‘No rules dining’ - Opening details revealed for Glynn Purnell’s new Birmingham restaurant

Glynn Purnell, one of Birmingham’s most celebrated chefs, has announced the opening date for his new restaurant, Trillium.

Created in partnership with wine specialist Phil Innes, the 48-cover venue will launch on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in the city’s Snow Hill business district.

It marks marking a new chapter for the chef known as the ‘Yummy Brummie’, who a year ago closed his eponymous Michelin-starred Purnell’s after 17 years.

Set to offer a relaxed yet refined dining experience, Trillium will focus on flexibility and flavour, combining bold, seasonal cooking with a dynamic, rotating wine list curated by Phil.

The pair describe the concept as “a fresh take on fine dining,” where guests are encouraged to eat “on their own terms”.

“At Trillium, choice is at the heart of the experience,” said Glynn.

“We want our guests to enjoy the menu however they like - whether that’s a traditional three-course meal or a personalised selection of sharing plates.

“It’s all about dining on your own terms, having as much or as little as you like, spending what you want, with no rules.”

The kitchen team

Glynn will lead the kitchen as chef patron, joined by head chef Rob Palmer and sous chef Andrew Kay.

Rob earned his reputation at Peel’s at Hampton Manor, where he achieved a Michelin star in 2016 before opening his own restaurant, Toffs by Rob Palmer, in Solihull. He later served as executive chef at Ansty Hall in Coventry.

Together, the team aims to deliver a seasonal, ever-evolving menu designed around shared dining. Guests can expect a variety of small and large plates celebrating local produce and global inspiration - a style that encourages conversation and exploration at the table.

“I’ve assembled a team with experience in some of the region’s finest kitchens,” Glynn added.

“Our primary goal is to deliver exceptional, high-quality food, crafted from the very best local ingredients.”

Ever-changing wine offering

The wine programme, led by Phil of Loki Wine, will mirror this philosophy of discovery, showcasing an ever-changing selection from both established producers and hidden gems.

“We’re creating a wine list that holds as much significance as the food,” said Phil.

“It’s not about status, it’s about a dynamic, changing selection that highlights lesser-known wines and expected discoveries.

“Today’s diners value choice, and there will always be something to surprise and delight, including our own exclusive signature wine, a unique blend I’ve created personally for the restaurant.”

Inspiration behind the design

Trillium’s design reflects the same creative energy. The interiors draw inspiration from nature and folklore, featuring hand-painted finishes, textured glass, and lighting that evokes dappled woodland light.

A lively outdoor terrace just off Colmore Row will provide additional space for guests to enjoy wine and small plates in a more casual setting.

Trillium will open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with additional festive dates in December. Reservations are now live via this link.

Glynn, who trained under Gordon Ramsay, Claude Bosi and Gary Rhodes, earned Birmingham’s first Michelin star in 2005 at Jessica’s before opening Purnell’s in 2007, which held a star from 2008 until its closure. He is also a familiar face on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Great British Menu, and ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning.

Phil, founder of Loki Wine, has long been credited with modernising Birmingham’s wine scene through his approachable yet expert-led ethos - making this collaboration a natural evolution for both.