The Dinner Jacket: New jacket potato takeaway in Andover

The Dinner Jacket, in Swan Court, opened its doors on Saturday, July 13, with owner Russell Dadds, 57, promising "something a bit different".

He told the Advertiser: "I identified a niche that nobody else did in town and many people suggested the jacket potato."

With a wide range of options, Russell has taken the humble jacket potato and turned it into something a 'little more up-market', offering a variety of unique fillings at reasonable prices.

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Cllr Iris Andersen and Russell Dadds (Image: Cllr Iris Andersen)

He said: "We sell jacket potatoes with artisan fillings, for example, oriental pork, our house special satay chicken and Thai sweet chicken, as well as your classics like chilli, tuna mayo and cheesy beans."

Russell and his team cook each jacket potato in a traditional cast iron Victorian potato oven, before applying each filling.

The Dinner Jacket also serves a range of baguettes and sandwiches, salads, hot and cold drinks, chocolate, crisps and slushies.

Russell said that 'business has been steady' in the first week, adding: "We made £2,000 in profit in the first seven days."

With intentions to meet high demands for his business, Russell is now operating a pre-order for collection service.

He said: "We are now offering a pre-order for collection service, all you have to do is call 07743531591 and then come down and collect you potato.

"We're also planning on starting a delivery service in future, should there be the demand for it."

Originally from Farnborough, Russell moved to Andover in 1988 and has lived between the town and North Yorkshire ever since.

A former soldier in the Royal Hampshire Regiment, the Tigers, prior to setting up his new business, Russell served as a physical training instructor and also served in the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment.

In total, Russell served for five years, being stationed in Berlin, Tidworth and Northern Ireland.

He said: "I was then a steel erector, working in Germany and Russia, and went on to be a steel contract manager at Wembley Stadium bridge."

He now works as a crane lift co-ordinator, when he isn't busy serving potatoes.

The Dinner Jacket was officially opened by Cllr Iris Andersen.

Russell said: "Iris Andersen launched it, she is really lovely. I'm excited to see the faces of customers and to meet new people.

"I'm looking forward to building up a business and employing staff in this area.

"Come down and try some of our brilliant food, pop down and give us a try."