Stevenage (Average rating: 3.88)
Parking is right outside and FREE in the leisure park!
Lifetime Ratings (10-50 Combined Visits from 3 Nandoers):
| Friendliness of Staff | Speed of Service | Quality of Food | Decoration and Cleanliness |
Rating | 4.67 | 3.67 | 3.5 | 3.67 |
Meaning | Good stuff. Very polite | 5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun | Average - but with lots of peri spice | Standard nando's, nothing bad, nothing exceptional |
Individual Ratings:
Date of last visit: Sat 05/11/11
How busy was the branch?: Almost full
Time of day: Weekend dinner
Number of visits?: 2-5
Additional comments: Having previously been to this branch in the summer and being very impressed, I expected similar on this Nando's + cinema trip.
The branch wasn't quite as busy as I thought it would be, and I suspect this was because it was bonfire night. As a result, we were seated straight away, and there was no queue to order.
The staff lived up to my previous experience, with Laura the girl on the door being very polite, and Aiden the sometimes griller/sometimes on the tills Nandoca recognising me, and taking my order perfectly (see below for a photo of Aiden in action). We were also checked up on during our meal, and the manager was taking a hands-on approach and getting very involved with the staff and customers - just what I like to see. However, this was where the pleasant aspects of this visit ended.
Next came the wait for food. Just over 30 minutes on a Saturday night would usually be somewhat forgivable, but the branch wasn't exactly packed out. To top it off, the food was definitely below average, with the chips being the most disappointing aspect. They were small and what I would describe as 'bitty', i.e. the short bits you might get at the bottom of a bag. In addition, it was all lukewarm (I saw my burger sitting out for quite a while), and my burger wasn't exactly flowing with sauce. My girlfriend's garlic bread also didn't have very much garlic butter on it, which was a shame to see.
As for the location, I can only reiterate what has been said before: this Nando's is perfectly situated for a night out, with bowling, cinema, and even a night club right next door.
Overall, I'm sorry Nando's Stevenage but I might be reconsidering my next visit if it's to be at a busy time.
| Friendliness of Staff | Speed of Service | Quality of Food | Decoration and Cleanliness |
Rating | 5 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Meaning | Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor | >25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's | Quite disappointing - seems rushed, may have some parts burnt | Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting |
Date of Visit: Sat 13/08/11
Number of Visits?: My first visit
How busy was it? Almost full
Time of day? Weekend lunch
Additional Comments: The Rate Your Nando's team decided to visit this branch as it was a new one for us both and we felt like it needed checking out. The drive up the A1 from North London was very easy and took around half an hour. Parking is completely free and right outside in the leisure park which is a bonus. You can find a cinema, David Lloyd and other chain restaurants such as Frankie and Benny's in the surrounding area so the common cinema plus Nando's combination is possible here!
As for the Nando's itself, the huge chandelier which is protected in a glass cabinet directly above the entrance (see photos below) is extremely impressive and something unique which I do not recall seeing in any of the other 65 branches which I have visited. The branch is blessed with huge amounts of natural light as there are windows surrounding half of the branch. Seating can be found in a range of booths, sofas and chairs. Most tables for 2 have 1 seat on a sofa along wtih a chair opposite which is where we were.
There was no queue to order and we engaged in a thoroughly enjoyable chat with manager Jon. Our starter actually arrived at the table before we did, what more can you ask for? Moments after munching our houmous with peri drizzle, we saw a Nandoca heading our way with huge amounts of food and 2 extra hot flags, it could only be for us! Food was fantastic although the leg was not the meatiest I've ever seen. Having said that, the quantities worked out perfectly as I just about got through my half chicken, 2 peri chips and halloumi. The term 'satisfied' doesn't quite do it justice, I couldn't have asked for anything else. A nice touch was having my mayonnaise brought in a proper pot (rather than the small plastic containers) which meant that it was easy to create my ultimate sauce (mayonnaise doused in extra extra hot sauce) and I had more than enough to go with my whole meal.
The staff were all extremely friendly, especially when we mentioned the website and the Nando's Defence League (see photos for evidence). Aidan (one of the grillers) even confessed to regularly checking the website to have a read through reviews, that's what we are here for after all! | Friendliness of Staff | Speed of Service | Quality of Food | Decoration and Cleanliness |
Rating | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Meaning | Wow I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor | I had only just got back with my cutlery and sauce | Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce | Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting |
Submitted by: Caroline
Date of last visit: 05/12/09
Number of visits?: 10-50 visits!
Additional comments: On a complex with cinema and clubs etc next to the station, 100's of parking spaces.
| Friendliness of Staff | Speed of Service | Quality of Food | Decoration and Cleanliness |
Rating | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Meaning | Good stuff. Very polite | I had only just got back with my cutlery and sauce | Above average - noticeably tastier than normal | Standard nando's, nothing bad, nothing exceptional |
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