Teynham pub's burger challenge
A customer’s unusual request for a gut-busting burger has now
been added to a pub menu as a challenge for other diners. Hayley Robinson found out
more
Richard Wooldridge was out for a family meal at the Dover
Castle Inn when he asked if the chef could cook him eight 4oz
burgers, eight rashers of bacon plus cheese in a bun with a side
serving of chips, coleslaw and salad.
The order was met and amazingly the married dad-of-four managed
to clear his plate.
Now the dish, named the Wooldridge Challenge, is available for
other customers to try, although the number of burger patties and
rashers of bacon has been reduced to seven and the stack is served
in two halves.
Since April, 26 people have tried to munch their way through the
dish, which costs £18.95, but only seven have been successful in
finishing it.
The reward is a £10 voucher to spend on food or drink on their
next visit to the watering hole, in London Road, Teynham.
A picture is also taken at the beginning and at the end of the
challenge. The images are then posted on a notice board in the bar,
as well as on the pub’s Facebook page.
Mr Wooldridge, of Saffron Way, Milton Regis, thinks it’s “cool”
that others can try his creation.
The 38-year-old, who is 6ft, weighs 17st 7lbs and has a 38-inch
waist, said: “When I ordered it I just felt greedy.
“My son Luke is also quite greedy. He ordered the ultimate
burger which has two burgers, two rashers of bacon, cheese, a flat
cap mushroom and three onion rings in it plus all the
trimmings.
“It sounded nice but I wanted something bigger.
“I wasn’t sick at the end of it but I did feel full and
lethargic - luckily I didn’t have breakfast that morning.
“I’ve been at the pub when others have tried the challenge.
“I usually go over and introduce myself as the creator but I’ve
never been there when someone has completed it.
“It’s not the first time I’ve ordered giant portions of food
though. Before the burger my father-in-law and I each ordered two
32oz T-bone steaks for starters and then two 32oz rump steak for
our mains.”
Landlord Phil Clements said: “There is no time limit to complete
the challenge in but it’s been said by those who have completed it
you need to eat it fast.
"It becomes more difficult as it cools down and after a certain
time the brain tells you to stop which we explain to the
challengers.
“The response has been amazing to something that just started
out as a bit of fun but I suppose not that surprising when you
consider the amount of publicity the TV programme Man v Food Nation
and Heat Seekers is getting.”
The nutritional value of the meal is not to be scoffed
at.
It’s estimated that the mammoth portion contains 3,479 calories,
246.4g of fat of which 104.4g is saturated, 791mg cholesterol, 85g
carbohydrates, 227.1g protein and 2.9g sugar.
The recommended daily calorie intake for a man is 2,500 and no
more than 30g of saturated fat. For a woman it’s 2,000 calories and
no more than 20g of saturated fat.
Richard is now helping with a new challenge.
Phil said: “We’re exploring a hot wing challenge using six
chicken wings but have not perfected it yet.
“I have, however, done a couple of trials which Richard has
sampled along with another regular, Tim Philpott.
"They both ate them and wanted them hotter, although they were
too hot for Richard’s wife Sophie and the guys in the kitchen.
"As soon as I can get the right chillies it will go on the
menu.”
- To see kmfm breakfast presenters Rob Wills and Emma Saint go
head-to-head with the Wooldridge Challenge click here
25/01/13
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