Tom was born in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham and trained locally.

His work experience includes time as Development Chef at 2 Michelin Star Sat Bains in Nottingham, prior to that he was Sous Chef to Michael Wignall at Surrey’s 2 Michelin Star restaurant, The Latymer and Head Chef at Birmingham’s 1 Michelin Star restaurant, Adam’s.

After winning an Acorn Award in 2018, he went on to open his own restaurant, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, in Lichfield in 2021 and was awarded a Michelin Star just four months after opening. This represents the first Michelin star for Staffordshire.

In 2023, Tom represented the Central Region on the BBC’s Great British Menu. He went on to win the main course round and cooked at the Banquet where he served his infamous take on Desperate Dan’s Cow Pie. The Pie was inspired by Tom’s childhood favourite cartoon, Desperate Dan, illustrated by Dudley D. Watkins who studied at Nottingham’s School of Art.