Ed Sheeran Vs. The Big Kahuna

When Ed Sheeran tweeted Monday morning that he was going to enter an all-you-can-eat contest later that day, local sleuths knew it meant only one thing: The Big Kahuna at Mel's Downtown Creamery in Pawcatuck.

So it was no surprise when Sheeran, his pal and touring mate Taylor Swift, his brother Matt and two security guards came in to Mel's around 3:30 Monday afternoon. They had been hanging at Swift's Watch Hill mansion since late last week, as they had back-to-back shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough Friday and Saturday night.

After much urging from Swift, Sheeran ponied up the $19.99 and ordered his eight scoops of ice cream, seven toppings, brownie, banana and loads of whipped cream, which normally serves 4.

But Swift and Matt Sheeran did not help themselves to spoons when the giant red bowl was served at the booth — Sheeran wanted his photo on the Kahuna Wall of Fame where those who went solo were featured. Swift provided moral support by playing Eye of the Tiger on her phone and shooting photos and videos.

It took about a half hour but Sheeran, who started strong but struggled at the end, did it. Well, almost. He left one tiny piece of brownie at the bottom.

"I'm counting it as done," said Mel's owner Melanie Goggin. "I want his photo up on that wall."