Leeds - Cardigan Fields - Ryan Review

This Nando's in on the Cardigan Fields retail park, which is a few miles north-west of Leeds City Centre. The retail park has a Hollywood Bowl, a Vue, a Virgin Active and a whole host of other eateries (such as Frankie and Benny's and Pizza Hut). It's easily found in the car and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of free parking spaces on the park - but at this time of night, it did involve driving round a few times to find a free space. The train line runs near it too - and I think Burley Park is about half a mile walk away.

I arrived here on a Saturday evening at about 6:30pm and boy, was it busy! For a table for two I was advised there'd be a 30 minute wait, which turned into only 20 minutes - which was great seeing as though it was absolutely rammed! There was waiting seat space for about 10 people, but seeing as though there were around 50 people waiting, it was very tight with people crowding the entrance and the queue for the till. Nothing the staff could do about this, but just be aware there could be a long wait!

Once seated, there wasn't actually a wait at the till for the food and the meal came in under 15 minutes. Unfortunately, it did seem a little rushed. The chicken was swimming in grease - and not just a bit, but a good little pool on the plate and plenty of the chicken was also quite dark/reddish. Just a few more minutes on the grill would have sorted it right out. It was a shame as the chips and rice were hot/crispy and hot/moist, afraid this is probably 2.5 on this occasion.

The branch itself is quite large - with a high ceiling. There are several large canvas paintings filling the walls and a big chandelier lighting piece in the middle of the ceiling. Long white cones are then dotted above the front/side tables. This is definitely a branch catered for groups as most of the seating is booths style and tables/benches. There are only a handful of tables/chairs style in the front windows - which is also probably why there was a quicker turnaround of the tables than expected. Lots of pots/plants on a small separating wall in the middle of the restauarnt makes this a well decorated branch.

The staff were run off their feet, so did the bear minimum.