In the heart of Lichfield there’s a gem of a place that has captured the imagination of food enthusiasts far and wide.
Tom Shepherd, the visionary chef behind the acclaimed restaurant Upstairs, has not only etched his name in the world of gastronomy but has also transformed Lichfield’s dining scene with his innovative approach to cuisine.
Tom’s journey from obscurity to Michelin stardom is nothing short of remarkable.
Being the first professional chef and restaurateur in the family, he embarked on a culinary odyssey driven by his passion for food and an insatiable appetite for learning.
Having worked for a number of high-profile restaurants in Surrey, Nottingham and Birmingham, it was here he mastered the art of creating and curating delicious dishes.
In just four months of opening Upstairs in 2021, Tom achieved the milestone of being awarded a prestigious Michelin star, a testament to his unwavering dedication and culinary ingenuity. “I still get a tingle down my spine thinking about it,” he reminisces, reflecting on the profound impact of this achievement on his culinary journey and the region as a whole. “I received an email telling me the good news so it was all done by a mystery customer.”
But for Tom, success is not merely measured by accolades; it is defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of taste and innovation. At Upstairs, he employs a diverse workforce, ranging from school leavers aged 17 to seasoned professionals well into their 30s, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity thrives and ideas flourish together as a team.
Central to Tom’s culinary philosophy is his deep reverence for locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.
As the seasons change, so do his menus, with spring and summer heralding a cornucopia of lighter dishes bursting with flavour and creativity. Tom says: “Each dish is meticulously crafted, with a focus on flavour first and foremost, delivering a sensory experience that dazzles the palate and leaves a lasting impression.”
Beyond the kitchen, Tom is a family man and also a visionary entrepreneur with a keen eye for greater opportunities. He envisions a future where Upstairs serves as the cornerstone of a culinary empire, with plans to open more venues that complement the restaurant experience. From intimate bars to vibrant eateries, each establishment will bear the hallmark of Tom’s culinary prowess and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Despite his meteoric rise in the world of food, Tom remains grounded and deeply connected to his roots. As a Trustee for the charity Kids’ Village – which is aiming to raise £5m to build a countryside escape for critically ill children – in Wychnor near Lichfield, he also collaborates with local farmers, artisans, and producers, championing other local restaurants, bakeries and cafes, with sustainability and ethical sourcing always coming first. Through initiatives such as charity dinners and culinary workshops, he seeks to give back to the community that has supported him on his journey to stardom.
His journey from self-taught chef to Michelin-starred maestro is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and culinary creativity. With Upstairs as his flagship restaurant and plans for future expansion on the horizon, he is poised to leave an indelible mark on Staffordshire’s culinary landscape for generations to come. As diners flock to Lichfield to experience his team’s innovative creations and unparalleled hospitality, one thing remains certain: Tom is a force to be reckoned with, a chef who continues to redefine the art of dining with every tantalising dish he creates.
Tom’s six of the best:
Favourite holiday destination: The Caribbean
Favourite chef: Gordon Ramsay and Brett Graham
Favourite cookery book: Gordon Ramsay, Passion for Flavour
Favourite restaurants: Per Se in NYC and The Ledbury in Notting Hill
Dessert Island dishes: Buffalo chicken wings, roast chicken dinner and tiramisu
Dessert island drinks: A good Bordeaux red, cherry coca-cola and Estrella
