Tom Shepherd promotes Michael Blades to head chef, reveals plans to open a second more informal restaurant

Blades helped chef-patron Tom Shepherd open his Lichfield restaurant in 2021 as sous chef but has worked with him for over a decade at a number of restaurants.

He previously worked as a commis chef at two Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, then he went to Adams in Birmingham where he worked with Shepherd again first as chef de partie and then junior sous chef.

When Covid hit and as Shepherd was setting up his debut solo venture, Blades went travelling. Upon his return, the pair jointly ran the successful Dine at Home Boxes with Tom Shepherd before Upstairs officially opened in October 2021.

Blades will oversee a kitchen brigade of 10 at Upstairs, looking after 40 covers.

“I am so excited to take the helm at Upstairs, its reputation is world class, and I look forward to continuing the success with Tom and the team to deliver exceptional dishes that surprise and delight guests," he says.

The promotion is part of Shepherd's strategic expansion, with the view of opening a second, more informal restaurant and bar as well as Tom continuing his work with Experiences by Wembley Stadium, where he oversees England games in the Bobby Moore Lounge. 

“Mike is an incredible chef and it’s an absolute pleasure to promote him to head chef at Upstairs," says Shepherd.

"I’ve watched him hone his skills over time and I’m so proud and excited to see what the future holds. I’ve known Mike for many years and the time is right for a new challenge, he is so creative and I trust him implicitly.

"He leads from the front and I’m excited for the future.”