Michael Blades has taken on the role of head chef at Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Along with his appointment, the restaurant has announced plans to open a second, more casual dining location.
The Blades have a long history with Tom Shepherd. She has known him for over a decade and he supported the release of Tom Shepherd’s Upstairs. Their collaboration proved successful, as the restaurant received a Michelin star just four months after opening.
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd was awarded Newcomer of the Year 2024 at Cateys.
Before joining Tom Shepherd’s Upstairs, Michael Blades worked as a chef at two Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham and later as junior chef at Adams in Birmingham.
As the new head chef at Tom Shepherd’s Upstairs, Michael Blades leads a team of 10 chefs. He presents a creative menu with things like Orkney scallop paired with peanut satay, radish and cilantro. Herefordshire beef topped with garlic, tarragon, onion and smoke; and the Great British Menu-inspired dessert “No Ordinary Schoolboy” featuring banana, rum and caramel.
Shepherd revealed that the promotion of Blades coincides with his plans to open “another, more informal restaurant and bar”.
In addition to his Upstairs work, Tom Shepherd collaborates with high profile events including Experiences by Wembley Stadium, Royal Ascot and Wimbledon. This involvement demonstrates his expertise in providing fine dining experiences for major events.
Blades said: “I am so excited to take the helm of Upstairs, it has a world-class reputation and I look forward to working with Tom and the team to deliver exceptional food that will surprise and delight guests.”
Shepherd added: “Mike is an incredible chef and it’s a real pleasure to promote him to Head Chef Upstairs. I’ve watched her hone her skills over time and I’m so proud and excited to see what the future holds. I have known Mike for many years and the time is right for a new challenge, he is so creative and I trust him implicitly. He’s leading from the front and I’m excited for the future.
Tom Shepherd’s Upstairs is above Shepherd’s father’s jewelry business in an old attic space. Shepherd convinced his father to let him turn it into an upstairs.
After a 14-month renovation, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd now serves as an intimate 40-seat restaurant with a chef’s table.
