Leah Shutkever, a Birmingham-based competitive eater with 40 Guinness World Records, has devoured the 'world's biggest Bakewell Tart' in just 25 minutes, smashing the 45-minute challenge time. The enormous tart, costing £50, weighs half a stone (7 pounds), measures 28cm across, and contains an estimated 14,000 calories.
Challenge at the Bakewell Tart Shop
The challenge was set by The Bakewell Tart Shop in Bakewell, Derbyshire, for National Bakewell Tart Day. Customers are invited to finish the 12-slice tart in under 45 minutes to earn a spot on the shop's Wall of Fame, a branded apron, and a water bottle. The £50 entry fee is refunded for successful challengers.
Leah said: "I was contacted by the Bakewell Tart shop to ask if I would launch a challenge named after me for National Bakewell Tart Day and I was flattered. To prepare for these challenges I usually fast beforehand so I'm hungry and ready to eat."
Hitting a wall midway
Despite her experience, Leah admitted the tart pushed her limits. "The majority of it was easy, I love a good tart but around three-quarters of the way in I hit a wall," she said. During the attempt, recorded for her social media platforms where she has over 3.5 million followers, she spurred herself on by saying: "What's the problem? Just eat the cake." Shortly after, she laughed: "The problem? I am up to here with cake."
After finishing, Leah said: "I feel great, but that was a lot. If you do come in and give it a go, good luck."
Shop owner praises achievement
Shop owner Duncan Kirk said: "National Bakewell Tart Day is all about celebrating one of Britain's favourite sweet treats and having a bit of fun at the same time. We thought it would be interesting to see whether anyone could take on a giant Bakewell Tart and complete it within 45 minutes. Leah was the perfect person to launch the challenge. Even with all her experience, there were moments when you could see how difficult it was becoming, which makes her achievement all the more impressive. She has now set the time to beat and we'd love to see whether anyone else is brave enough to have a go."
