Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd has shared his secret pie recipe as part of a partnership with pub chain Marston’s.
The Lichfield-based chef, who runs Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, appeared on cookery TV show the Great British Menu in 2023 winning the main course round and the chance to cook his pie at the coveted banquet finale.
He has now worked with the Marston’s development team to create The Best Ever Pub Pie, a dish inspired by the TV showstopper.
It will be available in 100 Marston’s pubs – including Inkwell at Lichfield – for the next 12 weeks.
The triple-layered pie, pictured above, is filled with hand-pulled beef cheek, caramelised onions, and roast potatoes, all encased in a luxurious beef fat shortcrust pastry. The pie will be served with seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potato and a rich red wine sauce.
Tom, whose restaurant is Staffordshire’s first and only one with a Michelin star, said: “I’m so excited to be partnering with Marston’s to give as many people as possible the chance to try my secret recipe. I have been asked to share the recipe a lot, but it hasn’t felt like the right partnership, until now.
“For me, when I think of the pub, I think of a good pie, so I was delighted to have the chance to work with the Marston’s team to bring this pie to life. I can’t wait to see what people think.”
Claire Robertson, Director of Operations at Marston’s, said: “Pies are some of the most popular dishes across our menus, but we wanted to do something extra special and when Tom Shepherd agreed to share his recipe, we were thrilled.
“We’ve worked really hard together to create the most delicious dish possible, it’s rich, decadent and absolutely delicious.”
- Last summer, Tom told Daily Focus about his hopes of opening a second venue in Lichfield. Read that story here.
