NANDO’S are coming to Taunton and the restaurant firm say they hope to start building work after the summer.

The move ends months of speculation over whether Nando’s would open up in Somerset’s county town and it was announced this week that work will begin in October and is hoped to be completed by February next year.

Nando’s have signed a 20-year lease with Greenslade Taylor Hunt estate agents to occupy the right hand unit next to clothes store Fat Face, on North Street.

A spokesman for Nando’s said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce we’ll be opening a new restaurant in Taunton – a town that has been on our radar for a number of years.

“The North Street site is a great location and will offer shoppers, locals and visitors to the area a fantastic experience.”

Speculation over a move for the dining restaurant chain was re-ignited last month after the firm posted an advert looking to fill an assistant manager role in the town.

The chain specialises in chicken dishes with varieties of marinades in a Portuguese and Mozambiquan theme.

Nando’s was formed in 1987, setting up their first restaurant in the United Kingdom in 1992 and, to date, they have 255 restaurants across the country.

Bristol and Exeter are currently the closest restaurant sites but Taunton is set to be one of 25 new outlets the company are opening this year.

Duncan Brown, from Greenslade Taylor Hunt, said this is positive news for Taunton.

He added: “Nando’s are taking part of one of Taunton most attractive buildings in the town centre, which should help improve footfall and boost the town’s day and night time economies.”

They are also marketing the former Blockbuster site in County Walk and another property in North Street which they say is attracting interest from national firms.

Cllr Norman Cavill, who is in charge of Taunton Deane’s economic development, said the move is excellent news and a boost to the town.

He added: “Taunton is currently bucking the national trend in terms of vacant units and we are getting interest from various retailers and restaurants looking to come to the town. It is all looking very positive for the future.”

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