Vauxhall Arch - Elliott Waters Review

Vauxhall Arches

Possibly one of the randomest and stylish outlets I have been too, is Vauxhall arches.

Approaching from Vauxhall station, you are guided by bright neon signs, taking you right to the front. You enter through a revolving door, and after a short interlude, I was given a hand gesture to suggest "pick your own table". After choosing a central table, I sat down and perused the menu.

After a short perusal, I went to order. The ordering process wasn't very exciting, a little bland and uninspiring. After placing my order, I returned to my table.

The outlet is quite long, with the till point immediately on right as you enter, and waiting area on the left. From here there are many tables, featuring booths in the middle, and tables against right and left hand walls. The cutlery and sauce point is located near tills, where as the drinks machine is conveniently placed in the middle for the ease of all Nando's diners. The grill point and toilets are located at the rear of the outlet. The outlet is directly underneath the railway, can hear the rumble of the trains as you munch your peri-peri.

Waited around 10-15 minutes, and my meal arrived. It looked good, with very generous portion sizes. I ordered a chicken burger lemon and herb with spicy rice and salad. The burger was a little dry around the edges, but plenty of Nando's Mayo on the underside resolved this. The bun was warm and soft, just how I like it! Sadly the lettuce in the burger tasted like a garden centre, although the tomato wasn't bad. The spicy rice was a little bland and cold, although the portion size was very generous. Side salad was also generous, but a little weak, as if it had been stood for a few days.

Decoration is very in keeping with the arch. Exposed brickwork at the start, with wood panels in the style of brickwork cover the walls and ceiling in the seating area. Striking purple seating either side, with green booths in the middle. Lots of lighting, illuminating the walls, and a lamp overlooking every table. Cleanliness is also good.

Staff were a little uninspiring and bored, which is a shame considering the excellent outlet they have to work in.

The outlet is located underneath Vauxhall railway station, which is also next to the bus and Underground station. A bright Neon sign directs you from the station, under the arch, turn left, and you're there!

Overall not a bad visit. Meal was OK, outlet is pretty impressive though, and very easy to get too!