[Unit 6. Eastgate]
It was announced that the new restaurant would create 30 jobs in Llanelli. In order of proximity to Llanelli, other Nando's establishments in Wales include those in Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Nantgarw, three restaurants in Cardiff, and another in Wrexham.
The chain is renowned for its rapid expansion across the UK. By securing the implied celebrity endorsements of prominent figures in their hometowns, Nando's has successfully forged a reputation of being a cut above other casual dining establishments. This strategy, which entails providing free food to VIPs (sometimes by granting a lifetime of free dining with the 'black card'), helped garner attention on opening day at Eastgate, when members from the Scarlets were invited as the first official customers. Support for Nando's has also been expressed by Felinfoel-born athlete Dai Greene around the time of its launch.
Located on the ground floor of the Harmonica building, the restaurant shopfront is only one third the width of the Scarlets' Red Room situated opposite, but the Nando's brand carries sufficient weight to ensure a strong commercial presence in the area. The restaurant can cater for up to 120 customers and, like Hungry Horse, spans the full length of the the building. Facing the Eastgate car park at the front of the building is an unwelcoming rear fire exit/staff entrance squeezed alongside the boarded-up fronts of two unoccupied units (at least there is some kind of signage on this more exposed side of the eatery). A small area for outdoor seating is available around the main entrance which is also wheelchair accessible. As well as easy access from the car park, Nando's is just a few paces away from the bus interchange and taxi drop-off zone.
According to TripAdvisor reviewers, Nando's staff are always helpful, but beyond the provision of menus there is no table service: using a 'help yourself' service, customers must place orders at the till. Service is commended as being quick and polite and the restaurant and kitchen as a whole are considered clean with a pleasant traditional Portuguese-Mozambican atmosphere.
In March 2013, the Eastgate Nando's received a FSA Food Hygiene Rating of '5 (Very Good)'.
The choice and quality of food, notably its famed peri-peri chicken, in the Eastgate branch lives up to its global reputation. But despite catering for families, and regardless of any athletes' endorsements, Nando's isn't the healthiest place to take children to eat (in 2006, an average Nando's meal was found to contain eight teaspoons of added sugar while deļ¬cent in calcium, iron, zinc and folate). And although the chain boasts a Red Tractor assurance accreditation, that scheme - which ensures compliance with minimum legislative requirements - does not prevent inadequate welfare for Nando's chickens.
Since its arrival at Eastgate, Nando's has led a sustained local marketing campaign, much of which is exhibited on the Facebook page. And as if the chain needed any help in its promotions, an independent website dedicated to indexing every Nando's in the world encourages people to share their views on the Eastgate Nando's (hats off to Ryan for travelling down to Llanelli in May 2013 as part of his marinated chicken marathon!)
Nando's current opening hours are:
(Monday - Thursday) 10:00 - 22:00
(Friday & Saturday) 10:00 - 22:30
(Sunday) 11:00 - 22:00
A take-away service is also available on 01554 751 818
and bookings can be made via the restaurant's official Facebook page.
Official Nando's website: www.nandos.co.uk/restaurant/llanelli
Nando's Llanelli on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nandosllanelli
TripAdvisor page: tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-...Nando_s-Llanelli....html
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