Glynn, affectionately known as the ‘Yummy Brummie’ said:

“Myself and the whole team at Purnell’s are delighted to have won the three awards at the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards on Monday evening.

My personal congratulations go to my Restaurant Manager Sonal Clare, who has now won two awards in the last couple of months (this, and the GQ Award for Best Sommelier) which recognise his huge level of skill as a Sommelier.

On a wider level, my huge congratulations go to the whole team at Purnell’s, as every single member of staff plays a massive role in us winning the Best Michelin Star Restaurant award.

On a personal note, I would like to say how humbled I am to receive the Special Recognition award, and how proud I am to have played a part in the Midlands food revolution that is currently going on across my fantastic city of Birmingham and beyond. ”

The Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality industry was out in full force and saw over 450 people in attendance, including the biggest names and faces in the food and catering industry from all around the West Midlands, to honour and award the very best restaurants, cafes, eateries, chains, hotels, chefs and more in the world of hospitality.

The MFDH awards was again this year headline sponsored by Pepsi Max, with diamond sponsors NFU Mutual, Swallow Drinks, Evolve Hospitality and category sponsors Britvic, Pathway Group, Three Church Road, NA Consulting, Midlands Retail Forum, Illy, Freedom Brewery and Adapt Accountancy.

The night kicked off with a stellar reception that welcomed the guests, hosts, judges and sponsors to the beautifully decorated venue at the cricket ground. It was an electric night full of fun and frolics.

Host Raaj Shamji, known for his flamboyance and infectious humour, and his eclectic band kept the guests entertained with their unique brand of wit, wonder and flair. They brought a sense of cabaret, zest and fun to the night that kept everything up and lively.

Live music was provided by the Walsall Wallaz and Beat Asylum, guests were also treated to a surprise appearance from Gordon Ramsay lookalike Martin Jordan.

Drinks were aplenty at the bar and food was provided from Mahir’s Experience.  The delectable cuisine was perfectly fitting for a night celebrating the very best in food.

Needless to say, when it came to the winners, the level of excitement and tension was palpable. Some of the most coveted awards and winners of the night included Best Fine Dining Restaurant which went to Cheals of Henley, Best Steak House which was awarded to the Andersons and Best Chef which was picked up by Liam Dillon of The Boat Inn. The crowd moved to the after party after the awards was over, which saw yet  more fun, laughs and partying with music provided by DJ AKB.

Next year’s MFDH awards is already being planned and looks set to be even bigger, better and brighter. Look forward to seeing you next year!

For images from the night, see the links below.  More will be released in the coming days!

Jas Sansi:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/jassansi/albums/72157695214571002

Social Frames: https://www.flickr.com/photos/socialframes/albums/72157670267488138

Photo Booth: https://www.flickr.com/photos/162791914@N05/albums/72157668496783747

The full list of winners of the MFDH Awards 2018 include:

1. BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT:
Cheals of Henley – Henley in Arden

2. BEST GASTRO PUB:
The Bluebell – Henley in Arden

3. BEST CURRY HOUSE:
Umami – Birmingham

4. BEST ORIENTAL RESTAURANT:
Zen Metro – Birmingham

5. BEST STEAK HOUSE:
Anderson’s Bar & Grill – Birmingham

6. BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT:
Sapori Restaurant & Bar – Leicester

7. BEST SPANISH RESTAURANT:
El Borracho De Oro – Birmingham

8. BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT:
No12 Houndsgate – Nottingham

9. PEOPLE’S CHOICE:
Becketts Farm – Birmingham

10. BEST THEMED RESTAURANT:
Al-Bader Restaurant – Birmingham

11. BEST CHEF:
Liam Dillon (The Boat Inn) – Lichfield

12. BEST FOOD PRODUCER:
Food Trade International Limited – Birmingham

13. BEST RESTAURANT MANAGER:
Evita Lāma (Jurys Inn) – Birmingham

14. RISING STAR:
Leo Kattou (Simpsons) – Birmingham

15. MOST POPULAR STREET FOOD / POP UP:
Baked in Brick – Birmingham

16. MOST POPULAR FOOD FESTIVAL:
Colmore Food Festival – Birmingham

17. BEST FOOD / DRINK BLOGGER:
Eat with Ellen – Birmingham

18. BEST COCKTAIL BAR:
The Edgbaston – Birmingham

19. BEST TRADITIONAL PUB:
The Lych Gate Tavern – Wolverhampton

20. BEST SOMMELIER:
Sonal Clare (Purnells) – Birmingham

21. BEST HOTEL BAR:
The Bubble Lounge (HDV Birmingham) – Birmingham

22. BEST DRINKS MERCHANT:
Connolly’s Wine – Birmingham

23. BEST AFTERNOON TEA:
Ivy’s Vintage Tea Room – Lutterworth

24. BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEE SHOP:
Melbourne In Lichfield – Lichfield

25. BEST BREWERY:
Joule’s Brewery – Market Drayton

26. BEST APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER:
Hilton Birmingham Metropole – Birmingham

27. BEST HOTEL:
The Genting Hotel – Birmingham

28. BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL:
The Edgbaston – Birmingham

29.BEST GENERAL MANAGER:
Rachel Davies (Jurys Inn) – Birmingham

30. BEST VENUE:
Villa Park – Birmingham

31. BEST SPA:
Eden Hall Day Spa – Nottingham

32. BEST FAST  FOOD TAKEAWAY/CASUAL DINING:
Burger Shop – Worcester

33. BEST MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT:
Purnell’s

34. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Glynn Purnell