Nando's, The Printworks, Manchester

AN ENTIRE restaurant dedicated to chicken -- my idea of heaven. But it's no ordinary chicken. This is chicken coated in Peri-Peri sauce, discovered by Portuguese explorers on the Spice Route to the East.

Southern Africa became a stopover for explorers and it was here that they discovered the Birds-eye Chilli, called Pili-Pili by the local Swahilis.

The name Peri-Peri was soon adopted, and they started using this fiery ingredient with a blend of herbs and spices as part of their cuisine.

The Nando's chicken restaurant at the Printworks is on two floors and has a very rustic feel to it. Portuguese music plays, and the walls are decorated with pictures of chickens and chillies.

Customers mark where they would like to sit with the wooden cockerel given at the door, by placing it in the top of the condiments pot on the table. Then head to the counter to place the order.

My friend and I, when we visited on a Sunday, spent a while perusing the menu before finalising our choices. As it was early afternoon, the restaurant wasn't too full and we managed to get served almost immediately.

To start with, we ordered a bowl of Peri-Peri nuts (£1.95), a mixture of nuts coated in the restaurant's spices. Very moreish and hot, so its good that customers can order bottomless soft drinks (£1.40) to refill as often as you like.

For our main meals we opted for a chicken breast burger (£4.75) and a chicken breast pitta with cheese (£5.15). Diners can decide on what strength Peri-Peri they would like their chicken, from mild to extra hot. Both chicken dishes came with a side order of chips. To accompany our meals, we ordered corn on the cob (£1.30) and coleslaw (£1.25).

And once you have placed the order, you can pick up your own plates, knives, forks and condiments on the way back to the table, including Nando's own Peri-Peri sauces.

Our food was brought to the table promptly, and the refillable drinks were greatly appreciated, as we munched our way through the chicken.

The coleslaw was very creamy and there was plenty for two, while the corn was cooked on the grill to perfection.

Although the service was excellent when we ordered our food, I did ask one of the assistants if they could find me a medium strength sauce as there wasn't one on the shelf.

After ten minutes the girl had still not brought the bottle over, and had started on another task in the kitchen. After asking another assistant, the bottle was there within seconds, with the sauce for me to dip my chips in.

Vegetarians are also catered for at Nando's with veggie and beanie burgers (£3.75-£4.15). And if you are not in the mood for chicken, why not try their steak rolls (£6.95)?

For dessert we tried the strawberry frozen yoghurt (£2.10), which was lovely and creamy, and a custard pastry (£1).

Children are welcome in the restaurant and have their own menu including burgers (£3.95), chicken wings (£3.95) and strips (£3.75).

And all customers are encouraged to eat with their fingers and make as much mess as possible. Which was fine by me!

Our meal came to £18.35 and my friend and I were left with full bellies and burning tongues.

The Printworks is in the centre of Manchester near to the Arndale. From Bolton head towards the city centre on the M61 and follow the signs from Salford. Street parking is limited, so it might be best to head for one of the many car parks in the centre.

STAR RATING

Quality of food: ...****

Menu: ...***

Service: ...**

Value for money: ...***

Atmosphere: ...***

Overall rating: ...***

Alison Barton