Hemel Hempstead - Gerry Louis Review

The visit to this branch was pretty spontaneous but I jumped at the chance to get a free ride to Hemel so this relatively new Nando's could get done. Only one previous review from Ryan depicting a new branch not doing so badly so I did have high hopes.

Got there just after 7pm for a late dinner and the place was rammed. Waiting area full, and though there were about 10 or more tables outside, because of the weather people were cramped in like sardines. Advised a half an hour wait we went to the unfinished cinema complex next door. It looks as if they are refurbishing the complex so it is only a cinema, no arcades and bowling alley like there used to be on site.

Whilst waiting I had time to check out decorations and seating plan. One floor open plan seating this branch is actually quite small. The wall in the seating area is made by bricks laying kn their side which started my discussion with my friend that no, not all Nando's are the same. We were given table 20 over on the left hand side of the restaurant but ordered before we went to sit due to what might be possible long delivery time for food.

Two quarter chickens, peri salted chips, garlic bread and mash came within fifteen minutes which I was surprised about. The couple next door to us waited about half an hour, poor them. The food was good, the mash tasted different to other branches aand I can't complain about portion size. Loads of peri salt on my chips which tastes nice with lemon and herb sauce. Though not as crisp and brown as I'm used to the chicken was very light in colour. Cooked and nothing to make me sick, it could have stayed in the oven or on the grill a little longer.

There are plenty of things to look at whilst waiting for the food to arrive. The cross stitching on the seats, the planks of wood suspended from the ceiling, the artwork scattered everywhere and these pictures are huge. Altogether I think they might tell a story. Nothing seems broken or dirty but given how busy this branch is, it's only a matter of time. I did hear a few glasses smashing and also noticed a lady with a pink Nando's shirt on, so jealous but not of the pink.

Not sure exactly how long this branch has been open but one of the ladies toilets was already broken. If the toilets are hacked regularly this should have been fixed by now. Good staff always visible, good food and unless you drive probably not that easy to get to but it was good experience. But go there now whilst they've got their shit together