Abdul Latif (restaurateur)
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| Abdul Latif | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1952 Bangladesh |
| Died | 20 January 2008 (aged 55–56) Newcastle |
| Cooking style | Indian cuisine |
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Previous Restaurant(s)
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| Official Website | |
Abdul Latif, FRSA (Bangla: আব্দুল লতিফ) (1952 – 20 January 2008) was a British restaurateur of Bangladeshi origin. He was well-known for his dish "Curry Hell" — a curry reputedly so hot (Latif claimed it was "the world's hottest") that it was offered for free to patrons of his Newcastle restaurant who could finish the entire meal.[1]
Latif had a keen eye for such publicity stunts. He also offered free curry for five years to all service men and women who had served in Iraq[2], and free curry for life to rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and football manager Graeme Souness.[3] His restaurant is also listed in Guinness World Records for the world's longest-distance curry delivery — from Newcastle, England to Sydney, Australia. He featured regularly in the cult adult comic Viz, providing the staff with free curries and relishing the publicity, despite their portrayal of him as a "curry mentalist".[4]
Latif emigrated to the United Kingdom from Bangladesh in 1976 and a year later had established his restaurant, the Rupali, in the city centre of Newcastle. The restaurant was later renamed Curry Capital.[4]
Latif purchased the deed to the honorary title of the Lord of Harpole for £5,000, and proudly branded himself as Britain's first Bangladeshi Lord of the Manor.[4] He ran a website called The New Lord, where he offered souvenir merchandise, seasonal messages to his fans, publicity services and a motivational DVD.[5] He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.
Latif died of a heart attack at his home in Newcastle's Gosforth area on January 20, 2008.[6] A well-attended memorial event was held at Newcastle Civic Centre on March 2, 2008.
[edit] References
- ^ Tobbell, Kayleigh: Lord of Harpole, The Evening Chronicle, 31 July 2004.
- ^ Hot offer tempts the troops, BBC News, 17 April 2003.
- ^ Douglas, Andrew: Restauranteur dies from heart attack, The Northern Echo, 20 January 2008.
- ^ a b c From curry hell to model citizen, BBC News, January 21, 2008.
- ^ The New Lord
- ^ 'Curry Hell' restaurant boss dies, BBC News, 21 January 2008.
