It’s been more than a year since Spudman’s jacket potato van in Tamworth went viral and all of these months on, fans are still flocking to St Edithas Close for a taste of the TikTok famous £4 dish. We queued up for two hours to try it at the peak of its hype but our jolly down from Birmingham was nothing compared to one recent pilgrimage which took a diner on a 24 hour journey to the heart of old Mercia.
Customer Jay Sullivan visited Spudman’s van just before Christmas, accompanying his nephew who had travelled for an entire day to try the jacket potatoes. Giving a glowing write-up on Google Reviews, Jay explained: “When my nephew visited from Australia, visiting the Spudman Van in Tamworth was in his top three must do things. Knowing it meant a lot to him, we had to make it happen. All he wanted to do was meet the Spudman and eat one of his baked potatoes.”
Jay said that he geared up for bad weather and long waits to get a potato. He said: “I am cynical about most life experiences and as we drove, we joked with him relentlessly: ‘This better be the best baked potato ever, or else!’ The stakes were high and my nephew warned there would likely be long lines and that there can be lengthy waits.”
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After waiting for potatoes featuring an array of Spudman toppings (cheese, coleslaw and beans are on the menu), Jay said that the potatoes were well worth the wait. He said: “The Spudman delivered. The baked potatoes weren’t just good; they were life-affirming. If I could make potatoes this good, I, too, might craft my entire identity around them and put my kids to work.
“We tried several of the flavours, and every single one was a terrific. Creamy centres, crispy jackets, and toppings that elevated each bite to near-spiritual levels.
“You don’t leave the Spudman Van hungry or questioning your life choices – you leave full, warm, and content, wondering why all baked potatoes can’t be like this. They stack the toppings on so high you can’t see the potato when you start, it’s awesome.”
Jay says that his nephew got a photo with Spudman and that he admires the ‘superhero’ and his business. “The Spudman, a.k.a. Ben Newman, he isn’t just slinging spuds – he’s running something like a cultural phenomenon.”
He added: “Hospitality is a tough game, even if you have a good product. The pandemic broke a lot of hearts and businesses. The Spudman got good at social media. His cheeky, behind-the-scenes TikToks and marketing efforts have catapulted him to global potato stardom.”
Since his rise to fame, Spudman has gained a number of commercial opportunities, including the chance to write his own cook book.
“Anyone who survives in the hospitality game deserves praise,” Jay gushed. “In recognition of his contributions to the community and his innovative business practices, Ben was awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Tamworth Borough Council. This honour reflects his impact on the local economy and his role in promoting Tamworth as a destination.
“I guarantee you, we never would have stopped there if it wasn’t for my nephew following him online and loving what the Spudman is doing.
“Worth the trip? Absolutely. If you’re ever within striking distance of the Spudman Van, definitely pay them a visit. You’ll leave a believer.”