Nando's Blog

9 Dec 2011

Stars Spice things up at the Nando’s Bullring

This week we were in Birmingham to officially re-open the Nando’s Bullring restaurant. To help us celebrate; Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks and Loick Essien popped along to entertain 200 lucky fans with an exclusive set, fuelled by Nando’s finest PERi-PERi chicken.

In between the wraps and wings, Rizzle Kicks and Loick Essien couldn’t help themselves with an improptu performance of the Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You” to get everyone warmed up and ready for the show.

Loick kicked things off with his favourite tracks, impressing the crowd with his vocal chords and singing his hit, “How We Roll”. Then he treated the crowd to his latest song “Me Without You” – which had everyone swaying and fully in the mood for some more tunes.

Rizzle Kicks were next to storm the stage and performed their hits including, “Down with the Trumpets”, even bringing their very own trumpet player along for the crowd to get down with.

Screams echoed through the Bullring when Olly took to the stage to perform his new number one single, “Dance with me Tonight”. Although remaining tight-lipped on who had his vote on X-Factor this weekend, Olly went on perform “Please don’t let me go”.

Leaving the crowd wanting more, Olly Murs and Rizzle Kicks ended the show with a rather tasty performance of “Heart Skips a Beat” then later stuck around to sign autographs and have their photos taken with fans.

Thanks everyone for joining us and make sure you let us know what you think of the bigger, better, Bullring restaurant if you pop in soon. Don’t worry if you missed out, stay tuned for some exclusive videos….

Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks and Loick Essien Nando's Bullring reopening

Olly Murs Nando's Bullring reopening

Olly Murs & Rizzle Kicks celebrate the Nando's Bullring reopening

If you couldn’t make it to the Nando’s Bullring re-opening check out the videos of the live performances by Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks and Loick Essien…

Olly Murs performs “Dance With Me Tonight”

Rizzle Kicks perform “When I was a Youngster”

Loick Essien performs “Me Without You”

Tags: Birmingham, Bullring, Loick Essien, Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks
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28 Nov 2011

Nando’s Bullring is back . . .

bullringblogheader Our Birmingham Bullring restaurant has had a major makeover (and it’s bigger!) so, to celebrate the reopening, we’re hosting a one-off gig with a few friends… and you’re invited! On Tuesday 6th December, Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks and Loick Essien will all be performing their favourite tracks to an intimate audience – fancy coming along? We have 50 pairs of tickets to give away!

Loick Essien whose last single, ‘How We Role’ reached number 2 will kick off things around 12pm followed by pop/hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. The two cheeky lads will tickle our taste buds with a few of their favourite tracks before being joined by Olly Murs to perform their joint number one hit, ‘Heart Skips A Beat’!

Olly will then close the gig with an acoustic set, showcasing some of his new tracks from his hot new album ‘In Case You Didn’t Know’, which is out today in all good record stores!

Tempted? Head on over here with your answer to the following question and 50 lucky winners will be selected by Thursday!*

What year did the first Nando’s open in the UK?

(Enter Competition)

- – -

* Terms and Conditions: 50 winners will be selected at random and notified via email on 1st December 2011. Prize comprises of admission of the winner plus a guest to attend the Birmingham Bullring Nando’s Gig. Winners that are 16yrs or younger will need to bring written consent from a parent or guardian and if they are 14yrs or under, they must be accompanied by an adult – (ID is required.) Please note that accommodation and/or travel costs are the responsibility of the winner. School and other commitments must always come first!

By attending the event you are complying for images and video obtained form the event to be used for all marketing and PR purposes. Competition closes on 30th November 2011 at midnight.

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24 Nov 2011

Have yourself a PERi merry Christmas

With decorations already hanging in our restaurants, it’s fair to say that Christmas is well on its way. (Just 31 sleeps until Christmas Day by the way!).

Not only is it a time for us to bring back the Campaign for No Turkey and ask Nando’s fans to show their dedication to chicken this Christmas, but it’s also time to gift that someone who can’t go a day without a touch of PERi-PERi.

We have loads of Nando’s gifts available that would fit perfectly under the Christmas tree, but here are just a few of our favourites for a bit of inspiration.

And guess what? It wouldn’t be a Nando’s Christmas without us giving you the chance to win something special, so we’ve got five extra hot oven glove gift sets up for grabs.

To try your luck at winning, get creative and add your Nando’s take to the chorus of the well-known Jingle Bells song and the best one (basically the one which makes us do the biggest festive LOL) will win!

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to ride on a one horse open sleigh

Good luck!

- competition now closed –

The ultimate Christmas gifts for the ultimate Nando’s fan

Grow your own PERi-PERi chillis:

Chilli Planter

Ideal for those green-fingered friends and family members, give them their own African Bird’s Eye Chilli Seeds and planter to bring some Nando’s signature spice into their home. Available in Boots, RSP £14.00

For heat seekers:

Extra Hot Glove Gift

This novelty oven glove will prevent cooks overheating this Christmas and the Extra Extra hot PERi-PERi sauce and rub will help them cook up a storm in the kitchen. Available in Boots, RSP £12.50.

