Tom Shepherd announces new head chef at Upstairs

Tom Shepherd has announced Michael Blades as the new head chef of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield, Staffordshire's only Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Blades has known Shepherd for over 11 years and was instrumental in helping the chef open Upstairs in 2021 while working as the restaurant's sous chef. Previously, Blades worked as commis chef at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains, then went to Adams in Birmingham. Here, he worked as chef de partie and then junior sous chef, alongside Shepherd as head chef. 

The pandemic hit as Shepherd was establishing Upstairs and Blades went off travelling. Upon his return, they jointly ran the 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. Shepherd continues his work with Experiences by Wembley Stadium, where he oversees England games in the Bobby Moore Lounge. He also works with Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and a growing number of dining events and brand work. 

In his new position, Blades will oversee the kitchen and a team of 10, looking after 40 covers. He will continue to showcase the restaurant's signature dishes including the Orkney scallop with peanut satay, radish and coriander; Herefordshire beef, garlic, tarragon, onion and smoke; and the Great British Menu favourite, 'No Ordinary Schoolboy' with banana, rum and caramel.

Blades comments: "I am so excited to take the help 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."

"Mike is an incredible chef and it's an absolute pleasure to promote him to head chef at Upstairs," adds Shepherd. "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."

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