Nando's Plymouth - Barbican Leisure — Restaurant in Plymouth

15/04/24

Just been back to this branch since the recent refit and tbh the service from your kitchen staff and the food they prepared was terrible.

The refit is nice, brighter and a more open space, sat in a booth, decor is quirky.

Ordered peri humous for starter which came out in good time and was as good as ever but it went downhill from there.

Ordered the whole chicken sharing platter for the wife and I and the chips arrived with no peri salt and cold and stale, asked the waitress for some fresh ones and instead of apologising and taking back to the kitchen she just shrugged and told me to put the platter plate on the bar, chef bought out the sharing plate again with the same stale and now luke warm chips which had clearly just been microwaved, we both tried them and then I passed the plate back to the female chef who then started to argue with me Infront of everyone about the chips not being fresh, also considering she bought the plate back to us after less than 5 minutes it takes longer than that to cook fresh chips, I offered her to try one to show they were not satisfactory but she refused strangely, she continued to dispute the issue for a couple of minutes with me before taking back, the manager then came to our table, didn't apologise, and said they would cook a fresh portion of fries and bring the platter back straight away so we could enjoy our chicken and other sides whilst they were still hot and bring the chips separately, this didn't happen unfortunately and due to our platter being left under the heat lamps and plate now cold the chicken wasn't as hot as we expected and the tenderstem broccoli and corn on cob, but by this point we were so hungry and tbh I didn't want another arguement with your rude totally unprofessional kitchen staff. The chips did finally arrive hot and fresh like we have always had before at the Barcode branch in Plymouth and this branch before the recent refit, Drinks were fine and the table was nice and clean on arrival. The service from waitresses was ok, just totally let down by the chefs and the manager who didn't back up what he told us unfortunately.

01/01/2019

Great food....

Completely disagree with any negative comments. I understand businesses have "bad days" but I have been numerous times and it's always been perfection.

I realise that there is more to your dining experience than just the "food" however it worked for me. I ordered via QR code which was quick and simple. You can order via the counter if you're unable. Staff were friendly and helpful when needed. Yes you did have to "hunt them down"...but it isnt table service so that is expected! Don't come here expecting the earth..

Food was ordered and came ridiculously quick which at first worried me..but it was pipping hot and tasted beautiful as usual. My favourite is bbq garlic..hoping that limited edition stays permanently..

Of course it was a little chaotic as it was busy but doesn't that speak for itself?

A firm favourite of mine is the 4 chicken thighs. Me and my partner order one on its own and one with two sides. We then share the chips (two portions remember) options to order rolls or pittas for your chicken which are cheap. Every time we leave..we are full!

Down side...the bottomless drinks are rancid...but every drink you can get from a tap is horrible..does the trick when you're eating hot...

You can’t help but feel that this particular Nando’s outlet is starting to feel a little tired & in need of some TLC. Popular as ever, we waited around 20 minutes for a table (not unusual, so we didn’t mind at all). Once we ordered however, it took over 50 minutes to receive our food. Two dishes had obviously been sat in the kitchen a while, as they were warm at best, while the other two were still hot. When we explained our issues to the staff, they were very apologetic & offered us completely desserts, which was very kind of them, but the issue shouldn’t have arisen in the first place. The food was very good as always & the staff friendly. As mentioned, the restaurant is beginning to look & feel a little worse for wear.

The city is long overdue another Nandos in order to alleviate the pressure on this outlet & the one in the city centre. This restaurant in particular does seem to struggle with demand, often running at capacity & can lead to a poorer customer experience...