A popular dining venue known for classic British fare is set to reopen to the public after a brief period of inactivity.
The venue, recognised for its generous jacket potatoes and hearty pie served with creamy mash, is gearing up to restart trading at its Friars Walk site in Newport following a short closure earlier this month.
The temporary shutdown left loyal regulars concerned, with many taking to online platforms to describe the establishment as a concealed gem and share their favourable experiences.
The company announced through official channels that they had taken a brief intermission and weighed up the prospect of shutting down for good, but that this did not fit with what they stood for.
They explained they operate as a modest independent venture but feel privileged to serve customers who would miss this particular potato-focused establishment. While competing businesses undoubtedly operate in the area, there exists only one Spud Inc.
They also revealed the arrival of a talented new team member, expressing fortune at discovering her. This individual plans to bring fresh ideas and subtle enhancements that management believes patrons will welcome.
Additionally, efforts are underway to expand the healthier menu selections, offering customers greater variety from morning dishes through to outdoor dining experiences.
The statement concluded with appreciation for ongoing patronage and a commitment to remaining part of Newport’s town centre, an area that has already seen too many quality independents disappear.
The company also shared information about current special offers and delivery arrangements.
The business originally launched as a small mobile catering unit in 2024 before moving to a fixed premises by the waterfront the following year.
Gareth Jones spotted a gap in the market for reasonably priced traditional comfort cuisine within the town centre.
He crafted the menu around generously sized jacket potatoes alongside traditional pie-and-mash dishes, which quickly made the mobile operation a popular lunchtime choice among shoppers, university students, and office staff.
The growing base of regulars facilitated growth into a permanent site positioned close to the steps, according to the Friars Walk description.
The venue now accommodates guests with both indoor and outdoor options overlooking the river.
The company has extended its reach through delivery services including Uber Eats and Just Eat while maintaining an active profile on internet social platforms.
Content regularly showcases trays of freshly cooked potatoes, piping hot meat pies, and bowls of smooth mash prepared in the visible kitchen.
Earlier this month, however, the venue posted on Facebook that it would be temporarily closed for an extended period, prompting numerous supportive responses from followers hoping the shutdown would not be permanent.
Many diners described the restaurant as an overlooked gem and voiced their eagerness for its return.
Those worries have now been laid to rest, with Mr Jones choosing not to walk away from his enterprise.
The restaurant is slated to resume trading at its Friars Walk location, serving jacket potatoes and pie with mash from Monday through Saturday, with choices of seating inside or outside.
Recent posts on social channels show the crew preparing each morning and extending invitations for people to visit and see their morning preparations and find them at their Friars Walk location in Newport.