Spudman and LNR Launch 730-Meal Giveaway to Celebrate New Trains

TikTok personality Spudman is joining forces with London Northwestern Railway for a three-week promotion that will see hundreds of free jacket potatoes handed out along the Trent Valley Line.

Ben Newman, the Tamworth-based trader who became a viral hit through videos of his customer interactions at his Staffordshire van, has built a large online following thanks to his loaded spuds. Now, he is taking that popularity on the road in partnership with LNR to mark the rollout of the operator’s new Class 730 trains.

The initiative coincides with the introduction of the Class 730 fleet on the Trent Valley route, which connects towns and cities across Cheshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire with London. LNR is using the collaboration to highlight the new trains while engaging communities served by the line.

Over three consecutive Saturdays, a total of 730 loaded jacket potatoes will be given away between 10am and 3pm at the following locations:

• Saturday 21 February: Milton Keynes – Outdoor Market, MK9 3NT

• Saturday 28 February: Crewe – Town Square, CW1 2HR

• Saturday 7 March: Tamworth – St Editha’s Square, B79 7DA

Those unable to claim one of the free portions will still have the option to purchase a specially created LNR-green jacket potato topped with pesto chicken. A percentage of the profits from this limited-edition meal will be donated to charity.

David Watkin, commercial director at LNR, said:

“Tamworth station is at the heart of the Trent Valley Line, so partnering with the town’s most famous internet star felt like a natural fit to help introduce our new fleet. We’re thrilled to be bringing Spudman to Milton Keynes and Crewe for the first time, giving local communities a chance to try one of his legendary creations.”

Ben Newman – also known as Spudman - said:

“I feel very lucky to have followers who are willing to travel such long distances to visit me, so working with a train operator which is introducing brand-new trains and making it even easier for them as a result makes perfect sense. I can’t wait to visit Milton Keynes, Crewe and then back to where it all started in Tamworth!”

Image: London Northwestern Railway