was being handled by liquidators and that all inquiries regarding vouchers must legally be directed to them. “I have been very grateful for the support in the unfortunate and unforeseen closure of the restaurant after 17 years,” he conveyed. “We have been advised that refunds can also be requested via customers own banks and credit card companies. I can only apologise for this difficult situation.” The BBC has also contacted liquidator Butcher Woods for comment. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.