Forget the half time pies! Tom Shepherd, chef and founder of Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs in Lichfield, is bringing fans the ultimate matchday experience at Wembley Stadium as he curates an exclusive menu for the Carabao Cup Final (16th March), the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals (26th April) and FA Cup final (17th May).
An Elevated Matchday Experience At Wembley
The Dining Experience by Tom Shepherd will launch on Sunday 16th March at the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, offering an unparalleled culinary adventure that combines world-class football with top-tier dining.
This new collaboration between Shepherd and Wembley Stadium elevates fans’ experience in a way only a Michelin-starred chef could. The Dining Experience by Tom Shepherd will serve 80 diners in the luxurious Laurent-Perrier champagne lounges at Wembley, providing a front-row seat to the excitement of the game. These intimate lounges offer outstanding views, so you can savour the meal and every moment of the action.
What is on the menu? The thoughtfully crafted menu uses the finest local ingredients to showcase traditional British dishes and flavours such as Herefordshire beef tartare, and Atlantic cod. Something to look forward to is Tom’s signature dessert, ‘No Ordinary Schoolboy’ – white chocolate banana filled with banana mousse and popping candy, a side of banana cake, caramel, banana ice cream and granola. The playful technical dessert was first devised for the Great British Menu. Each course will be paired with wine and champagne too.
Tom Shepherd And Wembley
While Tom Shepherd’s expertise speaks for itself, his passion for football makes this collaboration especially meaningful. As a football fan, Tom is thrilled to be part of the Wembley project, a venue that holds a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike. For Tom, the opportunity to merge the energy of matchday with a top-tier dining experience is a dream come true.
Tom believes that football and food bring people together, and he’s looking forward to providing fans with an unforgettable food and match experience at Wembley. This experience embodies the British culture’s love of great food, shared sport and unforgettable moments; and showcases the magical connection between the two.
The Wembley Stadium Exceptional Dining Experience
Paul Scannell, Head of Experiences by Wembley Stadium has curated this experience with Tom to create this new menu that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Wembley, elevating and complementing exceptional culinary experiences throughout the stadium. This is the first of many ways in which Wembley are further elevating the experience for members.
Each course is meticulously crafted to showcase the best local produce and classic British dishes, while each wine pairing enhances the distinct flavours of the dishes. In addition to the outstanding menu, the dining experience itself is designed to immerse everyone in the excitement of the game, with extraordinary views of the pitch and a luxurious atmosphere that truly enhances the occasion.
A Stellar Career In The World Of Cooking
Tom Shepherd’s reputation as a chef is built on years of dedication to his craft. With over a decade of experience, he has worked in some of the UK’s finest kitchens, including Sat Bains and The Latymer. He was also Sous Chef at The Samling in 2013 when they were awarded their first Michelin Star. Later, as Head Chef at Adam’s, Tom successfully helped retain their Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes for over two years.
In 2018, he won the Acorn Award which celebrates the top 30 under 30 in the hospitality industry. In 2021, Tom opened his own restaurant, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, which earned a Michelin Star just four months after opening and boasts a waiting list of 10 months. Shepherd’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his 2023 appearance on The Great British Menu, where he competed against some of the UK’s best chefs. In 2024, he returned to the 19th series of The Great British Menu as a judge and hosted the semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals at his restaurant.
Passion And Giving Back As A Motto
Beyond the kitchen, Tom is passionate about giving back to the community. Tom has recently become a trustee and member of the board of the ambitious national charity Kids’ Village. The charity is raising £5m to build the UK’s first holiday village in Wychnor near Lichfield, to provide free breaks for critically ill children and their families. This spirit of generosity and care is woven into everything Tom does, from his restaurant to his collaborations like the one with Wembley. To discover more about Tom’s work and upcoming events, check out his website.
Dining Experience by Tom Shepherd will launch on Sunday 16th March at the Carabao Cup Final.
To discover more at Experiences by Wembley Stadium
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All imagery courtesy Wembley Stadium and Tom Shepherd.