Harden's says
The West End flagship of this small group serves charcoal-grilled dishes from the Algarve accompanied by Portuguese wine. Downstairs there's a speakeasy cocktail bar, the Green Room.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Simple and so good!” – MJMK’s chain (they also own Kol and Lisboeta) of “posh Nandos” makes an outstanding choice for a “bustling if noisy” night out on the cheap. “Excellent piri piri chicken ’n’ chips” is at the heart of the food offering, but there are also brilliant sides (such as “very good African rice and slaw”) and some fab veggie options. The original SE1 branch remains the most commented-on, and has a “lovely” plant-filled upstairs. The other branches are perhaps a fraction less vibey, although the newly opened Victoria outlet wins praise as “a good airy space”.
Summary
“I would never have imagined chicken ’n’ chips could be so delicious! It’s like being on a mini holiday!” – the original, “über-busy” SE1 branch of this growing chain of “posh Nandos” is a smash hit. “The yummy food, the fabulous greenery, the buzzy atmosphere, the extensive vinho verde wine list. Who’d have thought such a gem would be found under a grubby railway arch in South London!” Expanding under owners MJMK (who also own Lisboeta and Kol), the group has a less-high-profile Shoreditch spin-off; and is also set to open in 2023 in Victoria, on the site last occupied by Hai Cenato (RIP). Top Tips – don’t just stick to the peri-peri chicken – look out for the African rice, chorizo and other menu options. Also, at SE1 “there is a downstairs, but try to eat upstairs in the lovely loft-style space, with plenty of light and enough plants to require a full time gardener!”
Summary
“Nando’s eat your heart out”, say fans of the “real” Portuguese peri-peri grilled chicken “and very tasty sides” at this “fun if busy, busy, busy” (to the point of being “overwhelming”) duo near Borough Market and Shoreditch (of which the former is by far the most commented-on). It’s backed by MJMK (who also run Kol, Lisbetoa et al) and a first central London branch seating 200 is set to open in 2022 in Mayfair’s Heddon Street.
Summary
This “buzzy” yearling serves “tasty Portuguese tapas” and “grilled chicken, done to perfection” in the Algarve style, over charcoal with piri-piri seasoning. “Don’t eat too much – the desserts are delicious as well”, led by pastel de nata and a thick chocolate mousse. The Green Room is a ‘secret’ cocktail bar, and there’s now a second branch with a large terrace between Great Eastern Street and Commercial Street in Shoreditch.
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