To sizzle as well as sparkle:

Chilli sizzler

For those who want to make a hot impression on their guests this Christmas, the chilli sizzler gift pack includes a cast iron sizzler, basting brush and Sweet & Sticky marinade to create a mouth-watering combination of chilli and chicken. Available in Tesco, RSP £15.00.

For the head chef

apron gift set

Give this Nando’s apron to aspiring chefs on Christmas day and they’re guaranteed to run straight to the kitchen and whip up your favourite Nando’s meal. There’s also some Medium marinade to get them started. Available in Tesco, RSP of £12.00.

And, as an added bonus, you don’t even have to fight the crowds as you’ll find a selection of the Nando’s Christmas gifts are also available on our website and from other retailer websites too.

T&C’s – Competition closes midday 30th November 2011. Five winners will be notified by email shortly after where they will be posted one extra hot oven glove gift set on confirmation of address.

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18 Nov 2011

Vote Now! It’s time to choose the ULTIMATE NANDO’s NOISE

We’ve heard your ooooohhhs and we’ve heard your brrwwaaakkk’s – it’s fair to say you know how to express your love for PERi-PERi chicken! But, as we continue to search for the Ultimate Nando’s Noise; the explosion of joy you make when you think of Nando’s, our three finalists have now been selected and it’s down to you to decide which one should become the Ultimate Nando’s Noise.

Entries flooded in from far and wide, all competing for the chance to bag free Nando’s for a year and visit our homeland- South Africa. Rio Ferdinand, Olly Murs, Jameela Jamil and Rizzle Kicks all submitted their noises and along with hundreds of other entries, we whittled it down to three.

It’s clear to see how much our fans love chicken and from all of us at Nando’s we thank you for your entries but after much consideration, let us introduce to you our three finalists who have each won free Nando’s for a year. It’s over to you now, which one should be the ULTIMATE NANDO’s NOISE and win a holiday to South Africa?

Danai Gombera is from Bedworth and his favourite Nando’s dish is of course . . . Nando’s PERi-PERi chicken. Danai is big on his music and loves everything from RnB through to Pop and Reggae. When he’s not listening to music, he’s checking out the latest gadgets or learning about new cultures

Mitchell Rowlandson is originally from the Lake District and settled in London so he could fulfill his PERi-PERi passion. When he’s not eating a Nando’s, he can be found playing the drums or having fun with his friends – like he was when he entered the competition after hearing the ads on the radio

Sasha Van Diepen is a student from Kent. When Sasha’s not munching on a lemon and herb PERi-PERi chicken burger, she’s taking part in anything music or drama related. Sasha hopes her noise will get everyone excited about PERi PERi chicken just as much as she does!

So now you know a bit more about our finalists, it’s down to you . . . we’re calling out to the Nando’s nation to tell us who you think has the Ultimate Nando’s noise and should win a trip to South Africa. Vote now for your favourite at www.nandosnoise.co.uk

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11 Nov 2011

Here come the Hot Heroes: Live Magazine Guest Blog

On Tuesday our friends at SB.TV joined eight inspiring young Live Magazine competition winners at newly refurbished Nando’s in Brixton for another one of our Hot Hero events – celebrating young people who want to make a difference in their community. Robbie Wojciechowski, Live Magazine contributor aged 17, tells us about the day.

The aspirational Hot Hero competition winners were all connected through their efforts to make a change to the lives of people around them. It’s with this pride in mind, the Nando’s Hot Heroes meal gave them the chance to recite their tales back to SB.TV founder Jamal Edwards and others from his team one by one.

Zahra Hussain, a young aspiring journalist, who’s involvement with the charity Read International saw her win her place here tells me she mainly sees “a negative representation of young people in the media” and getting involved In schemes like Hot Heroes is a way of showing “solidarity between us all”.

But, it’s their passion for good causes that’s inspiring. SBTV’s video director Morgan Keyz, recognises “Everyone loves Nando’s and if a brand is up for endorsing good people, then it’s nothing but good. Every community needs good people”.

Each one of these Hot Heroes shares this perspective for doing good; they all recognise that a community’s strength is in its people. They are these people. And they have made a change. All of these people are under the age of 22, but already spot that more opportunities like Nando’s Hot Heroes must be made for young people to help positively affect their communities. “Big establishments recognising young talent, is more than a good look. There’s a lot of inspiring individuals out there, it’s this kind of thing that gets them recognised.” Jamal concurs.

You can too, and you could be in with a chance of meeting your idol for a slap up Nando’s soon too with Live Magazine! Check out the Hot Heroes stories and the SB.TV interview coming soon to Live magazine.

Nandos hot heros Nandos hot heros 3

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4 Nov 2011

Nando’s Noise: three days left to enter!

Just a quick heads up that there’s just over 72 hours left to share your Nando’s Noise with us in a bid to win what is perhaps the ultimate prize for a Nando’s fan – free Nando’s for a whole year!

