Hot Sauce North East UK: The Spicy Journey of Oh Grow Up

If you're a fan of hot sauce and you live in the North East of the UK, chances are you've heard of Oh Grow Up. But if not, let me introduce you to one of the most exciting new brands that’s been turning heads—and burning tongues—across the region. Oh Grow Up isn’t just a hot sauce brand; it’s a labour of love that began with a simple passion for chillies and a dream to create sauces that would blow people away, both in terms of flavour and heat.

My name’s Stephen Cuthbert, and I'm the proud owner of Oh Grow Up. Every sauce that has come out of my little kitchen has been hand-crafted by me, designed with flavour in mind first and heat second. And yes, I do everything myself: from growing some of the ingredients, to designing the labels, to building and managing the website. When I say it’s a one-man show, I mean it!

​

The Birth of Oh Grow Up: How It All Started

Oh Grow Up began as a bit of a joke between my girlfriend and me. I’d started growing chilli plants in the garden, mainly just to show off a bit. As the plants started to flourish, I thought, “Why not try making a hot sauce?” One bottle became two, two became ten, and before I knew it, I had a full line-up of sauces, each with its own distinct flavour and personality. I decided to call the business Oh Grow Up, because that’s what people always told me—“Stephen, you need to grow up!” Well, I did grow up… sort of… but I kept my playful side and poured it into my brand.

​

What Makes Oh Grow Up Special?

I wanted Oh Grow Up to stand out from the crowd. There are a lot of hot sauce brands out there, but I noticed that many of them lacked balance. Some were all heat with no flavour, and others were just too mild to make a lasting impression. I wanted to create sauces that not only packed a punch but also delivered a unique flavour profile that could transform any dish.

From mild to extreme heat, I’ve created a collection that offers something for everyone. The most important thing to me is that every sauce has depth—heat without flavour is pointless, right? My sauces aren’t just about turning up the heat; they’re about enhancing your food, making every bite something to savour.

​

Meet the Sauces

Here’s a breakdown of just some of the Oh Grow Up collection, with a little insight into the inspiration and process behind each one.

​

1. Silly Billy

Silly Billy is my hottest creation yet, and it's not for the faint-hearted. This is designed for the daredevils out there who are always asking, "Do ya do spicy?" Well, Silly Billy is my answer. And believe me, it's not just hot—it’s also got a rich, tangy depth of flavour that lingers. This sauce isn’t just a heat blast; it’s a full-on flavour journey.

​

2. The Ring of Fire

The Ring of Fire is the perfect mid-range sauce, offering a kick without overwhelming the palate. It's made with a blend of chillies and spices that give it a smoky, fiery edge. It’s ideal for those who love a little heat but don’t want to burn their taste buds off. This sauce is fantastic on grilled meats, pizzas, or even drizzled over roasted veggies.

​

3. Pineapple Ring

If you’re after something a little more exotic, look no further than Pineapple Ring. This sauce is part of my Neon Collection and blends the sweetness of fresh pineapple with a gentle chilli heat. It’s the perfect addition to burgers, pizzas, or even salads. The tropical vibes are real with this one, and it’s a sauce that brings sunshine to every dish.

​

4. Bee-lzebub Honey and Chilli Relish

Bee-lzebub combines the sweetness of honey with a fiery chilli kick. It’s a perfect all-rounder, great for spreading on toast, drizzling over cheese, or even adding to your stir-fries. I’ve had customers rave about using it on cheese toasties and as a glaze for salmon. It’s versatile and addictive, and it’s quickly become a fan favourite.

​

5. O.G

This is the original chilli mayo, the one that started it all. I wanted to create a mayo that wasn’t just creamy but had a good chilli kick, too. The O.G is ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or even dipping chips into. It’s smooth, spicy, and the perfect base for those who love mayo but want that extra heat.

​

6. Spicy Swine

If bacon-flavoured mayo sounds like your kind of thing, then Spicy Swine is a must-try. This is one of my more quirky creations, offering that smoky bacon flavour with a chilli twist. It’s vegetarian-friendly, despite the name, and it’s perfect on burgers, fries, or salads. It’s one of my personal favourites, and I’m sure it’ll be one of yours too.

​

7. Proppa Mint That Like

We all know a Sunday roast isn’t complete without mint sauce, right? Well, I decided to take that classic and turn it into something a little more exciting. Proppa Mint That Like is a mint sauce with a kick—perfect for lamb, of course, but also amazing on roast veggies or even in sandwiches. It’s the ultimate accompaniment to your roast dinner.

​

What’s Next for Oh Grow Up?

Over the past year, I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of some fantastic events. One of the highlights of my year was participating in The Great Yorkshire Show. It was a whirlwind of activity, with thousands of visitors, and it felt surreal to see so many people trying and enjoying my sauces. That show put Oh Grow Up on the map, and it’s been non-stop ever since.

I also regularly trade at Northern Dales Farmers Markets, bringing Hot Sauce across the North East where I’ve built up a loyal customer base. If you’re in the area, you can usually find me at markets in places like Stokesley, Northallerton, and Hartlepool. These markets have been key in helping me connect with customers, get feedback, and grow the brand. I love meeting new people, and it’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces coming back to buy more.

But the real game-changer has been the support from my followers on social media. I started with a handful of followers, but thanks to everyone who’s liked, shared, and commented on my posts, I’ve now got a growing community of hot sauce lovers who are as passionate about spice as I am. If you’re not following me yet, make sure you do—you’ll get to see behind-the-scenes action, new sauce announcements, and the occasional silly post (I am called Silly Billy for a reason!).

​

Hot Sauce for Every Occasion

Whether you're throwing a barbecue, making a Sunday roast, or simply spicing up your weekday meals, there's a sauce in the Oh Grow Up range for you. I’ve made sure that every sauce can be used in different ways, whether you’re a heat seeker looking for a challenge or someone who just loves a bit of spice.

I’ve even had people tell me they put Snot So Spicy (a fresh, zingy sauce that’s great on salads) on everything from fried eggs to lamb! And with my mayo range—including Count Garlicula for the garlic lovers out there—you’re spoiled for choice.

​

Bringing the Heat to the North East UK and beyond!

The North East of the UK has a strong foodie scene, and I’m proud to be part of it. I think there’s a real appetite for high-quality, homemade products that you can’t just pick up in a supermarket. That’s why I’ve always focused on using fresh, natural ingredients in my sauces, with no artificial preservatives or additives. What you see is what you get, and I think that’s why people keep coming back for more.

​

In Conclusion: Do Ya Do Spicy?

As Oh Grow Up approaches its first anniversary, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for the journey so far. From starting out with a few chilli plants in the garden to now selling out at farmers markets and online, it’s been an amazing ride. If you haven’t tried my sauces yet, what are you waiting for?

Hot Sauce North East UK - Be a part of it.....

Do Ya Do Spicy?