Purnell’s £750 vouchers useless after restaurant closure | Global News Avenue

A woman who spent £750 in vouchers for a Michelin-starred restaurant before it closed fears she could lose her money.

Purnell’s restaurant in Birmingham, known for its contemporary seasonal food, closed in October.

But more than a dozen people contacted the BBC to say they had been told vouchers sometimes worth hundreds of pounds would not be refunded or exchanged.

Glynn Purnell, who runs the restaurant, said he was “heartbroken” about the restaurant’s closure and apologized for what he called a “difficult situation.”

Therese Roberts, a retired marketer from Coventry, said she bought £500 worth of vouchers for her children last Christmas and later bought £250 worth of vouchers for friends.

She said she didn’t realize the restaurant had closed until she read BBC report on this.

After contacting the liquidator, Ms Roberts was told the vouchers were not redeemable and no refunds possible.

Her request to use them at another of Mr Purnell’s restaurants was also denied.

“I’m really disappointed,” the 58-year-old said. “He classifies himself as a ‘delicious Brummie’. He blames greedy chains for taking away his business, but he doesn’t want to communicate or compromise with me.

“I thought he was a better person than that. It left a rotten taste in my mouth.”

Ms Roberts had previously visited Purnell’s with her husband and said it was a “great experience”.

She said she really enjoyed dining at the fine dining restaurant and wanted her loved ones to try it too.

“He came across as a down-to-earth boy from Chelmsley Wood,” Purnell’s mother added.

“I thought he would understand what it was like to be a regular guy on the street.”

Ms Roberts was one of several customers who were told to contact their bank to try to get a refund, but many received their refunds as gifts, some as much as a year ago.

Sean Devlin, 72, from Malvern, Worcestershire, said he had two vouchers for a five-course lunch worth £110 but could no longer use them.

The retired schoolmaster received the voucher as a Christmas present last year but when he tried to book a table he was told Purnell’s was closed.

“I didn’t get any information from them,” he said. “It really pissed me off.

“They’ve been through a hard time, but so have a lot of other people. I’m sure they’ve made a lot of money over the years.”

Angela Blacker, from Brosley, Shropshire, received the same voucher as Mr Devlin as a 60th birthday present.

The retiree was surprised when she found out the gift would not be honored.

“I was blown away by the level of customer service,” she said. “We have absolutely nothing.

“It’s not our fault that he closed the restaurant. I was really looking forward to going somewhere fancy, but not anymore.”

After the restaurant closed, Purnell said the restaurant had gone through “a very difficult time,” with bookings down more than 20%.

“Things have changed and times have changed,” he said. “No one is invulnerable in the current environment.”

But he hinted there might be more to come, adding: “I’m excited for the future and the next step in my journey. This isn’t the last you’ll hear about ‘Yummy Brummie’.”

Mr Purnell issued a statement on Saturday saying the closure was the responsibility of the liquidators and that issues regarding the vouchers must be resolved with them legally.

“I am so grateful for everyone’s support as the restaurant sadly and unexpectedly closes after 17 years,” he said.

“We have been told that refunds can also be requested through the customer’s own bank and credit card company. I can only apologize for this difficult situation.”

The BBC has also contacted liquidator Butcher Woods for comment.