Nando's Manchester - Spinningfields — Restaurant in Manchester

Great location and setting, let down by customer service.

We visited at about 20:00 on a Friday evening, which meant that the restaurant was fairly quiet. Was greeted by staff who promptly lead us to our table and allowed us to begin our order via the app (which we have no issues with). We ordered starters and mains, and were pleasantly surprised with the quick arrival of our starters, which we enjoyed and were the highlight of the meal.

The issues began after waiting over 30 mins for our mains to be brought over to us, the main frustration of this was we could see our food sat on the counter and staff simply ignoring it as they walked past.

Our food continued to sit there whilst staff ran about the restaurant like headless chickens, despite the place being less than a quarter full, which further added to the frustration. By this point food was stacked up along the serving counter and you could see other customers looking over at their food also sitting there.

After ~35 mins, a server finally brought our food over, which unfortunately wasn't worth the wait. As the food had been sat for over 30 mins it was barely warm, with the chips been cold. The chicken wasn't the best either, the skin had lost its crispiness and the meat itself wasn't up to normal standard. I do however, blame this on the large amount of time the food was sat on the counter.

Despite this, I am keen to revisit this Nando's as it is local to me and is a much nicer restaurant than the one in the Arndale. I do however suggest that they organise their staff properly and ensure food isn't...

Let me preface this review by saying that this was my first ever time eating at Nando's, and to be completely honest, I don't see what all the hype is about. Now that's not to say that the food was bit, it wasn't, but on the same hand it wasn't anything special either. The Rainbow slaw was actually a let down, it tasted okay but it was just too dry, I'd recommend the normal slaw instead. I got the 1/2 chicken at medium spice and the portion size couldn't be knocked, it tasted nice as well, although there was an odd dry bit here and there but nothing major and most of it was nice and moist. The peri chips are a must have and were very tasty! The main gripe I have with this place is the fact you have to go to the counter to order or scan a QR code on your phone at the table - maybe I'm old fashioned but I find the idea of going to a restaurant and ordering via a QR code extra hassle and dehumanising, why can't they just come over and take the order? This obsession with mobile apps is destroying the fabric of eating at restaurants, I don't mind having it as an option alongside table service. When I did interact with the staff they were all friendly and helpful. Nando's seems to be hyped by basically most Zoomers out there and while it's decent, and the prices are reasonable, I personally don't think it's my kind of place. Overall a fairly lacklustre meal hyped by the army of Nando's fanboys/girls. I will probably never voluntarily go to Nando's...

Arriving at Nando's Spinningfields at 9:55 pm, we were well aware we were cutting it close, as the restaurant was due to close at 10 pm. Despite this, the staff greeted us with a warm welcome and a willingness to serve, which instantly made us feel at ease. The team was incredibly accommodating, patiently explaining the menu options and making recommendations, even though it was nearly closing time. Their professionalism and courtesy were truly commendable, and they didn't rush us at all, which is often a rarity when arriving at a restaurant so late. We decided to try the lemon & herb sauce on our chicken, and it exceeded all expectations. The sauce was a perfect blend of tangy and savory, enhancing the already succulent grilled chicken. The lemon & herb sauce provided a refreshing twist that was both light and flavorful, making it an absolute must-try for anyone visiting Nando's. It paired beautifully with the sides we chose, adding an extra layer of zest to the entire meal. We left Nando's Spinningfields not only satisfied but also impressed by the staff's dedication and their willingness to go the extra mile, made for a memorable evening. We highly recommend this location for anyone seeking great service and delectable food, regardless of the time. The interiors could have been lit well, its a great joint for...