Staffordshire gets its first ever Michelin starred restaurant
The restaurant only opened its doors four months ago!
Last updated 16th Feb 2022
A city in Staffordshire is being hailed as the new food capital of Staffordshire after a restaurant there gets one of the highest accolades in fine dining.
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, which opened its doors in Lichfield just four months ago, has today made history by becoming the first in the county to receive a Michelin star.
Upstairs is the creation of local Tom Shepherd, former head chef of Adams in Birmingham, where he retained a Michelin star and three AA rosettes.
The restaurant on Bore Street is aptly named due to its position above his father’s family-run jewellery shop, City Jewellers, in the heart of Lichfield, and promises a contemporary British fine dining experience, with Tom and his team creating flavour led meals with local produce and a dining environment inspired by the seasons.
The venue has been booked up since launch, with the Michelin judges praising Tom’s confident cooking and his experience shining through on 'beautifully presented' modern British dishes with well-thought-through flavour combinations.
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd owner and Chef Patron, Tom Shepherd, said:
“I’m absolutely elated that we’ve been awarded a Michelin star, especially given we’ve only been in operation for four months. In addition, being the first ever Michelin Starred restaurant in Staffordshire only adds to the enormity of the achievement.”
Lichfield leading the way in fine dining
The latest milestone builds on Lichfield’s already strong eating and drinking reputation, with an eclectic mix of food and dining establishments and talent across the area. Outside the star for Upstairs, The Boat Inn and Larder have also been recognised in the Michelin Guide, while Lichfield was ranked among the top ten places in the country to enjoy fine dining by Moneybeach.co.uk last year. Chef and owner of The Boat Inn, Liam Dillon, is also one of four chefs in the Central region line-up on Great British Menu 2021.
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council quote, said:
“Pairing beautiful food and immaculate service, Upstairs truly deserves this star and we’re proud that Lichfield is home to such a wonderful fine dining destination. Tom and his team have come onto the scene in Lichfield with welcome, warmth and wonderful flavours, utilising the best of the season and delivering a top-tier experience for visitors.
“The past two years have been incredibly difficult for the hospitality sector, so it is excellent to see Lichfield bouncing back and accolades from Michelin reflecting this. Now all foodies need to do is come and experience Lichfield for themselves and sample everything we have on our menu.”
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