The five real reasons Glynn Purnell closed down his Birmingham restaurant

The top chef shared more on why he's closed the doors of Cornwall Street restaurant Purnell's

Glynn Purnell has shared five reasons why he closed down his eponymous Birmingham restaurant. The Michelin Star chef announced yesterday, Monday, October 15, that Purnell's on Cornwall Street would not be reopening to customers.

In a statement to followers on social media, Purnell's said that 'a combination of economic pressures and the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry' contributed to the closure. In an interview with BBC Radio WM, the chef delved further into that, explaining that the restaurant is 'non-sustainable'.

The 49-year-old explained that the restaurant was completely independent for 17 years and it 'never had any sort of big financial backer'. He said that he believed footfall had dropped in Birmingham city centre.

Read more: Purnell's in Birmingham has shut down but I don't think expensive dinners are to blame

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The chef told the station that long-standing parking charge changes were also discouraging people from visiting town, as did the Clean Air Zone, which charges motorists that drive in the city centre. He also added that he felt recent demonstrations in town had made people feel uneasy.

Glynn also said that 'horrific' traffic levels linked to building works in the city had affected business. He added: "This country seems to be penalising itself to try to prove something to the rest of the world."

Purnell's opened in Birmingham in 2007 and it was awarded a Michelin Star in 2009, which is has held ever since. You can read his full statement regarding the closure here as well as the reaction from other Birmingham chefs, businesses and celebrities.