TikTok star Spudman faces angry backlash as popular business divides town
A popular jacket potato seller who skyrocketed to fame on Tiktok is facing an angry backlash after winning a battle against council bosses who wanted to move his trailer.
Ben Newman known as "Spudman" who has racked up a giant 4.2million followers on TikTok and 560,000 on Instagram, had nowhere to run his business after the council booted him off his pitch last year.
People have flocked from abroad to enjoy Ben's jacket potatoes, stacked with toppings, which he serves from his van.
And he rejoiced recently when he overcame Tamworth Borough Council's ban to continue trading in the market town. Yet, local café owners claim his customers use their toilets and sit down to eat his potatoes at their tables and chairs as the bitter row rumbles on, reports the Mirror.
Ben, 40, told reporters his detractors are jealous of his success. He said this week: "There are a couple of cafés around the market square but the problem is the owners sit there all day and are not so busy, and they see me nice and busy and it's 'green eyes'.
"Their cafés have increased trade on the back of my success. I put tables and chairs out for my customers, which get full, and I tell them to use public toilets but I can't stop them going elsewhere."
The tattie entrepreneur had to move his trailer last year to allow the pedestrianised area to be refurbished by the council and claimed he felt "destroyed" when he was told that he would have to trade from a side street as the square was filled with flower beds.
The plans sparked an outcry from Spudman's devoted fans and a petition garnered more than 113,000 in less than two weeks. It led to Tamworth Borough Council's recent U-turn, a move which has irked other local traders in and near the market square.
Coleen Mills, who owns the Side Walk Café which faces the market place on St Editha's Square, told Mail Online: "I don't know 'Spudman' personally but it is annoying that his customers come along with their jackets and eat them at my place when the tables and chairs outside his trailer are full.
"They've also been using our toilet facilities, but I've put a stop to that now. But when I've moved people on I've been given a lot of verbal abuse, which is very unfair."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sue Vaughan, who owns the Market Café, also complained about "Spudman's" customers using her facilities without permission. She continued: "I've had his customers using my loos, when they should be for mine only, and I've now had to padlock them.
"He needs to sort out his own toilets or tell his customers to use public ones. They're also sitting on my tables and chairs outside eating his food, which is out of order."
But Ben, who is a dad, continues to draw in punters, with people often queuing in the market square for his spuds. Sarah Vickers, a fan and also manager of the town's Cosy Café, described "Spudman" as a "good advert" for Tamworth.
"He's a good advert for Tamworth and he does a lot to help the community. He gives money for good causes and, like my sister, he has kidney dialysis. We're a very busy café here and he's bought more people to town, and on days he's not open his customers often come down to us," Sarah told Mail Online.
A Tamworth Borough Council spokesman said: "The council investigates all relevant complaints received through our official complaints process."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
Marbella 'deserted' as tourists stay away from Costa del Sol hotspot
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Marbella, a renowned holiday destination in southern Spain, has seen a decline in visitor numbers as tourists cut back on lavish holidays, with one nationality noticeably absent. Long ingrained in the British public's mind, Marbella transformed from a humble fishing village on the outskirts of Malaga into a bustling tourist hotspot throughout the 20th century. The Marbella Club Hotel, founded by Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg in 1954, put the location on the map as a must-visit spot for Europe's elite. In recent years, it has become synonymous with celebrity glamour and extravagance, attracting bronzed Instagrammers in droves for Champagne spray parties. Despite remaining a favourite among Brits and Love Island contestants alike, it appears that some are beginning to fall out of love with 'Marbs'. This includes one unfortunate holidaymaker who was denied entry to Towie star Elliott Wright's restaurant due to his footwear. This summer saw a drop in tourist numbers on the Costa del Sol, marking the first decrease since the pandemic began. The downturn has been particularly noticeable in Marbella, where Spanish tourist numbers fell by 34% in June, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), reports the Mirror. In July, the city welcomed 68,630 visitors, which is 8,201 fewer than in 2024. The decline in visitors is wreaking havoc across Marbella's hospitality sector, with business owners left wondering how they'll survive financially. "There are days when we feel like we're not holding our heads in our hands from so much work, and others when the restaurant is empty. It's as if people are more restrained when it comes to going out," Yolanda, a waitress at one of the downtown hospitality establishments, told Sur. A retail worker in Marbella informed the publication that Spanish visitors to the resort are arriving with tighter budgets. They attributed this to "how expensive accommodation has become" alongside inadequate public transport links between Malaga and Marbella - which are situated 40 miles apart along the coastline - for the 10% drop in tourist numbers overall this summer. Despite falling visitor numbers, Marbella is hardly experiencing a ghost town atmosphere. Hotel occupancy has climbed to 80.08 percent, with guests staying an average of 3.95 nights - the highest figure recorded since 2016. Laura De Arce, director of tourism for the City Council, commented: "The city continues to attract a traveler profile that values excellence, exclusivity, and a differentiated offering. This not only translates into high occupancy rates but also into strong profitability, confirming Marbella's leadership in the premium tourism sector in the Mediterranean." Earlier this week, readers of the Mirror voiced their opinions on Spain as a holiday spot and expressed concerns about visiting due to recent high-profile protests against overtourism. "The message we are receiving loud and clear from locals, especially in the islands and where we usually visit in Andalucia, is that we should stay away and are not welcome," one gentleman informed us.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Wowcher knocks £98 air cooler down to £35 as Scotland to hit 28C
