Birmingham's Trillium Gets Rave Review
Grace Dent's review hails Trillium for its open kitchen, lively decor, and informal service—a space where guests "actually enjoy life." The restaurant creates an atmosphere where the culinary experience focuses as much on mood as food. Dent's endorsement signals Birmingham's growing reputation as a dining destination.
Trillium is a collaboration between celebrated chef Glynn Purnell, known as the 'Yummy Brummie', and respected wine specialist Phil Innes of Loki Wine. The restaurant, which opened on December 10, 2025, in the city's Colmore Business District, marks a new chapter for Purnell after his Michelin-starred restaurant, Purnell's, closed in 2024 after 17 years. The 48-cover restaurant aims to offer a "fresh take on fine dining," encouraging guests to create their own experience with a flexible menu of small and large sharing plates. Purnell leads the kitchen as Chef Patron, with Head Chef Rob Palmer, who previously earned a Michelin star at Peel's restaurant in 2016, and Sous Chef Andrew Kay. In her review, Grace Dent highlighted specific dishes that exemplify the restaurant's approach, such as a battered potato scallop that can be elevated with caviar for an extra £25. She noted the lively, "semi-rowdier" atmosphere, a deliberate departure from the hushed tones of traditional fine dining establishments. The buzz around Trillium is part of a broader recognition of Birmingham's ascending culinary influence. In 2025, the city saw two restaurants, Riverine Rabbit and Tropea, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which recognizes high-quality cooking at a reasonable price. Additionally, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger of Riverine Rabbit won the prestigious Michelin Young Chef of the Year Award in 2025. That same year, Orelle was named 'Best Restaurant in Birmingham' at the British Restaurant Awards for the second consecutive year, further cementing the city's status as a must-visit food destination.
