A NEW fast food restaurant has opened after much anticipation on Winchester High Street.

For the first time, Nando's, which specialises in Portuguese-style peri-peri chicken, will serve customers in the city, with residents' opinions split as to the merits of the chain.

Manager Adrian Grzybowski, who lives in Basingstoke, was already busy showing customers to their seats at 12pm on opening day, November 20.

He said: "When I used to work in London nine years ago I'd already heard about Nando's trying to open a restaurant in Winchester. It wasn't easy – there were some obstacles on the way. They were looking for the right location and I think finally they've found it."

READ MORE: Winchester Nando's opening soon as staff begin training

The interior of Nando's in Winchester (Image: Sebastian Haw) Adrian added: "Coming to Winchester, I have met lots of people who have told me how excited they are to have a Nando's here as well.

"We have a full team. There have been a few little problems [but] I think we can expect it to be a rather busy restaurant in this part of town. I expect to be busy through the entire day.

"I can't estimate how much money we're going to make. I guess first we'll need to see. I don't think our sales will be any issue."

The opening follows several days of staff training during which people could be seen at tables inside the restaurant.

The Nando's unit is part of the huge space where Debenhams once was. Along with Nando's two other chain restaurants will open for trade after the building sat empty for years.

Next door, Five Guys should open within the next few weeks, while Pizza Express has not yet announced when it intends to move in from its current location on Bridge Street.

SEE ALSO: Nando's Winchester almost ready to open as sign installed

Locals have expressed differing views on these new arrivals.

In a comment on the Hampshire Chronicle Facebook page, Paul Ralph said: “Winchester is losing its appeal as a boutique-type shopping centre it's now just another junk food and coffee shop tripe high street! Why go there now as it's just BLAH!!!”

Alex James Oliver was more receptive, saying: “Great news! [The restaurants] are delicious. Also, Winchester doesn’t have a speciality burger restaurant chain. I would also have accepted 'Honest Burger’ and ‘Patty & Bun’.”