ABOUT TOM
Tom Shepherd is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur, best known as the owner of his Staffordshire-based restaurant, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, which earned its first Michelin star just four months after opening.
Discovering his true calling and passion for the kitchen as an 18-year-old apprentice, Tom has been fortunate throughout his career to refine his craft while working under, and alongside some of the most respected chefs in the UK—experiences that helped shape his own approach to cookery: flavour-led, thoughtful, precise, with a genuine passion and respect for ingredients.
Looking at 2025 and beyond, Tom is focused on a number of exciting projects, including the extension of his restaurant business and the continued growth of his chef consultancy work.
UPSTAIRS
Tom is the proud owner and Chef Patron of Staffordshire's first and only One Michelin-Starred restaurant. His 40-cover restaurant is located in the heart of the historic city of Lichfield, where he transformed an old jewellers' workshop into a contemporary, refined and relaxed dining space in 2021.
Since opening, Upstairs has been awarded several prestigious awards including, three AA Rosettes, the Catey Newcomer Award, Craft Guild of Chefs New Restaurant of the Year Award, and ranking no. 46 at the National Restaurant Awards Top UK 100.
TWOFOLD SPIRITS
Born from their shared passion for food and drink, Tom and co-founder Charlotte joined forces in 2024 to blend their talents in the culinary and beverage worlds.
"For us, Twofold is more than just a brand distilling premium spirits—it's about crafting drinks that are memorable and enjoyable experiences in their own right, pouring the same passion, refinement, and respect for flavour that I bring to my cooking into every bottle."
To learn more about Twofold's story, spirits and how to purchase or stock them, check out their website below.
TV & MEDIA
In 2023, Tom appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu, where he secured a victory in the main course round and went on to cook at the coveted banquet with his infamous take on the iconic 'Desperate Dan's Cow Pie’.
In 2024 he appeared as a veteran chef judge in the 19th series of Great British Menu and hosted MasterChef: The Professionals semi-finals at his restaurant, Upstairs in 2023.
Tom has appeared as a guest on numerous industry podcasts, sharing valuable insights about life as a chef, building a restaurant business and overcoming the challenges he's faced throughout his career.
COLLABORATIONS & RESIDENCIES
Tom has partnered with a number of brands, associations and venues that share his ethos and passions, where he has been able to share his love for his craft in new and meaningful ways. He currently has ongoing chef residencies with Experiences by Wembley, Royal Ascot and his beloved, Aston Villa F.C.
To see or read more about his collaborations, click the logos below.
CHARITY
Tom is proud to be a trustee of Kids' Village charity whose mission is to provide magical respite holidays and experiences for critically ill children and their families, away from the trauma and stresses of hospital and medical environments.
Kids' Village was founded by Sam Fletcher and her family, inspired by her own journey as a cancer survivor diagnosed at just nine years old. In 2024 they received planning permission to build their incredible getaway destination, which will be based in Staffordshire and will support around 500 families each year.
They are currently fundraising the £5m needed to realise their dream. If you're interested in learning more about their story and how you can support Kids' Village, please check out their website below.
WORK WITH TOM
Whether it's for interviews, broadcast appearances, or exciting partnership opportunities, Tom is ready to step into the spotlight and showcase his diverse range of skills.
For all enquiries please contact
TV, PODCASTS & MEDIA
GUEST CHEF RESIDENCIES
(Including international)
MENU CONSULTANCY
PRIVATE EVENTS & DINING
PRIVATE MASTERCLASSES