Nando’s Noise? Well, we’re pretty sure you’ve all got one – that noise you make when someone says Nando’s. Check out some of the noises we’ve had so far for some inspiration or check out the video below for a taster of what noises some of our famous fans make when they hear the word Nando’s.

At midnight on Monday, we’ll be switching off the internet (well, the Nando’s Noise bit of it anyway) and next week we’ll be picking our three favourite noises to each win free Nando’s for a whole year.

We’ll then put our three favourite shortlisted noises up for public vote at NandosNoise.com and ask you to choose what shall become forever known as The Ultime Nando’s Noise! And, as an added bonus, we’ll be flying the overall winner of the Ultimate Nando’s Noise out to Cape Town, South Africa to celebrate in the sun!

So, if you haven’t done so already, then head on over to NandosNoise.com before midnight on Monday, fire up YouTube and make your Nando’s Noise. You could be eating at Nando’s every week for the whole of next year, for free (and taking a holiday in South Africa too).

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1 Nov 2011

Powered by PERi-PERi: the round-up

Last week we took to the streets for our first ever Powered by PERi-PERi ride, along with some of our Facebook fans and people we met along the way. We had a great day riding with Barci and judging by some of the feedback we’ve had, you guys loved it too (as well as the Nando’s vouchers and other goodies!).

Here’s a quick video we shot on the day so you can see what all the fuss was about and there’s loads of pics over on Facebook too. Next time, we might be on a street near you, so keep an eye on all the usual places and it could be you in the HOT seat.

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1 Nov 2011

Spexy Beast on Bonfire Night!

With his tour under way, fellow Nando’s fan and official chattiest man in showbiz, Alan Carr, has given us a pair of tickets to his latest stand up show ‘Spexy Beast’ – his first show after a four-year break from the stage.

So, in keeping with our recent theme of giving lots of stuff away, we’ve decided to include a meal at Nando’s and do another giveaway for our fans, especially as our Choice Comedy Club competition was so popular.

If you and a friend are up for an evening spent filling your belly with Nando’s and good laughs, make sure you’re free on the evening of 5th November 2011 and able to get to the London 02 arena. Then, simply leave us a comment with your answer to the question below. (We’ll pick the one that makes us do the biggest LOL!)

Why did the chicken cross the road?

alan-carr-spexy-beast-glasgow

***This Competition is now closed***

Competition Terms and Conditions: Competition closes on 2nd November 2011. One overall winner will be selected and will be notified via email by the end of the day. Prize comprises of admission of the winner plus a guest to Alan Carr’s stand up show ‘Spexy Beast’ at the O2 arena London on 5th November 2011 as well as a meal for two at Nando’s. All entrants must be over 18 – ID may be required. Please note that accommodation and/or travel costs are the responsibility of the winner.

Posted in Competitions, Fun | 46 Comments »

28 Oct 2011

Gloucester Rugby Team Takeover Nando’s!

What could be better than an evening out sampling the unique taste of Nando’s succulent PERi PERi chicken I hear you ask?

Well what if it was lovingly cooked, plated and served by your favourite rugby stars? That’s exactly what happened at Nando’s Gloucester Quays!!

Thirteen players from Gloucester Rugby Team including Lesley Vainikolo, Freddie Burns, Dave Lewis, Olly Morgan and Dan Murphy took time out of their busy training schedule to raise money for Acorns Hospice and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, by working in the restaurant.

It was a really busy night with lots of Gloucester Rugby and Nando’s fans coming together to see their local heroes perform in a slightly different environment to a Saturday afternoon (more chicken and chips and less rucks and mauls than they’re used to!)

All in all it was a fantastic evening, loads of fun and to top it all off, we managed to raise the awareness and a nice tidy sum, for the two charities – just don’t expect to see any of our Nandoca’s turning out for the Gloucester first team anytime soon!!

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28 Oct 2011

Look who turned up at JLS’ Nando’s Jukebox!

Everyone knows how much JLS love their Nando’s chicken and what better way to celebrate the launch of their third album, Jukebox than with a PERi-PERi party. The Great Portland Street Nando’s hosted an album playback where 200 of JLS’s biggest fans danced away to the brand spanking new tracks, including their next release ‘Take A Chance on Me’.

Being a band that do not like to miss out on a party, the restaurant erupted with screams as those cheeky JLS boys shocked fans, including our lucky blog competition winners by turning up to join in with the celebration.

Not only did Aston, JB, Oritsé and Marvin introduce the album, eat PERi-PERi delights and treat fans to pictures but the boys were having so much fun that they decided to perform their hit single, Love You More.

We managed to grab a quick word with JB, who said “This is such a fantastic way for us to personally thank all of our fans for their support and what better place to do it than in our favourite restaurant, Nando’s! Our music is the most important thing to us so being able to share it with our fans in this way is awesome!”

Take A Chance On Me is available to download on Nov 7th
Jukebox is available to download on Nov 14th

Nando's JLS Jukebox album fan party