Abdul Latif (restaurateur)

Infobox Chef
name = Abdul Latif


caption =
birthdate = 1952
birthplace = Bangladesh
deathdate = 20 January death year and age|2008|1952
deathplace = Newcastle
style = Indian cuisine
education =
ratings =
restaurants =
prevrests = Curry Capital (formerly Rupali)
awards =
website = http://www.curryhell.com/

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. [Tobbell, Kayleigh: [http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on-newcastle/food-drink/2004/07/31/lord-of-harpole-72703-14482111/ Lord of Harpole] , "The Evening Chronicle", 31 July 2004.]

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 [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/2955963.stm Hot offer tempts the troops] , "BBC News", 17 April 2003.] , and free curry for life to rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and football manager Graeme Souness. [Douglas, Andrew: [http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1979610.mostviewed.curry_hell_man_dies.php Restauranteur dies from heart attack] , "The Northern Echo", 20 January 2008.] 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". [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/7200235.stm From curry hell to model citizen] , "BBC News", January 21 2008.]

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.

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. He ran a website called The New Lord, where he offered souvenir merchandise, seasonal messages to his fans, publicity services and a motivational DVD. [ [http://www.newlord.co.uk/ The New Lord] ] 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. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/7199691.stm 'Curry Hell' restaurant boss dies] , "BBC News", 21 January 2008.] A well-attended memorial event was held at Newcastle Civic Centre on March 2, 2008.

References

External links

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20070703111950/http://www.newlord.co.uk/ The New Lord: Official website]
* [http://www.curryhell.com/ Curry Capital website]