Inspired by the notion there is more to chillies than their red or green colour, Mr Nuttal launched his own investigation into all things chilli.

What he discovered was a whole host of fiery delights, from the Russian roulette of chillies – the Padron de Pimientos, which can be hot or sweet with no way of telling until the first bite – to Bhut Jolokia, the hottest chilli in the world.

Armed with keen gardening skills and a new knowledge of chillies, Adrian and his wife Denise began nurturing their hobby while living in France.

Pots on the windowsill became plants in the conservatory, which had to be transferred to poly tunnels in what Mr Nuttal says was fast becoming a "hobby getting out of hand".

But the idea of starting up a restaurant and chilli farm was always at the back of the couple's mind, further fuelled by trips to Mexico and other parts of South America and, said Mrs Nuttal: "Because so many different varieties of chilli were not available in the supermarkets."

On their return to the UK, just when they were starting to lose hope, they saw the perfect location just off the A140 near Mendlesham during a trip to visit family in Suffolk.

They bought the farm and began their dream of converting the barn into a restaurant, cultivating the variety of 150 different chillies they have today.

"The restaurant is using the peppers as fast as they can grow," said Mr Nuttal.

Customers flock to feast on homemade chilli con carnie, stewed for seven hours for maximum flavour, tapas, firecracker salsa and jalapenos among other hot delights.

They must be doing something right, having won the AA Rosette award 2006-2007 and the Anglian Start Up Business of the Year.

The chillies are not only used in cooking for the restaurant, they are also used in an exclusive range of shampoos, creams and conditioners sold in the shop.

"We don't want our produce going far a-field because of the quality," said Mrs Nuttal. "We do have selective outlets like the Suffolk Food Hall but we want to try and keep it local."

To visit the farm and restaurant call Mrs and Mr Nuttal, 01449766677.