In a time when the UK feels more divided than ever, there’s one dish that has the power to bring everyone together—the simple yet satisfying jacket potato.
Loved across all ages, this hearty meal has been a go-to from school canteens to football matches.
It’s filling, comforting, and nearly impossible to mess up, making it a reliable option for any occasion.
Spud Brothers: A Potato Phenomenon in London
While jacket potatoes are served up everywhere in the UK, there’s one vendor that has made a name for itself on the international stage—Spud Brothers.
This family-run business, founded by siblings Jacob (28) and Harley Nelson (21), quickly gained a following after sell-out events, TV appearances, and viral TikTok videos.
Spud Brothers now has a location in London’s Soho, becoming a sensation for its take on the classic dish.
But does the hype live up to the taste? That’s the question on many food lovers’ minds, especially after American TikTok influencer Keith Lee, who has over 17 million followers, paid a visit.
His lukewarm review of the jacket potato—topped with a mix of cheese, beans, tuna, and tram sauce—stirred up a social media storm.
Britons took to the internet to defend their beloved dish, criticizing American taste preferences, while US followers urged Keith to return and give the food in London another shot.
The Debate: Is Spud Brothers Really That Good?
The debate left me curious. Could a dish so simple—one that’s typically less than a fiver at home but costs between £9 and £12 at Spud Brothers—really be worth all the fuss? Sure, I’ve had tasty jacket potatoes before, but none that had me contemplating a cultural debate on the internet.
Despite Keith Lee’s review, countless social media posts rave about Spud Brothers’ generous portion sizes, flavorful garlic butter, crispy onions, and, of course, the legendary tram sauce.
I wasn’t about to be swayed by the celebrity status of Spud Brothers, so I made my way to their Piccadilly Circus location to see for myself.
A Visit to Spud Brothers: My Experience
Arriving promptly at 11 a.m. for opening time, I found myself third in line at the bright red vendor, located on a side street near Piccadilly Circus.
There was already a buzz outside as customers eagerly discussed their upcoming meals.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the first patrons receiving their meals for free as part of Spud Brothers’ tradition.
I decided to stick to the classic approach, wanting to try the traditional combo without overcomplicating things.
I ordered the “Classic Cheese & Beans,” which included a piping hot jacket potato, garlic butter, Spud Bros’ signature three-cheese blend, baked beans, crispy onions, and the famous tram sauce.
The Taste Test: Why Spud Brothers Works
As the staff prepared my dish, I could already smell the incredible tram sauce—a smoky, tangy scent that perfectly complemented the crispy onions and garlic butter.
When I finally took my first bite, I understood the magic of Spud Brothers.
The dish may seem simple, but it’s the combination of flavors and textures that elevates it.
The jacket potato itself was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin and creamy center.
The beans were just as you’d expect from Heinz, but they blended beautifully with the garlic butter, making the dish feel richer and more decadent.
The crispy onions added a delightful crunch, and the tram sauce was the real star—a bold, smoky kick that tied everything together.
Is It Worth the Price?
For a simple jacket potato, the £9 price tag might seem a bit high.
However, when you consider the hefty portion size and the gourmet toppings, it didn’t feel like a rip-off.
In fact, compared to the cost of a coffee in London (often around £4), it seemed like a reasonable price for a trendy, viral dish in the heart of Soho.
My Verdict: Spud Brothers Lives Up to the Hype
I walked away from my visit with no expectations, just a love for a well-made jacket potato, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Spud Brothers has created something special here—not by reinventing the wheel, but by perfecting the classics.
The flavors are spot on, and the portion size is more than generous.
For what it’s worth, I think Keith should definitely give it another try.
If you’re ever in London and craving a jacket potato, Spud Brothers is absolutely worth the visit.