Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s has become the first in Birmingham to be recognised as a sustainability champion
The Cornwall Street restaurant received a Two Star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association after demonstrating it serves local, seasonal, high welfare food, manages waste well, respects customers and the community and treats staff well.
Glynn Purnell, proprietor and head chef, said: “We are all very proud of obtaining a Two Star rating for our sustainability.
“Working with the SRA has not only given us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we do but also learn and develop our understanding of what it is to be sustainable and put it into action.
“Recognising the importance of sustainability is vital for the future of the restaurant industry.”
Purnell's is one of 400 restaurants across the UK putting their sustainability credentials to the test. The SRA Star Rating system is fast becoming the industry standard and will be included in a number of restaurant guides from later this year.
To be an SRA Sustainability Champion, restaurants provide answers to 70 questions across 14 areas of sustainability.
The SRA then assesses the results, collects evidence in support of answers and rates the restaurants accordingly.
Purnell’s scored particularly well for its community engagement, sourcing of sustainable fish and waste management. It is also uses induction hobs and LED lights – helping to improve its energy efficiency.
Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, said: “Consumers tell us they would rather eat in a sustainable restaurant and now they have a simple means of finding somewhere to eat out that not only serves good food but also matches their values.
“Purnell’s are leading the way among Birmingham restaurants – not only in terms of the high quality cooking but also in how they run the business – sustainably. The two are not mutually exclusive.”
Diners looking for an SRA Star Rated restaurant can go to www.thesra.org
