Contributions from Hannah Bentley | Huck
Huck

Hannah Bentley

Inside the searing, strangely wholesome world of competitive chilli eating

Red hot — Exploding out of pandemic-era isolation, a growing community of chilliheads are competing across the globe, devouring millions of Scoville units and fighting off agonising capsaicin cramps in the process. Hannah Bentley speaks to some of the scene’s key figures to find out why.

  • Sport
  • Hannah Bentley

The wild, gruelling beauty of fell running

Winner Gets Cake — With no marked route and often brutal conditions, the “quintessentially British sport” is the subject of a new joint film by TCO and Rab. Hannah Bentley explores its vertical climbs, downhill dashes and punk roots.

  • Sport
  • Hannah Bentley
Black and white image of performer on stage pointing towards crowd with raised hands reaching upwards, smoky atmosphere visible.
© Cheap Dirty Horse

In Nottingham, punk’s UK revival rumbles

Grassroots grinding — The city has a rich history of creative resistance, and now a new wave of noise is emerging. From DIY recording studios to impromptu skatepark gigs, Hannah Bentley travels to the east Midlands to meet the artists keeping rebellion alive – and loud.

  • Music
  • Hannah Bentley
Red shop frontage with "Open Out" branding and appointment-only signage.

Meet the trans-led hairdressers providing London with gender-affirming trims

Open Out — Since being founded in 2011, the Hoxton salon has become a crucial space the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Hannah Bentley caught up with co-founder Greygory Vass to hear about its growth, breaking down barbering binaries, and the recent Supreme Court ruling.

  • Activism
  • Hannah Bentley
Two young women making silly facial expressions, one with a grey coat and the other in a black coat, in front of a white building.

Tender, carefree portraits of young Ukrainians before the war

Diary of a Stolen Youth — On the day that a temporary ceasefire is announced, a new series from photographer Nastya Platinova looks back at Kyiv’s bubbling youth culture before Russia’s February 2022 full-scale invasion. It presents a visual window for young people into a possible future, as well as the past.

  • Culture
  • Hannah Bentley
Taxidermy alligator with a small monkey sitting on its head, displayed on a wooden shelf with other items.

Inside the obscured, closeted habitats of Britain’s exotic pets

“I have a few animals...” — For his new series, photographer Jonty Clark went behind closed doors to meet rare animal owners, finding ethical grey areas and close bonds.

  • Culture
  • Hannah Bentley
Three individuals in swimming attire holding surfboards, standing in a field with cacti in the background.

A new documentary spotlights Ecuador’s women surfers fighting climate change

Ceibo — Co-directed by Maddie Meddings and Lucy Small, the film focuses on the work and story of Pacha Light, a wave rider who lived off-grid before reconnecting with her country’s activist heritage.

  • Sport
  • Hannah Bentley

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck+ members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:
Black and white O'Neill logo in a bold, stylised font against a black background.
You've read articles this month Thanks for reading

Join Club Huck — it's free!

Valued Huck reader, thank you for engaging with our journalism and taking an interest in our dispatches from the sharp edge of culture, sport, music and rebellion.

We want to offer you the chance to join Club Huck [it's free!] where you will receive exclusive newsletters, including personal takes on the state of pop culture and media from columnist Emma Garland, culture recommendations, interviews and dispatches straight to your inbox.

You'll also get priority access to Huck events, merch discounts, and more fun surprises.

Already part of the club? Enter your email above and we'll get you logged in.