Visitors love Glynn Purnell’s ‘hidden gem’ restaurant in Coventry as it marks one year

It’s been a year since Michelin star chef Glynn Purnell’s new café and bistro opened in Coventry, which has certainly made a splash in the city. Purnell’s Cafe & Bistro is described as a relaxing spot for visitors to Charterhouse, where they can explore the grounds before indulging in some tasty food.

It offers an all-day menu with a field-to-fork ethos and a seasonally changing menu to ensure the best flavors are maximized from the produce grown on the Charterhouse grounds. The menu focuses on simplicity, using the finest ingredients to create innovative dishes for visitors to enjoy after exploring Charterhouse’s history.

The menu is inspired by Glynn who worked in Spain and France in her early 20s, so there are lots of ‘European influences’ and some Indian spices and some ‘pickling’ to show the diversity of Coventry and Birmingham, he previously told CoventryLive.

Read more: The store in Coventry city center is moving as a new restaurant opens in the same building

He added that visitors can come to Charterhouse to discover the ‘rare pieces of medieval art’, which are among the rarest in the world. After exploring the grounds, visitors can take a break in the café for a cup of tea or coffee, a home-baked cake or croissant and from 12 noon the bar is open for those who want to have a glass of beer or wine, with small plates available of patatas bravas to fish pieces.

The Michelin Guide mentions that the small signs ‘pack a punch’ and it’s worth taking a look around the ‘beautiful country house’ during your visit: “Another part of Glynn Purnell’s Midlands masterplan, this venture is housed in a Grade II listed former 14th century monastery with substantial gardens and grounds.

“There are actually two dining options here: a café with lighter snacks and a bistro with tapas, including dishes like bean cassoulet with Morteau sausage and sun-dried tomatoes. These small plates are packed with authentic Spanish flavors that really pack a punch. It’s definitely the worth eating. Also take a look at the beautiful country house during your visit.”

Here’s some insight into Purnell’s Cafe & Bistro’s offerings:

• Crispy squid with buffalo mayonnaise – £11
• Chicken wings with honey, lemon and thyme – £9
• Roast sea bream with tomato and olive salsa – £8
• Aubergine chips with truffle and honey dressing – £6.50
• Milk chocolate and hazelnut cake – £6.50

The café menu is served from 10am to 5pm, while the bistro serves tapas dishes from 12pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 8.30pm. Since its launch a year ago, many visitors have praised Glynn Purnell’s latest venture as a ‘worthwhile visit’.

Paul Morse said: “My wife and I visited for lunch and were not disappointed. A friendly welcome, quick service and excellent food, all in a lovely location. Every dish was well presented and full of flavour. The pork belly was fantastic. We will definitely make a return visit.”

Cathy Armstrong said: “Love this place (for lunch or dinner). Fantastic tapas style food, great for sharing, great service, great cocktails and wines/beers, unique location in the Charterhouse. A hidden gem on the edge of Cov.”

Catherine W added: “We ate as a family in the bistro on Heritage Day. We received excellent service from the friendly and polite staff. The choice of food was varied and there was something for everyone. We didn’t wait too long for our food, that was particularly tasty.

“The prices are affordable and we thought it was reasonable considering the quantity and quality. We can’t wait to go back again and are so pleased to have such a gem in Coventry. There is also the added bonus of feeling like you’re in the countryside and not in a city.”

Where to find Glynn Purnell’s Café and Bistro:

• Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on public holidays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (cafe menu only)
• Bookings: You can book on the website. Walk-ins are also accepted.
• Place: London Rd, Coventry CV1 2JR

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