Colchester - Tollgate

Average Rating: 
3.49 / 5

Staff: 
Average: 3.3 (4 votes)
Speed: 
Average: 3 (3 votes)
Decoration: 
Average: 3.7 (3 votes)
Food: 
Average: 3 (3 votes)
Stane Leisure Park
London Road
CO3 8PB
01206 549 585
Halal: 
No
Nearby: 
The nearest train stations are Marks Tey (2.5 mile walk) and Colchester (3 mile walk).
Parking: 
There are currently no signs up about parking, but if it goes the same way as Tollgate Shopping Park, it'll be 4 hours free parking.
Gallery
Photos submitted by: Ryan
Full Reviews:
Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
5-10
How Busy?: 
25+ minute wait - come on Nando's!
Date of Last Visit: 
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time of Day: 
Weekend Dinner (Inc Friday)
Rating: 
2.25 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
1 (Rude. Where is the Nando's spirit?)
Speed of Service: 
1 (>25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's)
Quality of Food: 
3 (Average - just as you would expect)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Poor experience ( lately it seems to be this way ). Been quoted 45 min wait ( family of 3 ) . Surprised to see how many empty tables in the restaurant and staff telling walk in customers 45min -1hr average wait list . I did challenge with the management - Larrise and Crystal . Larrise was very rude asking us to leave as one member of the staff felt unconfortable when I asked about managers name as we would like to put a complaint .

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
10-50
How Busy?: 
Almost Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time of Day: 
Weekday Dinner
Rating: 
4.75 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
5 (Under 5 mins - I had only just got back with my cutlery and sauce)
Quality of Food: 
5 (Nando's fit for a King - The very best (Please tell us why)!
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

My son has multiple allergies and staff have been very careful to check the menu and cross check against the order on the times we have visited. Fantastic service.
Very polite, welcoming and inclusive.
Staff are excellent. Will defo return here.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
2-5
How Busy?: 
A few tables occupied
Date of Last Visit: 
Friday, January 26, 2024
Time of Day: 
Weekday Dinner
Rating: 
1.25 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
1 (Rude. Where is the Nando's spirit?)
Speed of Service: 
1 (>25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's)
Quality of Food: 
2 (Quite disappointing - seems rushed, may have some parts burnt)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
1 (Very dirty, nothing on walls, I wanted to leave!)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Good parking

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
Up to 10 minute wait
Date of Last Visit: 
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Time of Day: 
Weekend Dinner (Inc Friday)
Rating: 
4.38 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
4 (5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun)
Quality of Food: 
4.5 (Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

I visited for a quick evening meal and unfortunately whilst getting my drink, I passed out and ended up in a heap on the floor. The staff where amazing, making sure I was ok, once I came around. I was eventually escorted back to my table and served my meal. After recovering from a very low blood pressure occurrence, the staff made sure I was ok s veral times during my visit and offered to to call medical assistance. It appeared that the staff where well trained and very conscientious.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
10 - 25 minute wait
Date of Last Visit: 
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Time of Day: 
Mid-afternoon or late evening
Rating: 
4.38 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
4 (5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun)
Quality of Food: 
4.5 (Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Quarter chicken meal well cooked and presented well
Staff were very polite and friendly
Plenty of parking

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
10 - 25 minute wait
Date of Last Visit: 
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Time of Day: 
Weekday Dinner
Rating: 
2.13 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
3 (Not bad. Did everything I asked of them)
Speed of Service: 
1 (>25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's)
Quality of Food: 
1.5 (Very disappointing - cold, flavourless, burnt)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
3 (Standard Nando's, nothing bad, nothing exceptional)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Ruined my family dinner on my wedding anniversary. After 20 minutes of wait, we got a table. We placed the order and after 55 minutes we got our foods. the food was so stale, the wrap was soggly already, chicken wings were half coked, burger buns were already dry like from previous night.
When contacted the manager and asked for a paper receipt that I can make a complaint, they said they can't print it as printer is out of ink.
Can you imagine this.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
10-50
How Busy?: 
Up to 10 minute wait
Date of Last Visit: 
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Time of Day: 
Weekday Lunch
Rating: 
4.13 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
4 (5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun)
Quality of Food: 
4.5 (Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
3 (Standard Nando's, nothing bad, nothing exceptional)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Had a problem with one of the wraps, however the customer service was excellent and changed it straight away. Food great, service excellent.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
50+
How Busy?: 
Almost Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Friday, February 11, 2022
Time of Day: 
Weekend Dinner (Inc Friday)
Rating: 
4.75 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
4 (5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun)
Quality of Food: 
5 (Nando's fit for a King - The very best (Please tell us why)!
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
5 (An exceptional Nando's! (Please tell us why) )
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Always a great meal at tollgate Nando’s - always quick - all the staff really friendly and just a nice atmosphere!

