Nando's Cramlington - Opens 3rd August 2016

We spent A LOT of our twenties eating Nando's. It was pretty much our standard date night to head to the Metrocentre, feast on chicken and then catch a movie at the IMAX. Oh to have that much disposable income! We have taken the kids a few times over the years and it always goes down well and one of the things I love about the brand is their consistency. You always know what to expect from a cheeky trip to Nando's so I was very excited when it turned out that the rumours were true and Nando's was to open in my home town of Cramlington. 

Situated next to Prezzo, Frankie & Bennys and the Hungry Horse in Manor Walks, Nando's Cramlington has plenty of FREE parking (up to 4 hours) and is conveniently located next to Vue cinema and the new bowling alley in Concordia. I think it's going to end up as a very popular choice on date night.

There's also a cute little terrace outside - the perfect spot to watch the world go by with a Portuguese custard tart and coffee I think.

Inside is spacious with a mix or regular and booth-type seating. There are lots of highchairs available too.

Kids are well catered for with friendly staff, colouring sheets and crayons. Children's meals are priced at £5.65 and include a main (chicken burger, chicken strips, chicken wings or veggie strips) plus a choice of 2 sides and either a drink or dessert. I don't think this is a bad price at all. Families might also want to consider sharing a meal platter (£19.95 for a whole chicken, 2 sides and 2 drinks).

I can't believe I still bump into people who have yet to lose their Nando's virginity! It even happened today. For those who don't know the score, you browse the menu at your table, order at the till, pick up your bottomless drinks, sauces, condiments and cutlery from the drinks station and then wait for your food. There's never really too much of a wait and the staff are usually good and will give you an estimated time. There's a large selection of sauces to choose from from xxx hot to mild and don't forget to pick up lots of napkins as you'll need them.

Plain chicken wings, chips and corn for Harry

Half chicken in hot sauce, spicy rice and corn for Steve

Churrasco Thigh Burger, Spicy Rice & Peri Peri Fries for myself

What I love about Nando's is that they ALWAYS check back to check everything is ok and visiting is nice and relaxed and kind of feels like you're dining at home. The staff are happy, polite and keen and the food is the kind of food that I'm sure will be helping to cure a few Cramlington hangovers in the next few years.

I think the main reason I am happy to have a Nando's in Cramlington now is that they offer take out. YEAH! In the winter when we can't be bothered to cook and want a family treat on a Saturday night to enjoy together whilst watching X Factor, I know for a fact we'll be heading to Nando's fairly regularly to get our fix. A full platter (1 whole chicken and 4 sides) is £19.95 to take out and will be enough for us to share between the 5 of us. I thought I'd never say this but roll on winter and cosy Saturday nights in front of the tv!

Need To Know

• Nando's Cramlington opens in Manor Walks on 3rd August 2016
• You can pre-order a Nando's takeaway online, phone 0800 975 8181 or pop in
• Nando's is open from 11:30am daily
• Reservations or not required - just pop in
• Nando's offer a 20% discount to Police, Fire, Ambulance service and NHS staff. 
• Follow Nando's Cramlington on Facebook here
• Don't forget to pick up a loyalty card!

Nando's Cramlington, does what it says on the tin and I'm sure it's going to be a great addition to Cramlington and very popular with locals. 

Disclosure: We were invited to help Nando's during one of their dry runs before opening and received a complimentary meal. We were not obliged to write about our experience but wanted to share the Nando's love :D