Raval Gateshead sets the ‘Inferno Curry Challenge’

Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar in Gateshead has set a brave challenge for foodies, asking them to consume ‘the UK’s hottest curry’ in aid of charity. 

‘UK’s hottest curry’ from Raval (Image: RAVAL) After holding The Raval Inferno Curry Challenge on Tuesday (May 27), the venue managed to raise £800 for the Great North Children’s Hospital, with generous donations from guests, participants, and visitors from London, the USA, and the North East.

The event saw five brave challengers take on the UK’s hottest curry—the Inferno Curry—a dish made with some of the world’s most intense chillies.

Local legend Curry Hell Carl was the only contestant to finish the dish, securing his place in Raval’s spicy hall of fame once again.

‘UK’s hottest curry’ from Raval (Image: RAVAL) What followed the challenge was a display of human generosity.

Strangers approached Carl, shook his hand, and donated money in support of the cause.

Moved by the courage and purpose behind the challenge, people from different walks of life connected over something as simple—and powerful—as curry.

Nas Islam, Restaurant Manager at Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, said: “We are thrilled by the response from our guests and the wider community.

“The Inferno Curry Challenge brought together people from all over, and it was incredible to see how food can create such powerful human moments. The donations and the kindness we witnessed were truly humbling.

Raval chefs cooking the curry (Image: RAVAL) “We saw something beautiful last night. People came together from across the world—London, the USA, right here in Newcastle—to support a great cause. It wasn’t just about heat. It was about connection, courage, and charity.”

Following the success of the challenge, Raval will serve the UK’s hottest curry for 10 more days to support the Great North Children’s Hospital.

Due to overwhelming interest, Raval extended the Inferno Curry Challenge, starting on Thursday (May 29) and lasting for 10 days from that date.

And they have set out some ground rules:

• Eat it – Finish the Inferno Curry and it’s free
• Fund it – If you can’t finish, donate £100 to our JustGiving page
• Pass it on – Sponsor someone else to take the challenge in your place
• 100% of donations go to the Great North Children’s Hospital, and Raval will not charge for the dish—this is about giving, not profit.

To take part:

• Book your table at www.ravaluk.com
• Mention “Inferno Curry Challenge” in your reservation
• Sign the official disclaimer in the restaurant

Carl Webber, affectionately known as Curry Hell Carl, shared his reflections on the night.

“The support was unreal,” he said. 

“Strangers came up to shake my hand, and a few even gave cash on the spot. That’s what the North East is all about,” said Carl. “I’m proud to help turn the heat into hope.”

Carl Webber, affectionately known as Curry Hell Carl (Image: RAVAL) “It was never about the prize — it was about pride, purpose, and giving back. I’m honoured Raval made this more than just a food challenge,” he added.

In recognition of his dedication, Raval has invited Carl to continue his involvement with future campaigns, helping lead this movement forward.

And Carl has also praised the support of others during the evening.

Just an hour before the challenge began, Raval received a call from a man who had seen news of the event.

A train driver from London, he asked if he could join the challenge for charity.

Despite his commitment to the challenge, he hadn’t pre-registered or signed the official disclaimer, so couldn’t include him in the official competition.

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But he arrived at the restaurant anyway, booked a table and ordered Raval’s Madras Railway Lamb Curry, requesting it to be made “as hot as possible” in honour of the challenge.

After finishing his meal, he approached Curry Hell Carl, shook his hand, and donated cash on the spot.

“I saw this in the press weeks ago,” he said.

“I wasn’t sure I could make it due to work, but I’m glad I came.”

People can support the fundraising page here.