World Mince Pie Eating Record Smashed at Wroxham Barns Norfolk

James Smith from East Somerton near Great Yarmouth smashed the world record for eating two mince pies at the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, at Wroxham Barns, Norfolk, on Sunday, December 11. More than £1500 was raised for Macmillan over the weekend.


Mr Smith ate two mince pies in 51.71 seconds, beating the previous record of 60 seconds. The nearest ‘muncher’ came in at 1 minute 22 seconds, in a field of more than 30 challengers. The record breaking time will be submitted to the Guiness Book of World Records.

James Smith said: “I thought it would be good fun to have a go and also help an important cause like Macmillan Cancer Support. I made sure that I drank plenty of water before the start and ate the mince pies in small pieces. I think I will next have a go at the record for eating three mince pies!”

Peter Sheppard, Leathes Prior solicitors tourism and leisure partner, who looked after the stopwatch as independent adjudicator explained: “Once James had eaten his first mince pie in under 30 seconds I knew that the record was going to crumble. I was really pleased to get involved as independent adjudicator for the challenge. As tourism partner at Leathes Prior I am very happy to support the tourism industry in Norfolk, especially during a weekend raising money for such a good cause.”

Ian Russell Director Wroxham Barns added: “We were thrilled with the number of people who came to the barns today to support the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch. The success of our world record challenge was the real icing on the cake.”

Every craft studio and shopping outlet at Wroxham Barns, along with the restaurant café, offered ‘free’ mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan.

Max Griffiths, Macmillan Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted that Wroxham Barns has committed to our centenary challenge to get 100 Norfolk businesses to raise £1,000. This is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness of the work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Two million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK, and the money raised by Wroxham Barns will go towards helping local people living with cancer.”

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/ , tel. 01603 783762 is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Photograph: Peter Sheppard (adjudicator) left with James Smith.