Where Art and Food Collide

Are you hungry for more than just a delicious meal? Nando’s, the renowned restaurant chain famous for its mouthwatering chicken, has reopened its Drive-Thru at Lifestyle Centre, offering not only a feast for your tastebuds but also a visual delight for your eyes.

 

The Drive-Thru boasts a stunning modern-Afrocentric design that enhances your dining experience. Created by Proportion, a cutting-edge interior design agency, the exterior of the restaurant draws inspiration from African tribal scarification, an ancient body art technique ingrained in African society. The vibrant pattern, named Queen Makope and designed by local talent Glorinah Mabaso, adorns the restaurant’s exterior, infusing it with vibrant energy.

 

Inside, the restaurant embraces the Afro-urban street style with bold colours, warm timber floors and unique textures. The furniture and lighting pieces, sourced from renowned designers like Dokter & Misses, Afrimodern and Pedersen & Lenard, create an eclectic and inviting atmosphere. But Nando’s commitment to creativity doesn’t stop at interior design. The restaurant features an impressive collection of artworks by talented artists like Dyna Hyslop, Francis Sibanda, Xolile Mtakatya and Simon Venter. These artworks are part of Nando’s extensive art collection, in partnership with Spier Art Trust, which includes a staggering 26 000 pieces displayed in their restaurants worldwide.

 

Nando’s dedication to supporting artists goes beyond decoration. Their flagship programme, Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX), recognises emerging South African fine artists who demonstrate exceptional ability. In 2023, NCx welcomed four talented artists into its fold: Mellaney Roberts, Mpho Machate, Robyn Munnick and Tharien Smith. The programme provides mentorship, curatorial input, art materials sponsorship, group exhibition opportunities and media profiling, empowering artists to take the next step in their careers.

 

The new store also incorporates locally handmade items, contributing to its authentically South African look. It’s hard to miss the intricate hand-beaded lampshades hanging from the ceiling and the carefully crafted benches decorated with hand-tied black rope.

 

So, the next time you crave Nando’s chicken, know that you’re not just satisfying your hunger but also supporting a brand deeply committed to nurturing creativity and talent. Nando’s Drive-Thru is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of culinary delights and artistic wonders, where the worlds of food and creativity beautifully collide.

 

032 946 2876

www.nandos.co.za

Shop 55, Lifestyle Centre, Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito

Words by Kai Coates