Monster burger, Walsall
The challenge: This 12-inch-wide burger is served alongside a portion of French fries and either coleslaw or barbecue beans, with one hour to eat the lot.
“It’s made from 1.5kg of mince beef, with 12 slices of cheese, 12 slices of maple-glazed bacon, 12 onion rings, lettuce and tomato,” reveals co-owner of Smokey’s David Corr.
“We ask people to book it in advance, because it takes up so much time and space in the oven, it can be tough to make on the spot.”
Manager Dan Keys told a local paper “We’ve even had some people scream when they see it.”
The prize: The burger is free (otherwise £29.95), and you get a Smokey’s T-shirt that announces: ‘I conquered the burger’.
Success rate: Seventy-three people have tried to conquer the monster so far at the US-themed restaurant – all have failed. “We had someone get close. He ate all the meat and left a third of the bread,” Corr says.
Try it: Find Smokey’s at 26-27 Station Street, Walsall (tel. 01922 277161).
The monster burger – eat the whole thing in an hour, your body will thank you
Curry Hell, Newcastle
The challenge: Aptly named ‘Curry Hell’, Rupali restaurant has been running this challenge since 1987. “We’re in the Guinness Book Of Records as the UK’s hottest curry,” owner Rukon Latif says.
“We’ve had Gordon Ramsay try it, and Chris Evans on The One Show – but neither finished.” Choose a chicken or vegetable option, in a chilli sauce so potent it’s usually only served in small doses as a dipping sauce. Rice is supplied, there is no time limit and water is allowed.
The prize: The dish is free (usually £12.95), plus you get a signed certificate and your mug on the Rupali ‘Hall of Flame’.
Success rate: “This year, about eight,” says Rukon. “And we sell 20-25 portions a week.”
Try it: Find Rupali at 6 Bigg Market, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (tel. 0191 2328629), or see therupali.co.uk
Fame awaits those brave enough to take on Curry Hell in Newcastle
Sink the Titanic, Telford
The challenge: There are three parts to this challenge at American-themed diner Oscar’s – an oversized portion of French fries, a pint of milkshake and the incredibly tall Titanic burger.
“The Titanic has two 10oz beef burgers, two chicken breasts, four pieces of bacon, four onion rings, two potato waffles and salad,” manager Tony Koular says. The customer has 45 minutes to down all three.
The prize: The meal is free (regular price £15), you get a souvenir T-shirt, a picture on Oscar’s Wall of Fame, and your next meal at the diner is free.
Success rate: “About 3000 people have attempted it since we started it last year, and about 30 have completed it,” Koular says. “But it’s still one of our most popular dishes.”
Try it: Find Oscar’s Diner at the Odeon Cinema, Forgegate, Telford (tel. 01952 200577), or see oscars-diner.com
Sink the monstrous Titanic burger
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The breakfast, lunch and dinner of champions
The Blowout, Croydon
The Challenge: You can get a challenge in early here, with the Fat Boys Cafe big breakfast.
“It has six rashers of bacon, two sausages, two eggs, a fried bread slice, chips, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms – with one hour to finish,” explains café worker Pat.
Be warned that this brekkie is deceptive: there are piles of chips underneath all the bacon.
The prize: The breakfast is free (or £9.95 if you fail).
Success rate: “For a while, nobody finished,” Pat explains. “But I’ve seen a few. It’s been on a few years. We get at least one attempt a week, especially at weekends.”
Try it: Find Fat Boys Café at 306 Thornton Road, Croydon (tel. 020 86651735).
Serious meat sweats guaranteed
Steak Challenge, Newbury
The challenge: The Hoggit and Hoof offers a 72oz rump steak with a house salad and a bowl of chips, and one hour to clear your plate. Think John Candy in The Great Outdoors.
The prize: The meal is free (a £49.95 bill awaits those who fail), plus your photo goes on the blackboard.
Success rate: “Only six have passed – out of more than 70,” owner James says. “The record is 17 mins, 52 secs!”
Try it: Find the Hoggit and Hoof at 17 Market Place, Newbury (tel. 01635 550770) or see hoggitandhoof.co.uk
Photos: Chris Anderson
