TAKING on a pub's enormous breakfast challenge was not a task I felt confident of completing before I arrived at its beautiful picturesque location in Shaw.
But when the giant serving of The Black Ladd's Super Six Belly Buster was placed in front of me, I knew finishing it within the 30-minute time limit was well beyond my eating and digesting capabilities.
A total of 54 items of food were included – six portions each of sausages, bacon, eggs, toast, French toast, hash browns, tomatoes, mushrooms and black puddings, along with a large tray of beans.
Sitting down on a cosy table close to a fire just after midday on Tuesday, I quickly began tucking into my meal.
The breakfasty meal
But 10 minutes in, I realised I would struggle to even finish half of it, and decided to eat the food I most enjoyed, leaving items I do not like such as black pudding.
Surrendering before the half hour deadline, I probably only managed to eat just under 50 per cent of the meal, a poor effort by most people's standards.
Despite the disappointment of the failure, I really enjoyed the meal, which was cooked perfectly and the service from the friendly staff was excellent.
Those successful in clearing the plate can walk away without payment but the rest have to pay the price, £29.95, which I did before leaving a very well beaten man.
Reporter James Mutch with the half-completed plate of food
The breakfast meal
To rub salt into the wounds, I later discovered that a young lad raced through his "Belly Buster" in 23 minutes on the same day, becoming the first person to do so since the challenge was launched last week.
He is in the running to win a £50 gift voucher, which will be awarded to the person who completes it in the fastest time.
The Buckstones Road pub's latest challenge follows its 100oz steak challenge in November, which no-one managed to conquer, although one came close – eating 90oz of the meat.
The Black Ladd pub in Shaw
General manager Keiran Leach said the announcement of the breakfast challenge, which was devised by himself and landlord Paul Mahon, has also led to an increase in visitors this month, with the pub gaining popularity on social media.
They plan to come up with more challenges this year but not too many so the novelty of them do not wear off.
To put yourself forward for the Super Six Belly Buster, a pre-booking must be made.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel