Red hot chilli cocktail so spicy drinkers at Northamptonshire venue have to sign disclaimer

The Wicksteed Scorcher measures more than 1.5 million on the Scoville scale, used to measure the spicy heat of chilies, and is so hot it has to be prepared using gloves and a mask to protect bar staff’s hands and eyes.

It was created by staff at the Pavilion weddings, concerts and events venue at Wicksteed Park, Kettering, and is based on a Bloody Mary.

But it includes extract of Carolina Reaper, the hottest chili in the world, along with pepper vodka, lime and tomato juice, meaning guests have to sign a disclaimer form taking full responsibility for any after effects.

The Wicksteed Scorcher is served with a free Antidote cocktail, with ingredients including yogurt and mango, to help calm the heat.

Guests brave enough to drink it must order in advance because it has to be prepared in a controlled environment to prevent spills which could cause inflammation to the eyes and hands of bar staff.

Chili lover David Sansford aged 37 who lives in Kettering was the first to try the £7.95 cocktail. He said: “I am really into my curries and spicy food, the hotter the better. But this was so hot I thought my head was going to explode!

“It just got hotter and hotter and hotter and my mouth was still burning a couple of hours later.”

Wicksteed Park Managing Director Alasdair McNee said: “We were looking at ways to spice up our cocktail menu and this is the ultimate way to do just that.

“Hot chilies are becoming increasingly popular so this is a great drink for those who like the extra hot varieties, although you wouldn’t catch me trying it as I like my drinks to be as little bit more conventional.

“A couple of members of staff who like red hot curries have tried it and vowed never to drink it again, it was that hot.

”But we also have a wide range of other delicious cocktails for those who like something a little bit cooler.”

Wicksteed Park was founded in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, who invented the modern day slide and swing, as part of his vision to inspire and encourage play as part of families’ health and well-being.

Set in 147 acres of Grade II listed parkland, its Grand Edwardian Pavilion is a stunning and flexible venue that can cater from 85 to 900 guests and regularly hosts shows, concerts and party nights as well as weddings and

celebrations.

The Pavilion has recently been restored and boasts an array of original features as well as a state of the art lighting system.

Its smaller Celebration Suite is a bright and charming room that can seat up to 90 guests or up to 150 for an evening reception.

The elegant Edwardian Pavilion has undergone a major refurbishment in response to a major increase in demand for it to be used as a weddings venue.