Hartlepool's new Nando's restaurant finally reopens to diners following coronavirus lockdown

Nando’s, on Hartlepool’s Anchor Retail Park, created 40 new jobs when it officially opened on March 3 this year.

Yet less than three weeks later it was forced to close in line with lockdown restrictions following the covid-19 outbreak.

Now the franchise, known for its trademark peri peri chicken, has confirmed on Thursday, August 20, that the branch has reopened to diners.

A statement from the company said the Hartlepool branch was one of 83 nationwide to begin seating customers again, bringing the total up to 277, and added : “The latest group of restaurants will be music to the ears of Hartlepool residents as this will mark the first time since lock down that Nando’s fans in the area can enjoy peri peri in the comfort of the restaurant.”

Capacity, however, at the 114-customer diner has been reduced in line with ongoing social distancing restrictions.

The statement added: “This means that there will be fewer tables available at any one time and waiting times to be seated might be a little longer than usual.

"If demand is particularly high then customers needn't worry as online click and collect and home delivery and will still be available in some restaurants.”

Other measures to have been introduced to ensure staff and customer safety following lockdown include hand sanitisers and disposable menus where diners use a QR code to order while paying via their phone.

Tables will be clear of the usual menu stands, cockerel sticks and saltshakers and along with chairs and the surrounding floor will be completely cleaned down and swept before and after each use.

Prior to the March opening, Nando’s fans had to travel to Middlesbrough or Teesside Park for their nearest branch.

Kathryn Dixon, who won a competition to open the Hartlepool restaurant, which was formerly a Frankie and Benny’s restaurant, said at the time: “I’ve been waiting for a Nando’s for years and as soon as it was mentioned I was like ‘I need to be in on it’.”

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