Raval’s £500 Inferno Challenge Raises the Stakes for Children’s Charity
One of Britain’s top Indian restaurants is turning up the temperature — and not just in the kitchen. What began as a light-hearted dare by a regular diner has now erupted into a major national fundraising initiative for the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.
At the forefront of the campaign is the “Inferno Curry Challenge” at Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar — featuring a ferociously spicy dish laden with ghost peppers, naga jolokia, and scorpion chillies, racking up more than 1 million Scoville heat units. Those brave enough to complete it could walk away £500 richer.
The challenge was inspired when a well-known customer, fondly called “Curry Hell Carl,” quipped: “Best curry I’ve ever had, but not hot enough.”
Spurred on, Raval’s chefs created The Inferno — a dish Carl returned to face and successfully conquered.
Footage of the moment spread like wildfire, attracting over 100,000 views on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Already, the campaign has secured media coverage across ChronicleLive, Hits Radio, NewcastleWorld, and The Northern Echo, with efforts now underway to take the story nationwide.
One of the earliest supporters was Chris Foulkes, CEO of KAEFER UK & Ireland, who visited the restaurant and urged: “You’ve got people’s attention. Now do something big. Do some good.”
Raval’s General Manager, Nas Islam, explained: “Chris’s encouragement and KAEFER’s leadership example gave us a clear sense of purpose. His support helped shape the community focus of this campaign.”
The final of the Inferno Curry Challenge will be held at 6pm on Tuesday 27 May, where ten courageous finalists will battle for the £500 prize and the title of Britain’s ultimate spice champion.
There are three ways to get involved:
- Eat It: Upload a 30–60 second clip tagging @ravalrestaurant and #RavalInfernoChallenge
- Fund It: Make a donation via www.justgiving.com/page/ravalinferno
- Pass It On: Challenge a friend, workmate, or celebrity to join the fun
“We’ve always believed food brings people together,” said Islam. “Now we’re using that spirit to do something meaningful and support seriously ill children.”
The Great North Children’s Hospital, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, is recognised as one of the leading paediatric hospitals in the UK, with donations helping to improve care, comfort, and outcomes for young patients and their families.
