Sunderland - Marc Joss Review

A mammoth journey from London to Sunderland came to a close once we found this standard city-centre Nando's in a busy area with a cinema, lots of bars and other restaurants nearby. Some key local knowledge helped us get free parking in the multi-story car park just up the road after validating our parking ticket in Nando's. Otherwise it was 90p an hour if my memory serves me right.

A big group of us walked in just before 1pm on matchday, so as you can imagine, it was fairly busy with both home and away supporters. It took a while to get a table and we were eventually spread over 3 tables which was fine; the priority was to eat fairly quickly and head to the Stadium of Light!

My main problem with this visit was the Nandoca serving me refused to let me cash in my red chilli for a half chicken and two sides which was incredibly disappointing. She claimed that it was only valid for a burger or pitta meal which is not true! I know, both from experience and from checking with Nando's directly, that she was in the wrong. I begrudingly paid the full amount for my meal and at least I can say that it was worth it. The food was lovely with plenty of peri sauce and salt on my food. Only criticism was that it wasn't spicy enough for my liking.

As for the decor, there are nine interesting stands on which various Nando's cocks stand towards the back of the restaurant but annoyingly, one in the middle was missing! The lighting is excellent with impressive lights falling from the high ceiling.

The restaurant is a 15-minute walk from the stadium which was ideal as we left the restaurant with full stomachs and walked across the bridge to see Arsenal win 2-0. Nando's 152 and an away win, what a day!