The West Midlands' fine dining scene has yet another Michelin star to add to its name after a Lichfield restaurant received the coveted accolade just four months after opening.
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, in Lichfield city centre, has earned its first star in the newly published 2022 edition of the annual guide which details the best restaurants across the UK.
The guide's inspectors hailed Mr Shepherd's "beautifully presented, modern British dishes" at the restaurant which has been booked up since its launch last autumn.
Mr Shepherd said: "I'm absolutely elated that we've been awarded a Michelin star, especially given we've only been in operation for four months.
"In addition, being the first ever Michelin-starred restaurant in Staffordshire only adds to the enormity of the achievement."
Originally from Sutton Coldfield, Mr Shepherd opened the 24-seat venue above his father Paul's shop City Jewellers in Bore Street in October, serving "flavourful modern interpretation of classic cookery and flavours".
He returned to work in the region in 2017 to lead the kitchen at Michelin-starred Adams in Birmingham city centre after stints at Latymer in Surrey and Sat Bains in Nottingham which has two stars.
After leaving Adams in 2019, Mr Shepherd worked at restaurants including Aktar Islam's Pulperia in Brindleyplace.
Lichfield's food scene has received further recognition in the 2022 guide with The Boat Inn and Larder also both included.
Lichfield District Council leader Cllr Doug Pullen added: "Pairing beautiful food and immaculate service, Upstairs truly deserves this star and we're proud that Lichfield is home to such a wonderful fine dining destination.
"Tom and his team have come onto the scene in Lichfield with welcome, warmth and wonderful flavours, utilising the best of the season and delivering a top-tier experience for visitors.
"The past two years have been incredibly difficult for the hospitality sector so it is excellent to see Lichfield bouncing back and accolades from Michelin reflecting this.
"Now all foodies need to do is come and experience Lichfield for themselves and sample everything we have on our menu."
Birmingham's five Michelin-starred restaurants have once again retained their status in the latest guide. They are city centre venues Adams, Opheem and Purnell's, Simpsons in Edgbaston and Carters of Moseley.
Across the wider region, the following venues have all retained their single stars - Peel's in Hampton-in-Arden, The Cross in Kenilworth, Salt in Stratford and The Royal Oak in Whatcote.
