Spud Man pledges to feed Liverpool homeless after chat with one of our Guide Heroes

Jacket potato supremo Spud Man has pledged to help feed homeless people in Liverpool after chatting with one of our Guide Heroes.

Anthony Grice, who runs Fika coffee shop in Childwall, is known for his year-round efforts to support the local community.

That includes regularly volunteering with the Liverpool in Arms charity which gives out hot meals and drinks to the homeless and vulnerable in the city centre.

Spud Man, aka Ben Newman, is currently pulling in huge crowds at Liverpool Christmas Market alongside Scouser John the Spud, so Anthony – who won our Business Hero 2025 award – decided to pay him a visit.

And, after explaining the work of Liverpool in Arms, Spud Man was happy to lend a hand (and some jackets) to stop people in need going hungry in the run-up to Christmas.

Anthony explains:

“I don’t know Spud Man personally but I think he’s boss, and I love it when someone’s been doing the job for years and they’ve got lucky and it explodes. 

“I messaged him on socials and he replied to say ‘pop down and see me’ so I went down to the Christmas Market at St George’s and he was telling me all about his journey.

“I told him about what we do at Liverpool In Arms and how a lot of local businesses support the volunteers. We go into town on Mondays and Wednesdays, we send food and it’s given out to the homeless. We can feed between 100 and 150 people at each session.

“I donate and I try to go down every week if I can to help out. I jump on the front line with them and I take down the sleeping bags, coats, hats, scarves, gloves and warm blankets we get donated through the shop.

“I asked Ben if he’d be interested in getting involved, and obviously he gets asked to do a lot for charity, but he said he always helps where he can.

“He said while he’s in Liverpool, if we sent anyone down to his stall who was in genuine need and struggling, and they said they’d spoken to Tony at Fika, he’d feed them for free.”

Spud Man has confirmed he’s happy to do his bit to share some Christmas spirit, as well as maintaining the dignity and respect of those who come for help.

With just a couple of weeks to go to the big day, Anthony is also busy running his annual Operation Christmas Liverpool appeal again. He’s asking supporters to buy an extra gift for someone in the city who might otherwise go without.

He’s collecting new, unused and unwrapped toys, selection boxes, gift sets and warm clothing gifts like gloves and socks. Anyone who’d like to donate can drop off at Fika on Woolton Road during opening hours until December 21. 

Find out more about FIKA here.

Find out what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.