Big gravy challenge eating contest at The Koop Northallerton

And it’s all because a man with an incredible beard and an even more incredible record of competitive eating decided to take on their massive poutine challenge.

So, after the overnight success of The Koop’s challenge – first defeated by YouTube star Beard Meats Food – I hopped on the train to the North Yorkshire town to see what makes the venue tick (or should that be chick?) along, and try my hand at a food challenge that was as delicious as it was horrific.

The Koop, Northallerton. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Arriving at what looks like a barn, with tables arranged between hay bales and under a gazebo, guests are met by Stephen Carr, The Koop’s resident chef, with a laugh that gained an audience of its own after Beard’s 3.8-million-view video.

Stephen Carr. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“Everyone knows me for my laugh,” he tells me.

“I can be in Tesco, and people will know that I’m there if I laugh.”

Before I can chime in, Stephen’s brother David – joining from a video call – chirps, “It is an annoying laugh to be fair!” with Stephen retorting, “But it’s iconic now.”

The dynamic between the brothers is the driving force behind the success of the venue. Stephen, with his experience in top kitchens across the region, and David, who is the more tech-savvy marketing brain of the operation, opened the shop in their hometown in 2024.

Business is booming at The Koop thanks in part to their 50p Wing Wednesday offer. But it is their viral poutine-based challenge that has brought them to the world’s attention.

Adam Moran, known as Beard Meats Food, posted his video successfully taking on the Big Gravy Challenge on November 16, and in the month following, nobody else has managed to defeat the poutine behemoth.

How hard could it be?

After all, it is just chicken, cheese and gravy?

And 30 minutes is a generous amount of time to shovel it in. Surely?

Let me tell you, this feat is not to be scoffed at. I knew I was in for a tough time when the tray, piled high with crispy chicken, cheesy chips, gravy and assorted spicy sauces and garnishes, was brought to my table by Stephen with all the glee of a birthday cake entering a room.

But my present was a challenge, and I had this massive tray, plus two corn cobs and several ‘inferno’ wings to get through in 30 minutes if I wanted to become the second person to conquer it.

The first few bites gave me a sense of why this place is so popular. Wow, were those first bites an experience. The coating on the chicken was crispy, but also inconceivably fluffy in texture – something that sets it apart from chains like Wingstop or KFC.

Meanwhile, the spicy buffalo sauces dancing across the plate were so flavourful that you sort of forget how spicy they are.

With Stephen’s last minute words of wisdom of “don’t slow down” ringing in my ears, I tucked in more.

I felt confident.

Then I didn’t.

Confidence gave way to acceptance that this challenge would defeat me. The rest of the time would be making sure I put in a respectable showing and did not become the worst person to attempt the challenge.

Lemon-scented hand wipes became my best friend, as their citrusy twang gave my nostrils repose, allowing them to smell something other than gravy, chips, or chicken.

I attacked the corn, swiftly beavering away at the cobs to strip them of their nuggets.

I polished off the wings and the corn. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Then onto the inferno wings. These were the biggest challenge for Adam ‘Beard’ Moran, who, despite devouring the tray in 13 minutes, was not too keen on the spice level of the bone-in finger food.

But they were lovely. A tangy, sweet and flavourful mouthful calmed my fears that they would simply blow my socks off with heat. I managed to clean the wings off, but still a mountain stood before me.

A mountain that would get the best of me.

But not quite yet.

Because you see, there was another thing motivating my poultry-based quest. A chicken. A smug-looking chicken timer that mocked me. ‘You can’t do it,’ his beady eyes seemed to say as his clock ticked down minute-by-minute.

The chicken seemed to mock me as its seconds ticked away. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

He was right, of course, I couldn’t, but his stare pushed me on. I got through what I could, determined to make the 25 minute mark.

But alas, the cheese proved too heavy for me to stomach, the gravy-stained chips too starchy, and the tray simply too large.

Competitive eating is no joke, and my respect for those who can take these tasks on, multiplied immeasurably.

I tapped out with six minutes and 21 seconds of my half-hour left on the smug poultry timepiece, with a nod of appreciation from Stephen that I ‘hadn’t done too badly.’ That was good enough for me – after a swift visit to the restroom.

The challenge defeated me, meaning Beard Meats Food remains the only to accomplish the feat. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Stephen and David’s kind words were a reflection of the community they are trying to build through The Koop.

“We’re both from here,” Stephen says.

“So it does mean a lot, and it means a lot to be able to bring something to the people of Northallerton and we’re building friendships too.

Stephen and David Carr outside The Koop. (Image: THE KOOP)

“A lot of people who come here, they’re not just customers now.

“It’s about going somewhere where you can just relax, you can chill out, you don’t have to get dressed up or whatever.”

On that last point however, I wouldn’t recommend a plain white t-shirt if you’re planning on tackling the challenge. I learned the hard way.