Glynn Purnell pub set to close

The Staff Canteen

The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley-in-Arden will close its doors next month.

The final service will take place on Sunday, March 15.

The pub, owned by Luke Fryer and his wife Tania, first opened in March 2022 and has served the local community for four years. However, Luke and Tania have taken what they described as a “difficult decision” to cease trading, citing sustained financial pressures across the sector.

In a statement, the business confirmed that rising running costs, increasing food prices and higher energy bills have made the pub no longer financially viable.

Customers who hold vouchers have been asked to contact the pub directly to arrange a booking and redeem them before the final service on March 15. Luke and Tania also confirmed that all staff are being supported through the closure process and that all suppliers will be paid.

Glynn: “It’s simply not sustainable to continue”

Glynn Purnell said: “After four wonderful years, the very tough decision has been made to close The Mount. I’ve genuinely loved my time at the pub – it’s been a special place with a brilliant team and fantastic guests who have supported us from day one.

“The hospitality landscape has become increasingly challenging, and despite everyone’s hard work, it’s simply not sustainable to continue. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity and for the commitment shown throughout. I wish Luke and Tania every success for the future.

“I’ll now be focusing my time on my other ventures – Trillium and Plates by Purnell’s in Birmingham, and The Wood Norton in Evesham – and I look forward to welcoming guests there.”

Luke and Tania Fryer said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make. We are so proud of what The Mount has achieved since opening in March 2022 and of the team who have worked tirelessly to make it such a welcoming and well-regarded pub.

“However, with the continued rise in operating costs – from food and drink to energy and general overheads – it has become clear that the business is no longer viable. We want to thank our staff for their dedication and professionalism, our suppliers for their support, and, most importantly, our loyal customers who have supported The Mount over the past four years.

“We are committed to ensuring our team are looked after and that all suppliers are paid, and we hope to see many of our guests before we close our doors on March 15.”

Further updates will be shared via the pub’s social media channels. For enquiries regarding existing or future bookings, customers can contact the pub on 01564 792135 or visit www.themountpub.co.uk

A Birmingham-born chef with national profile

Glynn, widely regarded as one of Birmingham’s most recognisable culinary figures, first rose to prominence with Purnell’s, his Michelin-starred restaurant in the city centre. Known for his modern British cooking and playful approach to flavour, he earned his star in 2009 and has retained a strong presence on the national stage ever since.

He has also become a familiar television personality, appearing regularly on programmes including Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen.

The Mount represented a return to a more relaxed, pub-led format within his portfolio, offering accessible, produce-driven dishes in a neighbourhood setting. Its closure reflects the increasing strain on independent food-led pubs, particularly those operating in smaller towns where margins are tight and overheads continue to rise.

Exterior of Glynn Purnell's restaurant Trillium

Focus shifts to Trillium and Birmingham projects

The closure comes at a time of transition for Glynn, who recently announced the launch of Trillium in Birmingham, a new restaurant marking the next chapter of his career. Positioned as a more refined and ambitious concept, Trillium signals a renewed focus on city-centre dining, alongside Plates by Purnell’s and his involvement with The Wood Norton in Evesham.

While his attention now turns to these ventures, The Mount’s closure will be felt locally in Henley-in-Arden, where it has operated as a chef-backed neighbourhood pub since 2022, and serves as another example of the ongoing pressures facing the UK hospitality sector in 2026.

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 16th February 2026

Glynn Purnell pub set to close