THE BIG ONE breakfast challenge has defeated many a competitor and been conquered by few worthy souls at the legendary Eegons of Cowes cafe in High Street – here's what happened when the County Press tried to tackle the beast.

Eegons has been serving the yachting town for some 30 years with owner Rod Ainge at the helm throughout.

Last week Rod told the County Press that Eegons, known worldwide for its gut-busting breakfasts, could close as the landlord has decided to sell the premises.

Rod has been given until April to keep the fabled cafe open and is hoping his landlord, who he describes as a 'genuine bloke', will extend that until the end of 2019.

Reporter Joe Burn was chosen specially for the challenge, by himself, however he only managed part of the mammoth meal that includes; a sirloin steak, three slices of bacon, three fried eggs, three hash browns, three black pudding, grilled tomatoes, more than a tin of baked beans, three slices of fried bread, two slices of toast, crispy chicken goujons, 1.3kgs of fried potatoes, fried mushrooms, three sausages, rib steaks and onion rings – it has to be seen to be believed.

Thankfully, it came with a coffee to wash it all down with.

Gracefully, and without too many complaints about portion size, Joe made his way through most of the protein; combining eggs, bacon, beans and toast to get a good headstart.

He hit a wall after several mouthfuls of medium rare steak, but pushed on for glory.

Polishing off the black pudding at speed, before turning his fork to the cauldron of baked beans before him, he only paused to squeeze a grilled tomato into his gob between breaths.

Despite his best efforts on a dreary January morning, Joe failed miserably, downing tools at the 28 minute mark.

The record time for completing the challenge is 28 minutes, held by an Isle of Wight policeman, who also had a slice of Bakewell tart afterwards – but skipped the custard.

Joe left the great wall of potatoes virtually untouched, along with two slices of fried bread, the sausages, one out of two rib steaks, half a grilled tomato and a handful of mushrooms.

The leftovers were brought back to the County Press office where appreciative staff helped to finish the challenge.

When quizzed about the calorific content of the feast, owner Rod said: "I wouldn't dare count."

If you think you're up to the challenge, Eegons is open seven days a week from 8am until 1.30pm.

Do let us know if you complete it.