Devil’s Kitchen is Back – Local Businesses Spark Its Return After Five-Year Break

After a five-year break brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, one of Hull’s most popular charity fundraisers – Devil’s Kitchen – made a triumphant return, thanks to the enthusiasm of local businesses rallying to revive this unique dining challenge.

First launched in 2009 as HEY Smile Foundation’s flagship fundraising event, Devil’s Kitchen has raised more than £300,000 over the years, engaging over 75 businesses and welcoming more than 3,000 guests. The event invites two teams from local organisations to swap their workwear for aprons, competing to prepare, cook, and serve a three-course meal to paying diners. Guests then score the teams on atmosphere, service, food, and drink, with proceeds supporting local charitable causes.

This season’s opening night saw Wilkin Chapman Rollits LLP’s Pink Team narrowly edge out The One Point’s Blue Team – winning by just 0.1 of a point – and raising an impressive £3,433 for Smile. Hosted at Hull College’s restaurant, Bilocca, the evening was supported by students and trainees gaining hands-on experience behind the scenes.

Reflecting on the event, James Marsden and Chris Drinkall, Joint Heads of Office at Wilkin Chapman Rollits Hull, said: “Swapping suits for chefs’ whites and aprons to cook and serve a 3-course meal for clients and colleagues was an exciting challenge – and all for a brilliant cause. It was a night full of hard work, laughter, and generosity. We’re incredibly proud to support HEY Smile Foundation and grateful to everyone who made it memorable.”

Click here to view the full photo gallery from The One Point and Wilkin Chapman Rollits.

The second instalment featured a highly anticipated rematch between Barclays UK and Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants. In another close-fought contest at Bilocca, Barclays took the win by a single point while raising an incredible £8,134 for both HEY Smile Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK.

Click here to view the full photo gallery from Barclays UK and Forrester Boyd.

Rachel Hay, Partner at Forrester Boyd, added:
“The atmosphere on the night was absolutely fantastic. It was a brilliant opportunity to step outside our usual roles, work as a team in a completely different setting, and have some fun while supporting two very deserving charities. We’re incredibly proud to have taken part and delighted to see such generosity from everyone involved. Congratulations again to Barclays on their win.”

Tessa Wray, Head of Partnerships at HEY Smile Foundation, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Bilocca, their team, and our business partners -Wilkin Chapman Rollits, The One Point, Barclays, and Forrester Boyd – for helping re-establish Devil’s Kitchen. These events bring great food and friendly rivalry together to fuel the greater good, while also providing valuable training opportunities for Hull College students. We look forward to the return of Devil’s Kitchen in 2026.”

Bringing together the region’s business community through fun, food, and fundraising, Devil’s Kitchen continues to champion the spirit of collaboration and generosity that fuels smiles across Hull and East Yorkshire.

For details about future events or how to get involved, please contact events@heysmilefoundation.org.