Spud Man — Restaurant in Tamworth

Driving 90 minutes for a baked potato might sound like a plan hatched in a fever dream, but what about flying 24 hours for one? 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.

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. Whatever eventuated, we were up for. The day we went was grim weather, some of that classic UK sideways rain and cut you in half wind.

We arrived early and were prepared and were willing to wait for baked potato glory. “Are you sure getting a baked potato from Tamworth is your UK dream?” We continued to joke as we walked from the car park, “maybe you should work on dreaming bigger?”

Now, let me tell you honestly: 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 centers, 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.

My nephew got a photo with the Spudman and my nephew. We got a photo in front of the van, his son was hard at work inside and apparently all the staff are a little bit Internet famous as they live-stream constantly. I was blown away so read up a bit on the Spudman.

He became Spudman after being bitten by a radioactive potato…unlikely but I’d believe almost anything. He is a something of a superhero when it comes to baked potatoes.

The Spudman, a.k.a. Ben Newman, he isn’t just slinging spuds—he’s running something like a cultural phenomenon. Ben’s mastery of the baked potato gained him local fame, and I’m sure when he first perfected it he knew he was onto something. But 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.

Millions now follow his every spud move. He has even penned a cookbook, “Spudtacular Baked Potato Cookbook”, packed with creations like poutine-inspired spuds and shawarma-loaded jackets.

Anyone who survives in the hospitality game deserves praise, 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 honor 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.

The rain stopped so we wandered around Tamworth to to let the potatoes digest a little, we wandered through a few of the op shops and grabbed a coffee at a nearby cafe. My German Shepherd made fast friends with locals who kept stopping us for a chat and a pat.

Worth the trip? Absolutely. If you’re ever within striking distance of the Spudman Van, definitely pay them a visit. You’ll...

He only cares about his ego. Bland tinned food, a couple of bites, and it went in the bin.

I was reluctant to post this review when you look how petulant his responses are. He can't seem to accept criticism, he is quite petulant really.

Edit: Your response just proves your petulance. Some people don't like your food and are not able to return due to location, but they must not be grown up because you think so. Just look at your other responses to reviews. The point of reviews is people get to share their experience. Returning it would not have changed the outcome.

Edit 2: I don't care about a refund. I'm just posting to make others aware. Maybe focus on making quality food instead of arguing with reviews. Learn to be professional and accept that your food can be made by anyone. You're not special. Understand as a grown up not everything is positive and this review section is here for a reason.

Edit 3: You need to accept that your way is not the only way. By posting a review it allows others to see the service users experience. Saying it to your face or not would not change the review made. If you don't like it, then be an adult, accept it and move on.

Edit 4: you are saying that the only way to be grown up is to take time out of my day travelling to return food and give you feedback. That is incorrect.

Maybe you should be a grown up and accept criticism. Instead you are trying to gaslight someone who left you a negative review. You are just...

Had our first visit to spud man today, we had been to Birmingham for a conference so decided to stop off and see what the fuss was about in Tamworth with this spud man. Now I wasn’t holding out high hopes because if I was hungry I wouldn’t reach for a jacket potato. It’s just not my thing. HOWEVER!! This has been the first time I’ve actually enjoyed one, I went for the classic plain beans and husband went for Pulled Pork and cheese with crispy onions. The plain beans one was lovely and fluffy, lots of butter so it wasn’t dry and plenty of beans. Husband’s was also fluffy and he ate the lot, I did try some of his pulled pork and it was a little sweet for me but he enjoyed it. I have to add the potatoes are HUGE so you get a lot for your money. The queue wasn’t too bad at 10.30am, later I can see that the queue will be long and I feel for the people in the houses opposite with all the people, I hope the council can give him his less invasive pitch back. Service is quick and spud man has time for everyone, but likes to keep the queue moving so that everyone gets their turn. There are 2 people serving and 1 taking the money. So you don’t have to wait specifically for spud man himself. You can get your order then get a selfie after to keep the queue moving. We weren’t served by him but lady was lovely. In total with 2 drinks it...