With another heatwave to hit the country, an air cooler has become a must-have for households. It is fair to say that households in the UK are not equipped to deal with heatwaves. With many homes lacking air conditioning, an essential in warmer climates, Brits generally struggle when hit with a heat whether they are in or outdoors. The Met Office predicts temperatures will reach as high as 28C in Pitlochry and North Berwick tomorrow (August 13). This is followed not far behind by Glasgow and Stirling sitting at a toasty 26C. In order to battle these soaring temperatures, a fan or air cooler is a must-have device. For those looking for a robust air cooler to keep their household at a comfortable temperature throughout the day, Wowcher has dropped the price of a fast selling product. The 4L Portable Air Cooler usually retails for £98.99, but savvy shoppers can now grab it for £34.99. Unlike a fan, this air cooler stores ice-cooled water in its four litre tank and distributes it around the room. Equipped with a few speed choices, shoppers will be able to select the best temperature to achieve a comfortable and cool atmosphere, reports the Mirror. On top of this, the cooler features a handy 120 degree oscillation so there are no random warm patches left in your room. With dimensions of 58cm high and 22cm wide, this cooler can also easily be placed in any space without taking up too much room. 4L Portable Air Cooler £98.99 £34.99 Wowcher Buy Now Product Description This device is also perfect for use during warm nights as it comes with a built-in humidifier, which will be able to help lessen the muggy heat that can result in an interrupted and uncomfortable sleep. However, it should also be noted that this device is an air cooler, not an air conditioner. While air coolers use water evaporation to cool the air around you, air conditioners instead use a refrigerant-based system to cool which can be more powerful at times. For those looking for an air conditioner, it should be warned they usually come with a hefty price tag. Argos is currently selling the Challenge 5K Air Conditioner for £350. This device comes with two speeds and also requires external ventilation. Alternatively, if shoppers would rather a standing fan, Amazon is selling the Dimplex DXACF Tower Fan for £69.99. Equipped with three speeds and four modes, this fan comes with an auto timer so shoppers won't need to worry about wasting energy throughout the night. Now while there are no reviews of the Portable Air Cooler on Wowcher's website, the retailer has been given high praise on Trustpilot - where it currently has a 4.3 star rating. One highly satisfied shopper said: "Great offers all the time, very easy to understand all the terms and great service." While another five-star reviewer added: "It was very simple and straightforward to purchase. The description of the item I've purchased was clear. I price-matched the items, and Wowcher was a far better price, so I'm very happy. Thank you." However, not everyone was happy with their experience, as one person wrote: "Website is really hard to understand and it doesn't really explain about vouchers." With another person adding: "To tell the truth I struggled with this. Couldn't get into my account, kept going round in circles. I have now redeemed my offer but didn't know how to do this at first. Need more info when placing an order." Despite this, a top reviewer said: "Lots to choose from at great prices, I have used Wowcher a few times and never had an issue." With a sixth customer commenting: "I searched what I wanted to buy, found it on excellent deal, paid for it in minutes. Excellent service will be back and will highly recommend to friends and family." Shoppers can now grab the 4L Portable Air Cooler from Wowcher for £34.99. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
Morrisons becomes first supermarket to offer exclusive deal in all 344 cafes
The supermarket has launched an exclusive new offer. Morrisons has launched an exclusive new offer across all its cafes nationwide - and it will see certain customers save money every day of the week. As of yesterday, August 11, patrons with a Blue Light card are now able to get 10 percent off any meal at any time of the day, and there is no minimum spend required. Available seven days a week across 344 Morrisons cafes, it marks the first time that the exclusive money-saving initiative has been offered in any supermarket cafe for those signed up to the discount service. The Blue Light card scheme provides a range of discounts for those who work in the emergency services, NHS, teaching community, social care sector and armed forces. It costs members £4.99 for two years, with an array of offers across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, groceries, insurance, and more when purchases are made online and in store. As for Morrisons' cafe deal, it is the first of its kind to be offered by any supermarket, with others offering Blue Light cardholders discounts on gift card purchases. Those who present a valid card at the till when visiting one of the grocer's cafes will be able to access the 10 percent discount across a range of family favourites such as fish & chips and bangers & mash. Shoppers can also get Morrisons' legendary Big Breakfast for during an early morning start, alongside lighter bites for lunch such as the Three Cheese Toastie. The exclusive new Blue Light discount is not the only money-saving initiative to be offered in Morrisons cafes, as the supermarket allows a family of four to eat for £15 - and it gets two kids meals completely free of charge. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Meanwhile, children under the age of 16 can also eat free all day when an adult meal over £5 is purchased from either the Breakfasts or Classics Menu. It allows little ones to choose from a selection of popular dishes that includes Birds Eye Chicken Dippers, Birds Eye Fish Fingers, Birds Eye Green Cuisine Veggie Fingers or Goodfella's Mini 4 Cheese Pizza, alongside a drink. Meanwhile, Morrisons is helping pensioners to spread their money with the launch of its exclusive 'Club 60' deal that allows over 60s to enjoy a small breakfast and refillable hot drink for just £6, or an Afternoon Meal Deal for just £10. However, the announcement does come just after Morrisons has been making a wave of cafe closures across the UK this year, with a total of 13 across Scotland being shuttered recently. Chris Strong, Senior Café Trader at Morrisons, said: 'We're proud to support the incredible individuals in the emergency services who go above and beyond every day by introducing a 10 percent Blue Light Card discount in our Cafes. "Whether popping in for coffee, cake or one of our tasty meals, being able to offer our great value favourites for even less is our way of saying thank you." Morrisons' Blue Light discount is only available at all 344 cafes nationwide when presented with a valid card at the till.
