before opening purnell's in july 2007, glynn purnell was quoted by the birmingham mail as saying that he hoped that the new restaurant would achieve the award of 2 michelin stars in 5 to 7 years but that hope remains unfulfilled. the restaurant was awarded 1 michelin star in 2009. the first maitre d' at purnell's was jean benoit burloux who had previously worked in a more junior role at jessica's. he was succeeded by sonal clare in 2014 who began work at purnell's in 2008 as a waiter and was awarded the best sommelier award at the gq food and drink awards 2018 in may 2018. sonal clare left purnell’s on 21 december 2019 to work as general manager and head sommelier at the wilderness from january 2020.