Nando’s Worldwide: Queen Street West

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES Ben Rahn / A-Frame

South Africa’s very own Nando’s commissioned Toronto’s DesignAgency to design several new stylish restaurants in Canada.

The agency has completed one restaurant in Toronto, on Queen Street West, with another on Danforth Avenue set to open in December 2016. There are also two Calgary venues due to open later this year.

In the brief to DesignAgency, Nando’s asked that they use inspiration from contemporary African culture and style. Nando’s also used South African art to add authenticity to the spaces.

“Nando’s gave us tons of freedom with the design, but they also stayed fully engaged in the process, participating in the reviews, and offering high-level comments to keep an eye on authenticity and to ensure it has the right Nando’s flavour,” explains DesignAgency principal Matt Davis. “Each location for us is unique and has been an exploration into various aspects and movements within South African art, culture, music and fashion. The desire is not to design a space that stays static and pristine throughout time, but rather a space that evolves and matures, creating a warm, enduring patina.”

The Nando’s Queen Street West location mixes furnishings in an eclectic way, with contrasting patterns and textures throughout the space. Wood, stone, leather, clay and concrete are juxtaposed around the interior, creating an earthy feel.

An outdoor patio creates a lively ambience with brightly coloured furniture, hanging lamps and custom-made planters. A 50-foot long feature wall runs along one side of the space, connecting the patio t0 the restaurant’s interior.

To find out more about Nando’s worldwide, visit nandos.com.