Reporter Harry Leach recently attempted the notorious 'Bally Boster' breakfast challenge at J's Diner in Brierley Hill, a 4,000-plus calorie Full English that must be devoured in 30 minutes to earn a spot on the wall of fame. The challenge consists of five rashers of bacon, five sausages, five hash browns, five eggs, five black puddings, large portions of baked beans and tomatoes, and a loaf of fried bread.
The Challenge Begins
Owner Dan explained that the name 'Bally Boster' comes from Black Country slang: 'Bally' meaning belly, and 'Bost' meaning broken. He warned that there was a decent chance my belly would be snapped in half. Undeterred, I sat down at a red-and-white American-style booth as Dan delivered the mountain of food on a gigantic plate.
Initial Confidence
I felt confident, having trained by eating Hobnobs after dinner. I told staff I'd finish in under 15 minutes. That was pure delusion. When Dan shouted 'Go!', I started by gobbling hash browns, building bacon, egg, and sausage sandwiches with toast, and scooping up beans and mushrooms with black pudding.
The Turning Point
Within 15 minutes, I had finished all the bread, sausages, most of the bacon, and made a dent in the rest. But then the meat sweats kicked in, the room spun, and I felt sick. Every bite was met with a regurgitating sound. The delicious bacon now resembled stringy veins. I feared I might throw up and embarrass myself.
Struggling to Finish
I asked Dan if the challenge could hospitalise someone. He replied, 'If you don't eat responsibly,' and joked about needing a waiver. With a minute and a half left, Dan encouraged me, but I had hit a wall. I admitted defeat, pushed away the plate, and left without the champion mug.
Reflection
On the drive home, I recalled Michael Jordan's quote about failing repeatedly. Maybe one day I'll win the mug, but for now, that thought keeps me going.
