Tom Shepherd is thrilled to announce Michael Blades as the new Head Chef of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield, Staffordshire’s only Michelin starred restaurant. Mike has known Shepherd for over 11 years and was instrumental in helping Tom open Upstairs in 2021 as Sous Chef. Previously, Mike worked as a Commis Chef at the two Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, then he went to Adams in Birmingham where he worked with Tom again as Tom became Head chef at Adams and Mike was Chef de Partie and then Junior Sous Chef. Covid hit and as Tom was setting up Upstairs, Mike went travelling. Upon his return, they jointly ran the successful Dine at Home Boxes with Tom Shepherd before Upstairs officially opened in October 2021.
The promotion is part of Tom’s strategic expansion, with the view of opening a second, more informal restaurant and bar as well as Tom continuing his work with
Experiences by Wembley Stadium, where he oversees England games in the Bobby Moore Lounge. In addition, he works with Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and a growing number of dining events and brand work.
Mike will oversee a kitchen brigade of ten at Upstairs, looking after 40 covers, and will continue to showcase the signature dishes the restaurant has become famous for, including the Orkney Scallop, peanut satay, radish and coriander; Herefordshire Beef, garlic, tarragon, onion and smoke; and Great British Menu favourite, ‘No Ordinary Schoolboy’, banana, rum and caramel.
Michael Blade comments, “I am so excited to take the helm at Upstairs, its reputation is world class, and I look forward to continuing the success with Tom and the team to deliver exceptional dishes that surprise and delight guests.”
Commenting on the appointments Shepherd says, “Mike is an incredible chef and it’s an absolute pleasure to promote him to Head Chef at Upstairs. I’ve watched him hone his skills over time and I’m so proud and excited to see what the future holds. I’ve known Mike for many years and the time is right for a new challenge, he is so creative and I trust him implicitly. He leads from the front and I’m excited for the future.”
