FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
Raval Inferno Curry Challenge Raises Over £800 for Great North Children’s Hospital – A Night of Spice, Charity, and Community Spirit!
Gateshead, Newcastle – May 28, 2025 – The Raval Inferno Curry Challenge held last night at Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar in Gateshead was nothing short of extraordinary. Over £800 has been raised 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.
What followed the challenge was a touching display of human generosity. Strangers approached Carl, shook his hand, and donated cash 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.”
Nas Islam added:
“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.”
The Challenge Continues – Eat It, Fund It, Pass It On
Following last night’s success, 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 is extending the Inferno Curry Challenge for the next 10 days, starting tomorrow. Here’s how it works:
- 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 our official disclaimer in the restaurant
And for those who’d simply like to support the cause, please donate whatever you can in the spirit of the challenge. Every pound helps, and every act of kindness matters. This isn’t just a food challenge — it’s a chance to stand together for something meaningful.
A Story Worth Sharing
Carl Webber, affectionately known as Curry Hell Carl, shared his reflections on the night:
“The support was unreal. 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.”
“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.
His passion for doing something meaningful for children in need left a lasting impact on everyone who attended — and on the team at Raval. In recognition of his dedication, Raval has invited Carl to continue his involvement with future campaigns, helping lead this movement forward.
Just an hour before the challenge began, Raval received a call from a gentleman who had seen news of the event. A train driver from London, he asked if he could join the challenge for charity. Sadly, as he hadn’t pre-registered or signed our official disclaimer, we couldn’t include him in the official competition.
Still, he came. He 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.”
We may not know his name, but we’ll never forget the warmth and generosity he brought to the evening. It was a perfect reminder of everything this challenge stands for: community, kindness, and the power of sharing food for a greater good.
What’s Next
Raval will be releasing video highlights, more photos, and full press materials in the next 24 hours. Stay tuned to social media and ravaluk.com for updates.
To support the cause or donate directly:
️ www.justgiving.com/page/ravalinferno
Media Contact:
Sarah Smith
Marketing Manager at Raval
Email: sarah@ravalrestaurant.com
Website: www.ravaluk.com
Key Notes for Media
- Please reference #RavalInfernoCurryChallenge and #EatItFundItPassItOn
- Interviews, photos, and B-roll are available upon request
- Challenge continues until June 7, 2025
Editor’s Note
About Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar
Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar is a multi-award-winning restaurant located on the Gateshead side of the Tyne Bridge, overlooking Newcastle’s iconic skyline. Known for blending traditional Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques, Raval has earned national acclaim for its fine dining experience and community involvement.
Located just steps from the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead and the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Raval welcomes a diverse mix of guests — from business leaders and conference delegates to international visitors and local food lovers. Its prime position makes it a cornerstone in the region’s hospitality and cultural scene.
The restaurant has been recognised by the British Curry Awards, featured in The Sun, ChronicleLive, Northern Echo, Hits Radio North East,Time out and NewcastleWorld, and was recently named one of the top Indian restaurants in the UK by the British Indian Food Guide.
Raval is deeply committed to social responsibility, regularly supporting regional charities including Newcastle Hospitals Charity and Feeding Families.
About the Great North Children’s Hospital
The Great North Children’s Hospital is one of the UK’s leading facilities for paediatric care, offering life-saving treatment, specialist services, and family-centred support for young patients across the North East and beyond. It is part of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, known for its excellence in clinical care, research, and innovation.
Funds raised through initiatives like the Inferno Curry Challenge help the hospital continue its exceptional work, support staff wellbeing, purchase advanced equipment, and improve the experience of every child and family who walks through its doors.
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