The world of competitive eating, where adversaries stuff their faces at high speed in the name of, more often than not, nothing more than a free meal, is a happy place for us. Cheese-laden, protein-heavy, tear inducingly spicy plates are de rigueur in this medieval practice, and we’re all for that. Just look at this article by Netflights on the biggest and best food eating competitions in the USA, you’ve got to admire contestants brave enough to take on a 4lb roll of sushi.
While America seem to have the monopoly on the craze, with diners from East to West acting as the battleground for hungry, wild-eyed participants, London isn’t far behind. Here are our 10 IDEAL restaurants in which to put your competitive eating to the test.
MEAT LIQUOR – The Triple Chilli Challenge
Some eating challenges present obstacles of quantity. Others of fierce chili heat. The Triple Chilli challenge at Meat Liquor does both. Brave participants have to tackle a burger, hot dog and fries all covered with jalapenos. Prepare to get sweaty, your place on their wall of fame depends on it.
Website: meatliquor.com
THE CLAPHAM NORTH – The Infamous Beast Burger
With just 12 minutes to take down this beef, pulled pork and chicken between two buns behemoth, it’s not easy, but well worth it. You get a free drink, a t-shirt AND a your picture on their wall.
Website: www.theclaphamnorth.co.uk
ABSURD BIRD SPITALFIELDS – The Absurd Bird Wings Challenge
£24, 24 wings. Complete it and the wall of fame awaits. Prove yourself chicken to the challenge and cough up the money. It’s that simple.
*ABSURD BIRD IS NOW CLOSED
THE BREAKFAST CLUB – The Breakfast Club Pancake Challenge
An annual challenge, held on Shrove Tuesday, the Breakfast Club’s Pancake Challenge involves finishing a twelve stack in the same amount of minutes. With all proceeds going to charity if you lose, this is a win-win challenge.
Website: www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com
RED DOG SALOON, HOXTON – The Naga Viper Chilli Challenge
The Napa Valley chilli is seriously hot – sweat from your brow may be an additional seasoning in this ferocious challenge. You’re only required to tackle six wings but there’s no drink allowed to quench your thirst and soothe the pain. Will you be a wall of famer or a hall of shamer?
Website: www.reddogsaloon.co.uk
BLUES KITCHEN, SHOREDITCH – The Hot Dog Challenge
A Fourth of July extravaganza, competitors have a 30 minute time limit to see how many hot dogs they can get down their neck, with the winner treated to a £50 bar bill. Speed is the name of the game here, so come hungry and focused.
Website: theblueskitchen.com
OCTOBERFEST PUB, FULHAM – The Double Knuckle Challenge
To win your own litre beer glass, typical of German beer halls, you first have to take down two pork knuckles, a host of sides and a litre of beer. It’s the bubbles that get you.
Website: www.octoberfestpub.com
PORKY’S, CAMDEN – The Iron Pig Challenge
This one comes in race format, the faster you can tackle a pork burger, set of ribs and six wings, the better. The record is just under 11 minutes – can you beat it?
Website: porkys.co.uk
THE COUNTY ARMS, WANDSWORTH – The Two-Foot Sausage Roll Challenge
A sausage roll? Easy peasy, you might say. Two foot’s worth though, all that meat and buttery puff pastry, gets seriously filling. It’s free if you can conquer it without assistance and lubrication. Even if you can’t, at least you’ll never have your head turned by Upper Crust at the train station again.
Website: www.countyarms.co.uk
THE PRIDE OF PADDINGTON – The Terry Tucker Challenge
This challenge changes according to the day, with anything from a giant lasagna to massive shepherd’s pie cropping up. The last time we checked in was a triple-burger with sides including a tripple portion of fries – if you finish it’s free, if not your wallet is damaged to the tune of £25.
Website: theprideofpaddington.co.uk
