For many Brits, the classic baked potato, or jacket potato, is a popular weekday staple. Easy to cook in an oven or air fryer, it requires minimal effort and can be customized with various toppings. While baked beans, cheese, butter, or tuna mayo are common and cheap options, some elevate this humble dish to gourmet levels. But just how expensive can a jacket potato get? One man set out to find the UK's priciest version.
The Quest for the Most Expensive Jacket Potato
Charlie Betts, a food enthusiast who travels around London sampling restaurants at different price points, visited the Michelin-starred Goring Dining Room in Westminster. Known for royal visits, the restaurant allegedly serves the UK's most expensive jacket potato. In a TikTok video, Betts explained, "Apparently, this is the most expensive jacket potato in the UK. I have been looking for this product for a while."
After checking in for their reservation, Betts and a companion were seated. They ordered 'house water' and a server took their order. Instead of ordering only the jacket potato—which was on a 'secret menu'—they opted for starters: Wye Valley asparagus with poached Clarence Court egg and spring emulsion sauce, and sea bream and scallop ceviche with Seville orange, seaweed, and fennel. The server claimed the latter was "the best in town." A complimentary amuse-bouche and fresh bread with butter were also served.
The Main Event: The Great Potato
After enjoying the appetizers, the main attraction arrived. Known on the menu as 'The Great Potato,' it came baked inside a roll of sourdough bread. The server cut it open to reveal a salt-baked, deep purple violetta potato filled with raw cultured butter and topped with monthly specials. For Betts, this included a mushroom bolognese. The server then fluffed the potato and allowed Betts to add toppings himself: sour cream, shallots, chives, a beef-based topping, and grated cheese on one half.
Taking a bite, Betts praised the soft interior and the mushroom bolognese, noting the potato skin was "very salty and nice." After dessert, the total bill for two came to £247.83. The jacket potato alone cost £30, while the starters were £28 and £40. Reflecting on the experience, Betts said, "That was a splendid experience, and yeah... that was unreal. The Great Potato as well."
