SpudBros, the UK's most-followed jacket potato creators, will launch their first-ever pop-up at the Trafford Centre from July 18 to July 25, 2026, just in time for the school summer holidays. The brothers behind the viral brand, Harvey and Jacob Nelson, confirmed the dates and location on June 22, 2026, promising a week of freshly prepared, fully loaded jacket potatoes that have amassed a massive social media following.
Pop-Up Location and Hours
The SpudBros activation will be located outside The Great Hall at the Trafford Centre, operating daily from 12pm to 8pm. The pop-up will serve their signature loaded potatoes, including the Tram Classic—loaded with garlic butter, a three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions, and the world-famous tram sauce—as well as the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna, and coleslaw. Customers can also opt for the build-your-own potato, allowing for customisation.
Meteoric Rise of SpudBros
Founders Jacob and Harvey Nelson started their journey six years ago by taking over their father's Hot Potato Tram van at Preston Flag Market. Since then, they have expanded into a street food empire with franchised SpudBros Express stores across the UK, including in London, Liverpool, and Sheffield. Earlier this year, they announced a deal with EG Garages to roll out 30 additional SpudBros Express stores in 2026. The Trafford Centre pop-up has been described by the brothers as their "dream location."
Surprises and Celebrations
Trafford Centre bosses have confirmed that early visitors on opening day could be "in for a surprise." The brand is known for rewarding its community, and while details remain under wraps, fans are encouraged to arrive early to join the celebrations. The pop-up is part of the Trafford Centre's summer programme, which also includes the reopening of the on-site summer fair from July 18.
Quotes from Founders and Centre Director
Jacob Nelson, Co-Founder of SpudBros, said: “Manchester is by far the most requested location we’ve had since we started sharing our journey online. It’s a city that has always seemed to elude us despite the incredible demand, so bringing SpudBros to Trafford Centre feels particularly special. Both Harley and I grew up visiting Trafford Centre, so to now be bringing the tram here for a week-long pop-up is a genuine full-circle moment. We’re excited to give people in Manchester a taste of what we do, whether they’ve followed our journey from the beginning or are discovering us for the first time.”
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “At Trafford Centre, we're always looking for new and exciting brands that enhance the visitor experience, and SpudBros is a fantastic example of this. Having built a loyal following through its unique offering and engaging social media presence, the brand brings something fresh and relevant to our guests. The pop-up reflects our commitment to introducing innovative food and beverage concepts that create a real sense of excitement and encourage repeat visits. We’re delighted to welcome SpudBros to Trafford Centre this summer and look forward to seeing shoppers enjoy the experience.”
Queue Expectations
Wherever SpudBros sets up, queues tend to follow, and the Trafford Centre pop-up is expected to attract significant crowds. The one-week stay coincides with the first week of the school summer holidays for most families, likely boosting footfall. The brand's viral popularity on social media has built a loyal following, and the pop-up is anticipated to be a major draw for shoppers.