I came and collected an order tonight and Effie was really welcoming and chatty whilst I was waiting. Can’t really fault this Nando’s!

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
10-50
How Busy?: 
Half Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Friday, February 4, 2022
Time of Day: 
Weekday Lunch
Rating: 
4.38 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
4 (5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun)
Quality of Food: 
4.5 (Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Service received from Ness was excellent. Very friendly welcome as always. Always checks on how we all are and throughout the meal. Always on hand to get anything needed. Nice to be served by someone with personality and enjoys talking to customers.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
50+
How Busy?: 
Almost Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Time of Day: 
Weekday Dinner
Rating: 
5 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
5 (Under 5 mins - I had only just got back with my cutlery and sauce)
Quality of Food: 
5 (Nando's fit for a King - The very best (Please tell us why)!
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
5 (An exceptional Nando's! (Please tell us why) )
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

My server was amazing went above and beyond for me her name was Tia

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
2-5
How Busy?: 
A few tables occupied
Date of Last Visit: 
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Time of Day: 
Weekday Lunch
Rating: 
2.88 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
1 (Rude. Where is the Nando's spirit?)
Speed of Service: 
4 (5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun)
Quality of Food: 
3.5 (Average but with lots of peri-spice)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
3 (Standard Nando's, nothing bad, nothing exceptional)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Sabrina was very rude & abrupt.
Won’t rush back.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
2-5
How Busy?: 
Half Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Time of Day: 
Weekday Dinner
Rating: 
2.25 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
3 (Not bad. Did everything I asked of them)
Speed of Service: 
3 (10 - 15 mins - Nando's average)
Quality of Food: 
1 (Inedible - Is that blood?! Send it back!)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
2 (An old Nando's, needs some investment)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Poor service chicken so over cooked it hurt my teeth. Sat under the heater for ages

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
2-5
Date of Last Visit: 
Friday, January 14, 2022
Time of Day: 
Mid-afternoon or late evening
Rating: 
1.38 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
1 (Rude. Where is the Nando's spirit?)
Speed of Service: 
1 (>25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's)
Quality of Food: 
1.5 (Very disappointing - cold, flavourless, burnt)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
2 (An old Nando's, needs some investment)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

We had a Nandos delivery, was thoroughly enjoying until my wife found a partly crushed snail within the salad! Reported and was told we would be contacted by Nandos thus did not happen, contacted Nandos direct and received an email asking for receipt number and they would investigate. Never had any satisfactory response/compensation. Absolutely disgusting

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
10-50
How Busy?: 
Almost Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Time of Day: 
Weekend Lunch
Rating: 
4.5 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
3 (10 - 15 mins - Nando's average)
Quality of Food: 
5 (Nando's fit for a King - The very best (Please tell us why)!
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
5 (An exceptional Nando's! (Please tell us why) )
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Great service! Stephanie went above and beyond!

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
2-5
How Busy?: 
Half Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Monday, August 9, 2021
Time of Day: 
Weekday Lunch
Rating: 
5 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
5 (Under 5 mins - I had only just got back with my cutlery and sauce)
Quality of Food: 
5 (Nando's fit for a King - The very best (Please tell us why)!
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
5 (An exceptional Nando's! (Please tell us why) )
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

I would like to personally thank Emma for the experience she gave my family. She was very helpful, smiley and checked that all of our food was okay :)

