Staffordshire’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant has been recognised among the best in the country by a top guide.
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, in Lichfield, opened in 2021 but has already received a whole host of top accolades.
It has now been listed among Harden’s Top 100 Restaurants in the UK alongside names such as The Ledbury in London.
The restaurant’s spot at number 63 also puts it above venues including The Ritz, in London, and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in Berkshire.
Tom, who showcased his talents on the BBC’s Great British Menu last year, said: “Being included in Harden’s Top 100 is an incredible honour and a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team.
“It’s a privilege to bring this recognition to Staffordshire and continue to celebrate our region’s rich culinary heritage.”
Descriptions in the Harden’s listing for Upstairs by Tom Shepherd include ‘smart, flawless cooking with personality’ and say the ‘service is warm and knowledgeable, from people who clearly love what they do’.
The 34th edition of the Harden’s guide, published earlier this month, is one of only two surviving established UK restaurant guides made available in print, and the only one based on feedback from normal diners rather than a group of professional inspectors.
A total of 30,000 reports are submitted from a survey of 2,500 diners. Restaurants at all price levels are included: from street food vendors to the country’s most ambitious dining rooms, with 2,800 restaurants listed in total.
- Earlier this year Tom told Daily Focus about his plans to open a second venue in Lichfield. To read that story, click here.
