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MICHELIN STAR CHEF TOM SHEPHERD'S INSIDER GUIDE TO LICHFIELD

Great British Menu Star Shares His Definitive Guide to Lichfield's Best Restaurants, Bars and Cafes

Chef Tom Shepherd bagged a Michelin Star for his Upstairs restaurant in Lichfield - the first and only Michelin in Staffordshire - just four months after opening.

But he’s probably best known for his take on Desperate Dan’s Cow Pie and his playful, but technical Bananaman dessert (inspired by his love of The Beano and Dandy comics) which stole the show on BBC’s Great British Menu.

The chef has orbited around a galaxy of Michelin stars, working in restaurants including Sat Bains, The Latymer and Adam’s during his 10 year career and he opened his destination restaurant after winning an Acorn Award in 2018, celebrating the top 30 under 30 in the hospitality industry.

His 40-cover, Lichfield restaurant sits above his father’s family-owned jewellery shop, City Jewellers, and offers a relaxed but refined atmosphere, with an open kitchen and striking staircase as its central features.

Chef Shepherd's imaginative, modern British tasting menus are flavour led, produce driven and inspired by the seasons and surroundings, with subtle influences from Japan and East Asia.

And he’s turned his discerning palate to the food and drink spots around his restaurant, to bring us the best places to eat and drink in the vibrant and historic city of Lichfield.

Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, 25 Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6NA

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COFFEE

Bore St Bakery

Great coffee, great place, great owners. I can't say much more really, other than their pastries and bread are incredible!

Bore St Bakery. 19 Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LZ

BREAKFAST

Thyme Kitchen

I know the owners really well, we actually did our own "dine at home" box meals during Covid with them, which was an incredible success. Now Thyme is a beautiful cafe, that serves amazing breakfasts. My go-to is their breakfast naan.

Thyme Kitchen, Watery Ln, Lichfield WS13 8ES

LUNCH

Larder

Larder is a couple of doors down from us at Upstairs. It's a great, family-owned restaurant, serving delicious food, cooked really well. You can't beat their Sunday lunch - the porchetta is amazing!

Larder, 17 Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LZ

DINNER

The Ledbury

It's not in Lichfield, but I have to put The Ledbury in here. Hands down the best restaurant in the country. I love absolutely everything about this restaurant; the food, the service, their delivery, their ethos. It’s all so inspiring.

The Ledbury, 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ

DRINKS

The Spiritualist

Great cocktails. Great vibe, and so busy!

The Spiritualist, 25 St John St, Lichfield WS13 6NU

INSIDER TIP

Patty Freaks

I'm a big fan of burgers, and we have an awesome burger place in Lichfield. It's called Patty Freaks, and they serve up the most delicious burgers. My go-to order is Dirty South, Buffalo loaded fries with a side of jalapeno poppers.

Patty Freaks, City Arcade, Lichfield WS13 6LY