I tried Nando's NEW Kingston Park restaurant - and walked away with two mini peri-peri converts

It’s come a long way. From humble North East beginnings two decades ago, Nando’s has taken over the chicken game.

I remember walking into the colour bomb of a restaurant, full of sights I’d never seen and smells and tastes I couldn’t place, in The Gate, Newcastle, nearly 20 years ago. I was transported to warmer climes.

Chicken is just chicken, right? Wrong. Nando’s changed the game. Forever. Their sauces and seasonings are like sunshine in a bottle. And they’re taking things up a notch again, this time with a fresh, new-look Nando’s, out in Kingston Park.

Walk through the doors and you might get a familiar feel. The African-themed artwork is new, so too some of the menu, but with the surroundings, you feel like you’ve been here before. Chances are, you probably have, especially if you like a tipple. The restaurant itself, a buzz with African beats and flowing with custom and atmosphere, used to be the crisp and alcohol aisles of the neighbouring Tesco!

While I felt a warm, knowing glow as we were escorted to our table, this was a whole new experience for my fellow diners - this was first time for my two Nandinos (aged seven and 10).

Spice isn’t really their thing - I’m not sure it ever can be at that tender age - but chicken very definitely is. And both were blown away by the restaurant experience, we were treated like VIPs - it took me back to my first ever visit all those years back.

Is it even a Nando’s if you don’t start with houmous and pittas? Well, it definitely isn’t in this household. We went with two to share - it was more than enough.

We adorned our table with bottles of joy from the amply-filled front desk - hot, for me, medium, lemon and herb and the new Peri-Peri Saka sauce, named after Arsenal and England wideman Bukayo Saka. While the tang and warmth of the other two, even the mild, proved too much for the kids, they couldn’t get enough of the Saka offering. A BBQ flavour with a hum of heat in the background, it went down very much like the Saka of England form, not what he’s shown for the Gunners, of late!

The mains flooded in, and, being on a review, the food plentiful. We all got chicken dishes of our own - the kids went with pittas and wraps with chips and corn, while I was pushed towards the Garlic Churrasco Burger, as if I took any real pestering, it was top of my list of new things to try on the menu, anyway.

While the kids’ meals had maybe a touch too much heat for their delicate palate, mine was awash with chilli and I loved every second of it. Chicken thighs served in a decadent garlic bread bun, it was amazing, accompanied by spicy rice and peri-peri salted chips - my ‘go to’ this time, every time.

With the restaurant keen to show off their menu we also got a side of loaded fries. And while I thought the mains would win the day - this was the winner, I’ve not tasted anything like it. Full of spicy sauces, rich and creamy ones, shredded and chicken and their signature chips. Next time I go, this is top of my list to try again, you know, to make sure it’s just as nice the second time, right?

For pud - what meal is complete without one - we found room in our amply satisfied bellies for a chocolatey, melt-in-the-middle pudding with ice cream. We didn’t need it, but we were in no mood to regret it, as it capped off a wonderful date night with the two kids before we took in the latest offering at the cinema.

It wasn’t long before they were asking: ‘when we next going to Nando’s Dad?”

Where to find Nando’s Kingston Park - opening hours & more

Situated in Tesco Extra, the new restaurant will be serving all your favourite Nando’s dishes, frozen cocktails, and the recently launched sweet and fiery PERi-PERi Saka sauce created by star footballer Bukayo Saka.   The stunning new restaurant seats 120 in total, and flavour fans will also be able to order Click and Collect to enjoy their Nando’s at home. Delivery from the restaurant will also start in May.  

To bring the unique Nando’s experience and its irresistible PERi-PERi to its new customers in Newcastle, Nando’s has created 60 jobs for people in the area. The restaurant has also partnered with local charity Newcastle Community Asset Trust as part of its ‘No Chuckin’ our Chicken’ initiative.  

Nando’s champions it’s Southern African heritage by continually working with South African based designers across all aspects of its restaurants. At Nando’s Newcastle Kingston Park this includes striking artworks, geometric fabrics, and pendant lights.   Restaurant manager, Chris Scurfield said: “We’re delighted to be opening the doors to our new restaurant in Newcastle! This is a really exciting opening for us, and we can’t wait to be serving up Nando’s iconic PERi-PERi and vibes at a new spot in the city.”

Nando’s Newcastle Kingston Park will be opened on March 27, 2024, 11:30am – 10pm seven days a week. For more information, please head to the official Newcastle Kingston Park restaurant page. 

To stay up to date with the latest Nando’s news visit www.nandos.co.uk and follow NandosUK on Instagram and TikTok.