Village pub adds ‘devilishly hot’ burger to its menu

27-Mar-2018 - Last updated on 27-Mar-2018 at 09:40 GMT

Family business: new licensee Ian Farrell's father had previously run the pub

A Tyne & Wear pub has kicked off its new food offer with burgers made with 'the world’s hottest chilli'.

The recently refurbished Ox & Plough in Washington is spicing up its food offer this Easter and launching a new menu ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

This will include the Lucifer Burger – a 10oz beef steak burger containing the Carolina Reaper chilli, claimed to be the world's hottest chilli by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2013.

The menu will also have a range of steaks, nacho sharing platters, curries, barbecue pulled pork and weekly themed food nights.

Licensee Ian Farrell and his partner have followed in his father’s footsteps, who previously ran the pub.

Large variety

Farrell took the pub on in 2017 after being a doorman for 14 years and is running his first pub on the Admiral Taverns business support agreement – a scheme that is specifically designed to help first-time licensees.

Alongside the food menu, the pub will also be offering an exciting new gin and vodka selection and weekly quiz nights, live entertainment, acoustic nights and karaoke.

Farrell said: “We wanted to launch a food menu that would spice things up a bit. We have a great range of dishes that offer locals something a little different.

“The Lucifer Burger is a great talking point, and our extensive menu will hopefully bring people to the pub from far and wide to sample our delicious food.

“With our burgers, children’s menu and food-themed nights, there really is something for everyone. The pub has been at the heart of village life since 1978 and we have enjoyed welcoming back the locals following our recent refurbishment.”

Catering for all

The menu has options for all diners and the pub plays to its strengths with its local demographic, according to Admiral Taverns Northumberland business development manager Steve Birkett.

He said: “Since the pub’s recent refurbishment, Farrell has been determined to create a menu that would pull in the crowds.

“The Lucifer Burger is devilishly hot and, having tried it, I would certainly recommend it. But those who prefer something a little milder certainly won’t go hungry. The menu caters for all tastes and offers something for everyone.

“[The pub] is run by a passionate licensee who is very in tune with what his local customers want and we wish him and all the team all the best for the launch night.”