Reigning World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman has faced his biggest challenge yet as he took on the world’s hottest chilli in a sweat-inducing eating challenge. The 6ft 8ins man mountain, who has won numerous strongman competitions, including Europe’s Strongest Man, tackled the Carolina Reaper chilli, known as one of the world’s spiciest varieties. Teaming up with his brother Luke, the duo took on Flaming Grill’s new Spicy Clucker dish in Manchester, a platter loaded with pulled tikka chicken, Spicy Reapers Revenge sausages, and other fiery elements all smothered in Carolina Reaper sauce.
Weighing in at over 50 stone combined, the brothers struggled with the intense heat of the dish, their faces flushed and covered in sweat as they attempted to conquer the spicy challenge. Despite their impressive strength, Tom and Luke eventually had to concede defeat, resorting to chugging pints of milk to cool their burning tastebuds. Tom, 30, admitted that the Carolina Reaper was by far the spiciest thing he had ever eaten, while Luke, 39, commended the dish for its delicious flavour but found the heat too overpowering.
Flaming Grill also introduced another fiery creation alongside the Spicy Clucker dish – the ‘Who let the dogs out’ featuring German sausages, a giant pretzel, pork schnitzel, and fries. This launch comes as the restaurant chain celebrates the nation’s love for spicy food, with research showing that 70% of Brits are spicy food enthusiasts. Younger generations, in particular, are embracing bold flavours, with 85% of under 25s expressing a fondness for spicy dishes.
The launch of the Spicy Clucker dish aims to satisfy the increasing demand for fiery food challenges, with Sophie Howells from Flaming Grill highlighting the Carolina Reaper’s unmatched heat. The research also revealed the top 10 spice-loving cities in the UK, with London leading the pack followed by Birmingham and Edinburgh. Conversely, the city of York emerged as a haven for those preferring milder flavours, with only half of its residents professing a liking for spicy dishes.
For enthusiasts eager to test their taste buds, the Spicy Clucker challenge is available alongside the ‘Who let the dogs out’ dish for a limited time at all Flaming Grill pubs. The restaurant encourages spice lovers to book a table and experience the fiery offerings firsthand.