Can You Eat a 12-Slice Bakewell Tart in 45 Minutes? New Challenge Launches for National Bakewell Tart Day

A British multiple Guinness World Record holder has set the first official time to beat in a brand-new Bakewell Tart eating challenge launched ahead of National Bakewell Tart Day on Wednesday 24th June.

Professional eater Leah Shutkever travelled from Birmingham to The Bakewell Tart Shop in Bakewell to become the first person to attempt the challenge, which sees participants tackle an entire 12-slice Bakewell “Party” Tart against the clock.

Challengers have 45 minutes to finish the tart. Those who succeed earn a place on The Bakewell Tart Shop's Wall of Fame, along with a branded apron and water bottle. The £50 cost of entry is also fully refunded for those successful.

What appeared to be a relatively straightforward challenge soon proved otherwise.

Despite holding more than 40 Guinness World Records for competitive eating, Leah admitted the giant tart was testing her in ways she hadn't expected.

At one point during the challenge, she encouraged herself by saying: "What's the problem? Just eat the cake!"

Moments later, she laughed: "The problem? I am up to here with cake."

Nevertheless, she crossed the finish line in an impressive 25 minutes and 51 seconds, becoming the first person to complete the challenge and setting the benchmark for future contestants.

Speaking afterwards, Leah said: "I feel great, but that was a lot. If you do come in and give it a go, good luck!"

The challenge was filmed for Leah's social media channels and YouTube account, where the video attracted more than 70,000 views within 48 hours of being published. Leah has a combined following of more than 3.5 million people across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Duncan Kirk, owner of The Bakewell Tart Shop, 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."

The challenge has been launched ahead of National Bakewell Tart Day on 24th June, an annual celebration created by The Bakewell Tart Shop to shine a light on the iconic Derbyshire bake and its place in British food culture. The family-owned business occupies the site believed to have first baked Bakewell Tarts commercially more than 100 years ago and now welcomes around 100,000 visitors each year.

The challenge is now officially open to members of the public. Anyone wishing to take part can contact The Bakewell Tart Shop and, as Leah suggests, "let them know The Shuts sent you."

For more information, visit: www.bakewelltarts.co.uk.

To watch Leah attempt the challenge, go here: youtube.com/watch?v=9ows9GUZfyQ