Leading Midlands chef Glynn Purnell will next week launch a bistro at a newly restored medieval monastery in Coventry. Purnell’s Café & Bistro at Charterhouse will provide coffee and snacks to visitors during the day, and remain open for drinks and meals in the evening.

It is a second out-of-town venue for Glynn, known as ‘the Yummy Brummie’, who opened his flagship Purnell’s in Birmingham’s CBD in 2007. Last year he announced his intention to expand further in the region with the launch of The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden.

Coventry’s Charterhouse (pictured below), one of the 10 Carthusian monasteries built in Britain, was founded in 1381 and is now the centrepiece of a 70-acre heritage park following a seven-year restoration costing £12million, part-funded by the National Lottery. Glynn’s involvement was first trailed four years ago.

The Carthusians were a notably ascetic order, the monks living contemplative lives in bare cells with few concessions to comfort. Glynn promises a very different experience to modern guests.

“Our cake counter will be a veritable feast for those visitors who have a sweet tooth. Freshly made cakes, pastries, snacks and hot drinks are on offer for those wishing to enjoy elevenses or a mid-afternoon treat, and the café & bistro also offers a ‘small plates’ menu with wine, champagne and other drinks available for those wishing to enjoy a celebratory lunch or evening meal.”

He added that the kitchen would have a “field-to-fork ethos, of making the most of the amazing produce being grown in the garden on site”.