Leading interior design & architecture consultancy, Harrison, has designed a new Nando’s restaurant which recently opened within the Tesco superstore at Arena Park Shopping Centre, Coventry. Nando’s has been a client of Dean Concannon, Design Director at Harrison, for 22 of his 30 years with the practice. In that time he has designed and directed 321 new Nando’s sites worldwide. 

As with all Nando’s restaurants, the brief was open so long as it hits the right African inspired cues. Harrison implemented bursts of colour, natural and recycled materials, and elements of strong pattern. The impressive ceiling feature was inspired by rainfall, something taken for granted in the UK, but so revered and rare in Africa. The raw, earthy tones of the suspended tubes represent the tones of the scorched earth. 

With a double height space at the front, Harrison needed to create intimacy in a way that was on-brand and had visual impact. Working in conjunction with the lighting designer, Atelier Lighting, they designed in matching tubes with high powered spots built in, to cast light down onto the tube ceiling. 

The end result has a balance of impactful colour and subdued earthy undertones, synonymous with the Nando’s brand. The walls are heavily textured, and a blank canvas for the variety of artwork that adorn the walls. The star of the show is the ceiling feature that weaves in and out, up and down, taking on a different character from that transition of day to night. 

Dean Concannon, Design Director at Harrison, comments, “Nando’s is an ongoing success story as the brand constantly evolves its design, F&B offering, marketing and branding. It always questions itself, and is privately owned by people who care very much about design and what impact it can have on people’s lives. A brand that constantly evolves and has a refurbishment programme of around 7 years will never die, it just rejuvenates itself.”

About Harrison

Founded by Philip Harrison, Harrison is an international, award-winning brand, interior design and architecture consultancy with studios in London, Birmingham, Melbourne, Dallas and Dubai. Harrison has worked with many recognisable brands including Nandos, Pizza Hut, Bella Italia, Youngs & Co, Hilton Hotels, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, YO! Sushi and Youngs Pubs.        

Harrison provides a holistic approach which combines strategic and consumer analysis with intuitive and intelligent design, to create and enrich compelling hospitality brands for their clients.  Over the past 30 years they have created and delivered over 5,000 successful hospitality projects worldwide.          

Experts in creating dynamic and captivating experiences for hospitality brands, Harrison is expanding its offering by delivering full-service packages, from branding, menu development, recruitment and employee training.

www.harrison.hn