Jones will play a pivotal role in further enhancing Upstairs' culinary offerings while also contributing to the restaurant's expanding consultancy services.

He returns to Upstairs, having worked alongside Shepherd from October 2021 to July 2024, where he was junior sous chef when the restaurant won a Michelin star after just four months.

In addition to his exceptional culinary skills, Jones brings a passion for menu development, trend awareness, and flavour profiling, making him the ideal fit for this new role.

Shepherd said: "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, Jones 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.

Jones 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.

Commenting on the news, Jones said: “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.”

Upstairs by Tom Shepherd won the New Restaurant of the Year accolade at the 2023 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. To book a table or learn more about Upstairs, visit: www.upstairsrestaurant.co.uk.