The "Yummy Brummie" Goes Spanish: Is Plates by Purnell’s a Hit or a Miss?

Glynn Purnell

is a name synonymous with Birmingham’s culinary rise. He earned the city’s first Michelin star back in 2005 and held a star at his flagship, Purnell’s, for a staggering 17 years. Sadly, in a move that shocked the city, the flagship restaurant closed its doors permanently (and controversy) in October 2024 due to the "insane" rising costs of hospitality. However, Glynn isn't staying quiet—he’s doubled down on his smaller ventures, including the recent opening of Trillium at Snow Hill in late 2025.

Bland prawns

Plates by Purnell’s is his "cosy" Spanish venture, and it definitely feels like a passion project. The space is small, intimate, and has a great buzz, with service that is exactly what you'd expect from a Michelin-pedigree team: professional, friendly, and helpful. As it’s a tapas spot, they suggest ordering a few plates to share, which is standard procedure—but this is where the experience started to plateau for me.

Nicely cook but not a flavourful octopus

While the octopus had a decent texture—chewy but not tough—the flavour was surprisingly muted; I’ve honestly had more punchy octopus from a Costco pack. The prawns were equally underwhelming and lacked that sea-salt sweetness you crave in Spanish cooking. The tomato bread was a highlight, though it arrived with the sauce served separately, which felt like an unnecessary "assembly required" step. Overall, the food felt quite average and struggled to leave a lasting impression; there was simply nothing memorable or impressive enough to make me sit up and take notice. For a place with such a big name attached and a premium price tag, the food felt like it was playing it a bit too safe.

Prefer the tomato is put on the bread

Verdict: A charming spot with top-tier service, but the food struggles to justify the "Purnell" price premium. Good for a average craving, but lacking that Michelin-level spark.

Rating:
Food: 3.5/5 - Surprisingly bland seafood; the flavours didn't live up to the celebrity chef name.
Service: 4.5/5 - Excellent, warm, and professional; the highlight of the visit.
Decor: 4/5 - Small, cosy, and very well-designed for a date night.
Value: 3/5 - High prices for tapas portions that don't quite deliver on taste.
Overall: 3.5/5 - Worth a go if you're a Purnell superfan, but Birmingham has stronger Spanish options.

Estimated cost per person: £35.00 – £50.00

Restaurant Info:
Plates by Purnell's
Address: 1 Edmund St, Birmingham B3 3HH

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