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
A few tables occupied
Date of Last Visit: 
Monday, July 19, 2021
Time of Day: 
Weekday Dinner
Rating: 
2.13 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
1 (Rude. Where is the Nando's spirit?)
Speed of Service: 
3 (10 - 15 mins - Nando's average)
Quality of Food: 
1.5 (Very disappointing - cold, flavourless, burnt)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
3 (Standard Nando's, nothing bad, nothing exceptional)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Extremely disappointing meal after a lovely day with family at Colchester Zoo!
My chicken was dry, unpleasant coleslaw, chips were cold and my corn on the cob looked and tasted like it had been sitting around for days! I wouldn't serve food like this to anyone and I will certainly not be recommending this Nandos!
Staff were inattentive, no one asked if everything was o.k. Very poor indeed.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
Almost Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Time of Day: 
Weekend Dinner (Inc Friday)
Rating: 
2.25 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
1 (Rude. Where is the Nando's spirit?)
Speed of Service: 
1 (>25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's)
Quality of Food: 
3 (Average - just as you would expect)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Majority of staff were so rude, most notably the manager, and food took forever

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
Almost Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Time of Day: 
Weekend Lunch
Rating: 
5 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
5 (Wow, I feel incredibly welcome! Recognised if a frequent visitor)
Speed of Service: 
5 (Under 5 mins - I had only just got back with my cutlery and sauce)
Quality of Food: 
5 (Nando's fit for a King - The very best (Please tell us why)!
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
5 (An exceptional Nando's! (Please tell us why) )
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Nandos lovers. My partner and I had our first date at a Nandos (Colchester) and love to pop in now again to enjoy the food. We both agree that the management is outstanding. We have experienced a very welcoming and professional service by Manager Gus in the town centre branch, and it is ever so good to find him at the newly stablished restaurant continously delivering such high standards.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
2-5
How Busy?: 
Up to 10 minute wait
Date of Last Visit: 
Friday, July 5, 2019
Time of Day: 
Weekend Dinner (Inc Friday)
Rating: 
3.88 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
4 (Good stuff. Very polite)
Speed of Service: 
3 (10 - 15 mins - Nando's average)
Quality of Food: 
4.5 (Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

The music can be very loud sometimes but other than that I love Nandos and would recommend it to anyone.
They have colouring for the kids which is perfect for the ones who run around.
I think that should have a better drinks machine one with a lot more other flavours like what subway has.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
Average: 1 (1 vote)
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
Almost Full
Date of Last Visit: 
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Time of Day: 
Weekend Dinner (Inc Friday)
Rating: 
4.13 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
4 (Good stuff. Very polite)
Speed of Service: 
4 (5 - 10 mins - Some conversation had begun)
Quality of Food: 
4.5 (Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Very good vegetarian meal. Good Value.plus chips
Very good chicken liver and 1/4 chicken plus sweet potato mash.
nice meal even though half term and staff busy ,
I got 3 chillies .
parking , plenty of spaces , nice big lines.

Anonymous's picture
How Helpful?: 
No votes yet
Author: 
Anonymous (not verified)
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
25+ minute wait - come on Nando's!
Date of Last Visit: 
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Time of Day: 
Mid-afternoon or late evening
Rating: 
2.63 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
1 (Rude. Where is the Nando's spirit?)
Speed of Service: 
1 (>25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's)
Quality of Food: 
4.5 (Great - Very tender, piping hot, not at all burnt, dripping in sauce)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

My wife and I came in, was greeted by a very rude teenage girl. She told us it was a 20 minute wait for a table and a 30 minute wait for food. We sat by the door waiting to be seated. I looked over into the seating area to see how many tables was unoccupied. There was 12 in total. 4 teenage girls stood by the counter talking for 15 minutes. Eventually someone came to take us to our seats. The seats they gave us was one of the seats that had noticed had not been unoccupied.

Ryan's picture
How Helpful?: 
Average: 5 (1 vote)
Author: 
Ryan
Number of Visits: 
This was my first visit
How Busy?: 
25+ minute wait - come on Nando's!
Date of Last Visit: 
Friday, November 9, 2018
Time of Day: 
Weekend Dinner (Inc Friday)
Rating: 
2.25 / 5
Friendliness of Staff: 
2 (Quite rude, ignored me as they walked past)
Speed of Service: 
1 (>25 mins - Asked repeatedly. I need my Nando's)
Quality of Food: 
2 (Quite disappointing - seems rushed, may have some parts burnt)
Decoration & Cleanliness: 
4 (Very clean, newly furnished, impressive artwork and lighting)
Comments - Stand out in our monthly competition! What did you eat? Unique aspects? Parking/transport tips?: 

Visited the newest Nando's on it's first weekend of opening... and my word it was busy...