Nando’s Moves Step Closer to Opening New Barrow Restaurant Near Vue Cinema
UPDATE(13/08/26): Plans now approved for Barrow Nando’s.
Plans for a new Nando’s restaurant in Barrow have moved a step closer after proposals for the site were approved by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The popular peri-peri chicken chain is planned for Hollywood Park car park, next to Vue Cinema in Barrow. The development would bring a new restaurant unit to one of the town’s main leisure areas.
The plans are expected to be welcomed by many local residents, with Nando’s being one of the national restaurant brands often called for in Barrow. An official opening date has not yet been confirmed.
New Restaurant Planned for Hollywood Park
The proposed Nando’s would be built at Hollywood Park, close to Vue Cinema.
This location would place the restaurant in an established leisure area, where people already visit for cinema trips and evenings out. It could also give cinema-goers another option for food before or after a film.
Hollywood Park is well known locally and sits within easy reach of the wider town centre and surrounding retail areas.
Council Approval Moves Plans Forward
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved proposals linked to the new restaurant.
This does not mean the restaurant will open straight away, but it is an important step in the process. Before opening, further work may still be needed, including construction, fitting out the unit, recruitment and final business arrangements.
The approval means the project can now move closer to becoming a reality.
What the Development Could Include
The new restaurant would create a purpose-built food and drink venue in the car park area.
As with other Nando’s restaurants, the Barrow site would likely offer casual dining, takeaway options and a menu centred around flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.
The location next to Vue Cinema could make it a popular choice for families, couples, groups of friends and people visiting Hollywood Park in the evening.
Boost for Barrow’s Leisure Offer
If the restaurant opens, it would add another well-known national name to Barrow’s food and leisure scene.
Barrow already has a mix of independent eateries, takeaways, cafés and national chains. However, the arrival of Nando’s would give residents another casual dining option without needing to travel to other towns or cities.
It could also help make Hollywood Park a stronger evening destination, especially alongside Vue Cinema.
New Jobs Expected
A new Nando’s restaurant would also be expected to create jobs in the town.
Restaurants of this type usually need kitchen staff, front-of-house team members, supervisors and management roles. There may also be part-time and flexible work available.
This could provide opportunities for local people, including younger workers and those looking for hospitality experience.
Opening Date Still to Be Confirmed
Although the plans have moved forward, Nando’s has not yet confirmed when the Barrow restaurant will open.
The next steps are likely to include preparing the site, building or fitting out the restaurant and recruiting staff.
For now, the approval is a positive sign for those who have been hoping to see Nando’s arrive in Barrow.
