Four years after publishing his last much-acclaimed cookbook, Rib Ticklers and Choux-ins, Birmingham’s award-winning chef Glynn Purnell has new stories to tell and fresh recipes to share.
A Purnell’s Journey: There and Back Again features over 30 memorable dishes representing the best of Glynn, his innovative menus and the creative chefs and staff members who make up the Purnell’s brand and family.
With stunning photography, A Purnell’s Journey: There and Back Again reveals a glimpse into the inner workings of Purnell’s and Glynn’s philosophies. There are updates on time-proven favourites, inventive new ideas and contemporary twists on the classic dishes of Purnell’s. Looking backwards as well as forwards, the book reflects on Glynn’s remarkable path from the Chelmsley Wood estate to a TV audience of millions, acknowledging those who have provided influence and support; it is a joyous, moving and frequently hilarious story of one man’s vision and drive.
Glynn Purnell is one of gastronomy’s unique characters. Much-loved, much-admired, and much-respected, Glynn has finally committed his story to print. An exhaustive volume, running to 386 pages and weighing 6kg, this is an utterly beautiful, luxuriously printed book, that leaves no stone unturned. More than just a cookbook, A Purnell’s Journey: There and Back Again is a testament to Glynn Purnell’s conviction that anything is possible in today’s world with the right mix of creativity, persistence, and innovative thinking.
This book is a personal journey with Glynn. Looking back over his life in what is a definitive overview of his career, it features iconic recipes, hilarious stories, the sources of his inspiration and more. It is a true collector’s item for foodies, home cooks and at the same time, a remarkable resource for the serious cook or professional seeking the how and why of Glynn’s culinary techniques and creative process.
Glynn Purnell is known for his imaginative, cutting-edge cuisine. He launched Jessica’s in 2003, which was awarded Birmingham’s first Michelin star back in 2005, as well as being the AA Restaurant of the Year in the same year.
He previously worked at Simpsons in Kenilworth, Hibiscus in Ludlow and across Europe with many well-known Michelin starred chefs. Glynn is now the proud owner of two establishments in Birmingham- Purnell’s on Cornwall Street, which opened in 2007 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, winning the AA Restaurant of the Year Award in the same year; and Purnell’s Bistro & Ginger’s Bar on Newhall Street, which opened in 2012.
Glynn became a household name after taking part in the Great British Menu, winning twice and later appearing as a mentor. He has previously featured on The Great British Food Revival and The Secret Chef, among other television programmes. He can regularly be seen on Saturday Kitchen as a host and guest chef. He presented the latest series of My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4 in 2017.
Ahead of the book’s release, Glynn said: “I’ve said it many times, but I’m living the dream. I have my own restaurant; I’ve held a Michelin star for the last eleven years and I work with some of the best, hardest working and most creative people in the industry. There are times when I feel truly blessed.
This book reflects on just that. It follows my journey. It retraces the steps I’ve taken from the council estate I grew up on to working with some of the greatest producers and most brilliant chefs in the world. It’s all in there. And so is the fun. There are stories that will make you laugh and cry, escapades that put the pleasure into what we do.
It’s my way of thanking the people who have helped me achieve my dream over many years. As well as celebrating the team, the book also shines a light on the food. We’ve managed to create some great dishes over the years, and we feature the best of them in this book. This book is like my ‘Greatest Hits’ album. I hope the readers will recognise some of my signature dishes and enjoy them just as much as our customers have.
More than anything, this book is for the people who have stuck by us; the people who’ve believed in us, supported us and seen us through the times when it’s been tougher than I ever imagined it would be, as well as the good times.”
A Purnell’s Journey: There and Back Again is Glynn’s third cookbook. It is available now, priced at £85, and is on sale at Purnell’s or direct from the publisher at: