'Good luck Nando's - community reacts as chicken restaurant confirms Hartlepool branch will open this Spring

Work is still ongoing at the restaurant’s premises, with the company confirming on social media that it had been “overwhelmed” with applications for jobs at the branch.

Hungry punters celebrated the firm's opening and wished the firm good luck. Others argued that the restaurant may be better placed in a different location.

The new Nando’s is set to open at the Anchor Retail Park, on the site which previously housed Frankie and Benny’s.

Here is how you reacted:

Bryan Littler: “You really have to hand it to the people of Hartlepool, they are the most pessimistic bunch walking the planet.

“Probably the same people who said the M&S food hall would close after an hour. Good luck Nando's, we will be visiting.”

Darren Dagsie Rose: “Positive vibes. Good luck Nandos, I too will be visiting.”

Trevor Craddy: “Not the sort of place I'd eat at personally. However, if it brings jobs for local people I wish it every success.”

Darren Corbett: “Parking will always be an issue over there, would have been better down near the Travelodge and cinema.”

James Pearson: “Give it a chance, I now live in Sunderland and ours is always busy.”

Paul Storey: “The location will let it down.”

John Reed: “It will get the same reaction as Frankie and Benny’s … How much, for this? And a year later it will close. Not pessimistic just realistic.”

Paul Nedley: “Never been in a Nandos ... I'll give it a bash.”