Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - the go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical strategies, and a whole lot of support.

In this packed episode, host Katie Clayton sits down with Michelin-starred chef and entrepreneur, Tom Shepherd, for an unforgettable conversation about ambition, resilience, and what it really takes to turn your passion into a thriving business.

Tom, the award-winning owner of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Staffordshire’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, shares his journey from life as an employed chef to taking the leap and building his own restaurant and brand from the ground up.

Along the way, he opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship - from cooking his famous Cow Pie for Prince William, to being welcomed into James Martin’s family, hosting his own restaurant at Royal Ascot, and even the moment he made an incredible £46,000 in just 30 minutes when Upstairs bookings first opened.

It’s an incredible story of courage, creativity, and belief, and a reminder that success doesn’t come without risk, heart, and a few wild adventures along the way.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful episode full of inspiration, honest insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the UK’s most exciting culinary talents - who, at such a young age, is only just getting started!

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing

Connect with Tom on Instagram: @cheftomshepherd