I Survived the Suicide Wings Challenge at The Back Room Bar, Hyde Park Corner

I laughed. I cried. I lost my voice a few times. But in the end I succeeded and met The Back Room Bar’s Suicide Wings Challenge. In all honesty I was about 30 seconds behind the 15 minute time limit but that was really more because I was chatting and just having fun than not being up to the task. I did let a girl beat me though and that kinda burned – but not nearly as much as my mouth did after eating ten majorly hot wings!

The Suicide Wings Challenge presents “those brave enough to have a go” with 15 minutes to eat “clean to the bone” a portion of ten jumbo wings coated in half a tablespoon of Psycho Juice, half a tablespoon of Jekyll or Hyde You Decide, two drops of Jekyll’s potion and four ounces of classic wing sauce. This combo is so super hot that the bar requires you to sign a waiver before committing to the challenge, during which time you can only drink a single beer (I had a Meantime London Pale Ale). If anything other than the one beer is used to assist with completing the challenge, such as water, milk, napkins, sour cream or anything else you’re disqualified.

It was tough to complete, more because of the quantity to consume than the actual heat. But it was egregiously fiery. I really did loose my voice for a moment or two. The subsequent endorphin rush was amazing though and lasted quite awhile. Eaten at a more reasonable pace (and with napkins) the wings would be a treat.

The challenge is available on request everyday at £8.95. However, if you can successfully clear your plate you get the wings and beer for free. You also get your name and photo displayed on the Suicide Wing Wall of Fame plus a voucher for a free regular portion and beer the next time you visit.

Stupidly hot wings or no, The Back Room is worth keeping in mind. Owned by (and just round the corner from) Hard Rock Cafe, the bar offers a high standard of service minus the crowds you’d expect at Hard Rock with drinks, pizza and bar food at pretty nice prices especially considering the bar’s location: 148b Old Park Lane, W1K 1QZ.

Find out more at hardrock.com/thebackroom.

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