Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Staffordshire’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dan Jones as its new Commercial Development Chef. With a wealth of experience at some of the UK’s most celebrated Michelin-starred establishments, Dan will play a pivotal role in further enhancing Upstairs’ culinary offerings while also contributing to the restaurant’s expanding consultancy services.
Dan returns to Upstairs, having worked alongside Tom from October 2021 – July 2024, where he was Junior Sous Chef when the restaurant won a Michelin star after just four months. His impressive CV showcases his dedication to excellence in fine dining and his desire to learn from the best. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to menu development will solidify Upstairs’ reputation as one of the nation’s premier dining destinations.
Dan’s culinary journey includes key roles at some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants, including:
- Junior Sous Chef at Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, where he was instrumental in achieving a Michelin star just four months after the restaurant opened.
- Demi Chef de Partie at Moor Hall (Two Michelin Stars), where he thrived in a high-pressure environment, working with ingredients foraged from the kitchen’s gardens.
- Chef de Partie at The Black Swan at Oldstead (One Michelin Star), where he refined his skills in seafood preparation, fermentation, and cold starters.
- Commis Chef at Fairlawns Hotel & Spa (2 AA Rosettes), where he built a strong foundation in pastry and banquet preparation.
In addition to his exceptional culinary skills, Dan brings a passion for menu development, trend awareness, and flavour profiling, making him the ideal fit for this new role.
Tom Shepherd, Chef Patron of Upstairs, comments:
“Dan has been a cornerstone of our kitchen family since the beginning, he’s gained some exceptional experience across the industry and now he is back to help us continue to push boundaries and embody the standards of excellence we strive for at Upstairs. His creativity, work ethic, and commitment to innovation make him an incredible asset, not just to our restaurant but to our consultancy projects as well. We’re excited to see how his vision helps us evolve in 2025 and beyond.”
As Commercial Development Chef, Dan will collaborate with Head Chef Michael Blades and the culinary team to create inspired new dishes and spearhead creative projects from bespoke menus at the immersive kitchen table to private dining for up to 36 guests.
Dan will also be contributing to Upstairs’ growing consultancy division; with high-profile partnerships with Experiences by Wembley Stadium, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Edgbaston Cricket to bespoke dining events and culinary brand collaborations.
Dan Jones, says:
“Upstairs is like home from home for me, coming back to work alongside Tom and Michael is an incredible opportunity and I feel very proud to take the consultancy arm of the business forward”.
Located in the heart of historic Lichfield, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd offers an exceptional dining experience with its modern British cuisine, inspired by Japanese and East Asian influences. Perched above Tom’s father’s City Jewellers, the 40-cover restaurant features an open kitchen and a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere.
To book a table or learn more about Upstairs, visit www.upstairsrestaurant.co.uk.
Contact Information
For reservations and enquiries, please visit www.upstairs.restaurant or email hello@upstairs.restaurant.
