4 /5 Jamaal Hussain: I really like Nando’s, and I like the location of this branch as well, the Valley Leisure Park on Purley Way has very convenient, US style parking, which is a big plus.
That said, I honestly can’t think of a single time I’ve had a smooth experience inside this restaurant. You either walk in and wait far too long just to be acknowledged and put on the list, or you’re immediately told “it’s a 40-minute wait” followed by “are you sure you want to wait?” which very much feels like you’re being discouraged from staying. To be fair, the wait is rarely as long as they say it will be, so that’s one positive if you do stay.
When it’s time to order, things slow down again. There’s almost always a long queue at the tills, or should I say till, because they virtually never open a second register even when it’s clearly needed. One positive is that the personnel taking orders are polite and extremely patient with ppl like me who have difficulty hearing in a loud environment.
As for the food: it’s consistently excellent. It always arrives in good time, it’s hot, fresh, and genuinely tasty. I really can’t say enough good things about the food itself and by extension, the kitchen staff.
However, once you’re seated, and have your food in front of you, it’s very rare for a server to come back and check on you. If you need anything at all, you’re usually forced to get up and stand in that same long queue at the single cashier.
In short: amazing food, halal to boot, but the service and ordering process really need work.
