Harden's says
Tom Shepherd, most recently seen at Adam’s in Birmingham, opened the much-anticipated first restaurant under his own name in October 2021, above his father’s Lichfield jewellery shop.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Getting a booking is no mean feat” at Tom Shepherd’s “absolutely brilliant” operation – a “bright and crisp” 28-cover space “above his father’s jewellery shop” which in two short years has established itself as one of the Midlands’ most celebrated culinary destinations. “If you do, you will be rewarded with exciting and original cooking” with dishes that are “thoughtful in their concept, prepared meticulously and served beautifully”. BREAKING NEWS – In September 2023, Tom announced a second, more informal venture in the city (‘we’re going to open up with the mindset of small plates, drinks orientated, and the small plates will develop so you can almost have your own tasting menu’).
Summary
“Already outstanding”, this 2021 debut from a well-qualified chef hit the ground running, nabbing rave reviews within months of opening. The accolades are “thoroughly deserved” – “food and service are brilliantly executed” and there’s a “nice relaxed vibe” in the 28-cover restaurant with a chef’s table and roof terrace. Previously head chef at Adam’s in Birmingham and development chef for Sat Bains, Tom Shepherd opened quite literally upstairs from his father’s jewellery shop.
Summary
Located on the first-floor of his father’s jewellery shop, this October 2021 newcomer has 28 covers and incorporates a chef’s table, bar and roof terrace. The eponymous chef has a CV incorporating Adam’s in Birmingham and working as development chef for St Bains, and he will present a five-course tasting menu (£62) and a seven-course version (£77), as well as a three-course lunch menu.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Upstairs by Tom Shepherd?
25 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6NA
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd Restaurant Diner Reviews
"This gem, above a Jewellery shop in the centre of Lichfield has a stylish albeit relaxed atmosphere with friendly and faultless service. The 7 course tasting menu is for the most part impressive with decent portion sizes for a hungry diner . However, despite the hype ,the banana dessert from Great British Menu 2023 ( No Ordinary Schoolboy) was far too sweet and underwhelming . The banana mousse and ice cream were virtually the same flavour. Handbags get their own little stool, complete with zig-zag logo, which is a nice touch. Plan at least 6 months ahead and relish the anticipation ."
"This is a small restaurant with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. The food was generally very good, just a shame the monkfish and the deer were a touch over cooked. Definitely worth a visit"
"Probably one of the most difficult restaurants to get a booking at with full reservations for months ahead. The story of Tom's restaurant over his father's jewellery shop is now well known and it was a jewellers in the 1970s when I went to school in Lichfield. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and a relaxing space. The food is excellent with an evolving menu. Prices are realistic. The only small issue is an enthusiastic if at times amateurish service. Drinks are quite well chosen and again at realistic prices. The bonus of course is to walk round Lichfield after. (or buy jewellery)"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
25 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6NA
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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