Covent Garden - qprvicky Review

I've just started an evening class in central London and as this was the first day I headed up early in order to allow myself plenty of time to work out where I was going and of course, eat so I would have the energy to get through the session! I used the Nandos App to work out the closest branch to where I needed to be (and with a bit of help from Google Maps) my destination was to be Nandos in Covent Garden. I don't go into Central London very often, but I have on more than one occasion passed this Nandos whilst wondering around with friends but have never been inside.

I went in and the branch looked pretty small and empty. The lady asked if I would like to sit upstairs or downstairs - I asked her what she recommended and she said downstairs as I would need to go down there to order and also it would be warmer. She called down to her colleague and I had to wait for about a minute and then could go down and was shown to a seat. My how wrong I was with that initial judgement. Downstairs it is frankly awesome. It has high ceiling and funky décor. There were booths and benches as well as the standard tables. It felt big and spacious and airy. Some of the below ground Nandos that I have been to have felt crammed, but this was the complete opposite. It was really open and I loved the feel.

I was on my own and I knew what I wanted so I dumped my jumper at my table and headed straight to order. The team member was friendly and welcoming. I returned to my table going the long way round (as I didn't realise you could get round the other way - it's like a big loop but I didn't spot that to start with. One complaint I would say about the layout of the restaurant is that from where I was sat, my table wasn't in direct view of the drinks machines which meant when I needed a refill I had to either take my bag or ask someone else to keep an eye on it. It's not the end of the world, but perhaps I could have been sat somewhere closer or in eyeline of the machines (although to be fair it didn't occur to me until I wanted my first refill). I'm sure no-one would have taken my bag but when you are on your own and in an unfamiliar place you don't want to take the risk.

I had my usual - chicken pitta, medium with pineapple but no pitta mix, with chips, spicy rice, perinaise and a soft drink. It was delicious and seemed very fresh. I always ask at the counter whether the Perinaise will come out with the food or they give it to me at the counter and it did come out with my food. I don't understand why there isn't a universal Perinaise rule (some restaurants give it to you there and then and some don't) - it would certainly eliminate the perinaise-stress! (That's more of a complaint about Nandos in general than this branch).

Overall I really enjoyed this visit. I think I was early enough (5.30pm) to avoid the rush and had quick service in time to get to my course. I wouldn't normally have that much time, as I would usually be at work in the day, but if I ever have the time again I may well head up into Central London early and get to class via this Nandos.