Glynn Purnell, whose Purnell’s in Birmingham city centre is hailed as the second best restaurant in Britain in the new Harden’s 2022 guide, is to open his first venue outside the city in Henley-in-Arden next month.

The Mount by Glynn Purnell is a refurbished historic pub – formerly the Butchers’ Social – on the high street of the medieval Warwickshire town that grew around the de Montfort family’s Beaudesert Castle in the ancient Forest of Arden, famous from Shakespeare’s plays.

The building is owned by local businessman Luke Fryer and his wife Tania, who have combined with Glynn on the project, while several members of staff, including general manager Pete Casson, have transferred across from Purnell’s Bistro and Ginger’s Bar, the Purnell’s spinoff in Birmingham that closed down at the end of its lease last autumn.

The Mount will accommodate 60 diners with a similar number in the garden, to feast on a menu of modern British cuisine with global and classical influences, plus bar snacks including hand-made burgers and black pudding Scotch eggs.

Glynn says: “I am thrilled and proud to be part of what is unquestionably going to be an amazing venue. Bringing the Purnell’s brand to Henley-in-Arden, one of the prettiest towns in England, is very exciting. My award-winning team and I will bring a stunning pub which will serve some amazing dishes. There will be some recognisable pub dishes on the menu – all with an added sprinkle of Purnell’s magic. The food will be tasty, hearty and will put a smile on people’s faces.” 

Known from his TV appearances as “the Yummy Brummie”, Glynn has further expansion plans, most notably a fine-dining restaurant in Coventry’s historic charterhouse, which is currently subject to a long-drawn-out refurbishment. The Mount is taking bookings from March 30.