Two Stars, One Small City: Why Lichfield is Staffordshire’s most exciting food destination
There’s something quietly special happening in Lichfield.
The kind of thing you might stumble across on a weekend visit; a perfectly plated dish, a dining room buzzing with conversation, the gentle clink of glasses – before realising you’re eating food that rivals anywhere in the country. And now, it’s official.
Lichfield is home to two Michelin Star restaurants, making us the only place in Staffordshire to hold not one, but two stars at the same time.
For a small cathedral city, that’s no small feat.
It’s the sort of accolade normally reserved for big cities and well-known culinary hotspots. Yet here, tucked between heritage streets, independent shops and canalside walks, you’ll find two restaurants delivering cooking at the very highest level – each with its own story, personality and style.
Upstairs by Tom Shepherd
Right in the heart of the city centre, Upstairs feels intimate from the moment you step through the door. Warm, welcoming and quietly confident, it’s a place where special occasions unfold over beautifully considered tasting menus.
Chef Tom Shepherd’s cooking is modern British with flair – bold flavours, elegant presentation and dishes that feel both creative and comforting. It’s fine dining without the fuss, where every course tells a story and every visit feels memorable.
It’s easy to see why it became Lichfield’s first Michelin Star, and why diners travel from across the UK to experience it.
The Boat Inn
Just a short distance from the city centre, along the canal, The Boat Inn offers something equally special – but entirely its own.
This is not just a restaurant. At its heart lies “Our Land”, an on-site micro-farm where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s an everyday reality.
From hens providing fresh eggs, to beehives producing honey and supporting pollination, to vegetable beds and polytunnels growing herbs, greens and even curious crops like sweet cicely and wasabi, The Boat’s farm feeds directly into its kitchen.
Combined with Liam Dillon’s refined technique and creative vision, it’s no surprise The Boat has earned its Michelin Star – and that dining there feels like a genuine celebration of modern British cooking and a uniquely local sense of place.
More than a meal – A reason to visit
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the setting.
Lichfield isn’t a sprawling city. It’s compact, characterful and easy to explore, the sort of place where you can wander from a morning coffee to independent boutiques, visit the Cathedral, stroll along the canal and finish with a Michelin-starred dinner, all in one day.
That’s what makes dining here feel different.
It’s not just about the food (although the food is exceptional). It’s about the experience around it – the heritage streets, the warm welcomes, the sense of discovering something special.
Two stars don’t just signal culinary excellence. They tell the story of a place punching well above its weight.
So whether you’re planning a foodie weekend, celebrating something big, or simply fancy trying somewhere new, Lichfield might just surprise you..
