Nando's Inside Tesco: A New Dining Experience for UK Shoppers
Imagine completing your weekly grocery run at a large Tesco supermarket when a sudden craving for PERi-PERi chicken strikes. Instead of rushing through aisles to gather ingredients for a homemade version, you could simply walk to another section of the store and dine at an actual Nando's restaurant. This surprising combination is now a reality at select Tesco locations across the United Kingdom, blending two beloved British institutions into one convenient shopping and dining destination.
Where to Find Nando's Inside Tesco Stores
The concept of enjoying a cheeky Nando's while stocking up on essentials like bread, milk, or toilet paper has become possible at three specific Tesco Extra stores. These locations include:
- Cheshunt Extra
- Wembley Extra
- Kingston Park Extra in Newcastle Upon Tyne
For those not living near these areas, there is encouraging news. A new Nando's is currently under construction at the Tesco Extra store in Sutton Cheam, located at 55 Oldfields Road in Sutton. According to Nando's representatives, the restaurant will offer free parking for up to three hours, utilizing the supermarket's existing car park facilities.
However, there is one limitation to this partnership. Nando's is not currently a Tesco Clubcard partner, meaning shoppers cannot use their accumulated Clubcard points to receive discounts on their Nando's meals.
Public Reaction to the Supermarket-Restaurant Hybrid
The unusual pairing has sparked mixed reactions among British consumers. When images of the new Nando's construction at Sutton Cheam Tesco were shared on Reddit's r/CasualUK forum, many users described the combination as strange and odd. One Reddit user commented, "There is nothing less cheeky than a Nando's in a Tesco," while others compared it to Morrisons supermarkets that contain pubs.
Despite the initial skepticism, some individuals see practical benefits in the arrangement. As one Reddit user explained, "It makes quite a lot of sense for supermarkets which are closing their restaurants or cafes. They have unused space that isn't suitable for retail, existing planning permission for restaurants, and already installed amenities. Renting that space to a third-party restaurant like Nando's is logical."
The user further noted advantages for customers, including readily available parking, accessible locations, and the convenience of combining dining with grocery shopping. Another commenter humorously suggested turning the experience into a personal version of Supermarket Sweep, attempting to complete shopping while waiting for chicken to cook.
The Expanding Services in Large Supermarkets
The inclusion of Nando's reflects a broader trend of large Tesco stores diversifying their offerings beyond traditional groceries. One shopper highlighted how their local Tesco features a hair salon, Greggs bakery, Timpsons key cutting service, photo booth, professional photography service, coin counting machine, Yo sushi counter, Tesco mobile shop, pharmacy, homeware section, toy department, money exchange, and even a car wash in the parking lot. Some locations even have Pizza Express containers nearby.
For certain customers, visiting Nando's followed by browsing a large Tesco store constitutes an ideal night out, with one Reddit user proclaiming, "This is the dream."
Historical Context of Supermarket Dining Options
The concept of integrating pubs or bars within supermarkets is not entirely new. In 2017, Morrisons launched a bar inside a branch in Guiseley, near Leeds, offering beverages including local Saltaire Blonde ale, wine, bottled cider, and lager. Although there were initial plans to expand bars to Morrisons stores nationwide, this never materialized extensively.
Similarly, Lidl has proposed opening a tap room at a store in Dundonald, outside Belfast. Planning documents indicate this £410,000 project would feature a bar with six seats, ten additional tables, a lobby area, storage space with an ice machine, chill store, office, and three toilets. The design includes an off-sales area for purchasing alcohol to consume elsewhere and direct access to the car park.
As supermarkets continue to evolve into multi-service destinations, the integration of popular restaurant chains like Nando's represents an innovative approach to maximizing space and enhancing customer convenience. Whether this trend will expand to more locations remains to be seen, but for now, shoppers at three Tesco stores can enjoy the unique experience of combining their grocery haul with a PERi-PERi chicken meal.
