'Hidden gem' restaurant in West Midlands offering 'innovative foods' named among best

A restaurant in the West Midlands located above a jewellery shop described as 'a gem' has been named among the best in the UK. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield was named among the winners of the National Restaurant Awards in a shortlist online.

Located 45 minutes from Coventry in Staffordshire, the restaurant came in at number 46. It was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2022, only four months after opening.

Owner Tom Shepherd from Sutton Coldfield has a strong presence in the chef game. He was the former head chef at Adam's restaurant in Birmingham, where he retained a Michelin star and three AA rosettes for two years.

Read more: Local restaurant with 15-course tasting menu named in top 100 places to eat in UK

He also trained at New Hall Hotel in Walmley and went on to work under Michael Wignall at The Latymer and as development chef at Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, both of which hold two Michelin stars.

The restaurant is located above Tom's father's jewellery shop, which boasts a brown and grey colour palette for his 36-cover dining room, with a kitchen table located directly in the kitchen for up to four diners to provide a warm and relaxed feel.

It offers a single, seven-course tasting menu in the evenings, with a shorter four-course option available at lunchtime. The National Restaurant Award states that Tom's focus is on "flavour-led, produce-driven dishes" to embrace the season, with each dish comprising only two or three elements. The presentation is described as "impeccable" with each dish with a "refined precision" that's reflected in the taste.

Upstairs by Tom Shepherd has a 4.9-star rating on Google reviews - and one diner described it as providing "outstanding food, service and atmosphere" with each course "incredible" and you "couldn't ask for anymore".

Helen Jessop said: "Always the most amazing food, wine, service and atmosphere at Upstairs. We were thoroughly looked after by the team. The Chef’s Table is a real treat and you’re able to see all the action and engage with the chefs. Can’t wait to return!"

Nigel Taylor added: "Superb! You would walk past the entrance to this place a hundred times without noticing, as it is an understated door to the side of its plush, parent jewellery store. Upstairs, above the shop, is a beautifully decorated Michelin-starred restaurant for which booking well in advance is a must.

"The food is first-class: innovative, tasty & gorgeously presented. The wine list is well-priced for the level of the restaurant. Service is understated, informative & like the rest of the set-up, unpretentious."

Elsewhere in the West Midlands, Grace & Savour in Solihull came in at number 66, and were awarded their first Michelin Star in 2023 and the number one place to eat in the UK by SquareMeal. Opheem in Birmingham took the eighth spot and is one of the only two Indian restaurants in the UK to be awarded its second Michelin star, BirminghamLive reports.

Where to find Upstairs by Tom Shepherd:

• Location: 25 Bore St, Lichfield, WS13 6NA - 45 minutes from Coventry via M6 and M6 Toll.

• Opening times: 6:30pm-9:30pm Wednesday, 12pm-2pm and 6:30pm-9:30pm Thursday to Saturday

• Bookings: Bookings can be made via the Upstairs by Tom Shepherd website.

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