Never go back, they say.

It’s advice Glynn Purnell probably wishes he had heeded following the demise of The Asquith in Edgbaston.

It was at this spot, when the place was known as Jessica’s restaurant, that Purnell covered his name in Michelin glory, picking up a star before moving on to bigger, bolder things with the 2007 opening of his very own restaurant, Purnell’s, in the city centre.

When the old Jessica’s site became available again last summer, Purnell couldn’t resist the temptation to return to Montague Road, launching The Asquith as his second restaurant.

Some queried the remote, residential location, but it was hoped Purnell’s reputation and the appointment of head chef Jason Eaves, an outstanding young talent, would bring in south Birmingham’s affluent food-lovers. And it may well have worked.

Now The Asquith is set to rise from the ashes, re-opening at an accessible city centre location, near Purnell’s, in a district populated by shoppers, business execs, night-owls and a smattering of Beautiful People.

Ladies will be able to pop in for a glass of fizz and a dessert. There will be carafes of wine and well-priced lunch menus.

In a bizarre way, The Asquith Mark II may turn out to be Birmingham’s restaurant opening of the year. It’s a genuinely exciting proposition.

It’s also a measure of the man, as well as the chef, that Purnell is looking to relaunch so quickly, re-employing his Edgbaston team.

Few people are capable of generating loyalty like that. Purnell is one of them.

He’ll be bruised by the Montague Road debacle but he’ll come back stronger.

Like his favourite Birmingham City, the Blue Nose chef will keep right on to the end of the road – and do it in style.

>MORE: Top Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell to close Edgbaston restaurant The Asquith