Part 2 of our 60 second interview with Tom Shepherd

Tom Shepherd is the Michelin Star Head Chef of Adam’s Restaurant, Birmingham, and this year he will be judging Anchor's Chef of the Year 2018 competition.

Find out more about Tom with Part 2 of our 60 second interview:

Q. What was your favourite food cooked by your Mum?

My Mum used to make this fantastic cheese and potato pie. I remember coming home from school and smelling the cheese being browned up under the grill. It got me every time.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

This is the start of my head chef profession but a finishing school for me too. Pushing on and evolving Adam’s will give me the confidence and belief in myself. Working with Adam, I’ve got the support to produce and develop my own food in my own style. I won’t stop until we’re at a level where we can look back and see that evolution, whether that comes in the form of accolades or not. Then I’ve always had dreams of opening my own restaurant, using the experience I’ve gained.

Q. Other than Adam’s, what is your favourite restaurant in Birmingham? 

It’s a place called Folium in Caroline Street, about a 10 minute walk from Adam’s and I go there quite often.  It only opened recently but has already proved to be a winner with locals.

Q. What advice would you have for young people going into catering?

I’ve never been to college but a lot of people go and learn it through that route. The industry’s changed though. People are starting to look at cooking as a respected profession, which is fantastic. I’d say to any person, regardless if they want to be a chef or not, just follow what makes you happy. If you’re fortunate enough to find something that you’re good at then do it. Believe in yourself and have confidence.

The 2018 Chef of the Year final will be held on Tuesday 4 September, in University College, Birmingham.

Find out more about Chef of the Year here.