| 
| 
Beckton - Ryan Review
How Helpful?:
Number of Visits:
This was my first visit
How Busy?:
10 - 25 minute wait
Date of Last Visit:
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Time of Day:
Weekday Dinner
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?:
This Nando's is located on Gallions Reach Shopping Park meaning there are thousands of free parking spaces. Gallions Reach is anchored by a big Tesco Extra and mainly clothes shops (such as H&M, Arcadia stores, Sports Direct) and then some regular eateries (McD's, Pizza Hut etc). Gallions Reach DLR stop is 1 mile walk away... and you can go and walk along the Thames if you really wanted to!
If you're driving in on the A13 Westboud, you'll pass the nearest cinema which is the Showcase at Barking and likewise, the nearest bowling alley is the Namco at Dagenham.
Got to this Nando's about 8:30 and it was manic. The staff didn't seem as though they were coping and on walking in, I could see at least 6 empty tables, but all with empty plates on. There are some high tables just by the serving hatch and these were piled high with plates. It meant there was about a 15 minute wait for a table. The waiting area is located as soon as you enter, but is also where people queue to order for food. To the right is a small seating area with curved bench/tables/chairs seating and to the left far more tables/chairs. It's way too small for the number of people trying to eat here. I was seated at a two-seater table in the window, but had to walk around 3 tables to squeeze myself into it.
There are some nice decor points about this Nando's. There is nice red mosaic tiling on the walls by the drinks machine and serving hatch and some bright red lampshades above the main area seating (to the left of the entrance). There are a few canvas paintings on the wall in the much smaller seating area... but overall, especially as everything is so tight, the overall lack of artwork and the masses of dirty plates all over the place, this has to be a 2.
The food came in 17 minutes and was delicious though. An average size portion of chicken, but well cooked and very moist right to the bone. The chips were ample and hot and crispy and the rice was also hot and moist.
Not sure how to score the staff on this one. Technically, the staff didn't even bring me my food. Because I was tucked away, they asked the chaps sitting at the table next to me to pass the food over... and then I didn't see anybody else so I still had my cock at the end... Yes, it was because the place was heaving, but even the basics weren't followed on this occasion...
So, sadly, yet another London-based drab and dreary Nando's... not a memorable one for the 200 :-)
Add new comment