Discover how CSM delivered bespoke decorative metalwork for Nando’s Cardiff, completing design, fabrication and installation to a tight four-week schedule.
Nando’s originated in Mozambique in 1987, when Southeast African and Portuguese ingredients and flavour profiles combined to create the legendary peri peri spice. The classic chicken and spice-inspired menu has gained global acclaim, and today the widely loved restaurant chain spans 20 countries, with nearly 500 restaurants in the UK alone.
Since 2009, St David’s Dewi Sant in Cardiff has been home to a bustling two-floor Nando’s, frequented by shoppers and cinemagoers. The restaurant recently embarked on its ‘biggest update yet’ and, after previous project successes, Nando’s commissioned CSM to create custom metalwork as part of the renovation.
Nando’s has long seen its decor as an important part of its dining experience, offering a ‘Portal to Africa’ and showcasing South African furniture and interior design across its restaurants. It regularly refurbishes and upgrades its sites to keep them fun and fresh.
CSM was brought onto the St David’s Nando’s project to help with the renovation of the restaurant and behind the scenes. The CSM team was commissioned to design and fabricate a number of decorative panels and storage features, as well as a statement ceiling fascia.
While the renovation was set to take place over five weeks, we were required to condense the entire metalwork project into four weeks, allowing time for the customer to finish up and prepare the site for reopening. Alongside the tight timescale, we also had to work with limited access and noise restrictions on fitting, ensuring the install didn’t impact on the rest of the shopping centre.
Before the fabrication work began, site visits and surveys were crucial to ensure careful measurements so the finished pieces would slot into the existing space and work around crucial fittings and fixtures. With some elements due to be fitted by the customer, it was vital that the dimensions and designs were precise and accurate first time.
Our expert team got to work, turning designs into expertly crafted steel elements with a range of specialist fabrication methods and technologies.
The ceiling feature was one of the most challenging aspects, as it had to be fixed to the original ceiling wood and fit around the existing lighting and water sprinkler system, without visible fixings detracting from the main piece. To finish the steel to Nando’s colour specification, we used an electrostatic powder coating, creating a statement teal colour against the wood backdrop.
The steel paneling, shelving and storage features were also finished to Nando’s brand colours using a carefully sampled and colour matched black tinted lacquer.
The install took place around the shopping centre restrictions, with partial day and night fitting. The team was required to work to a strict schedule and plan deliveries to the hour, with our proximity to St. David’s providing added flexibility throughout the process.
The metalwork was fabricated and finished to exacting specifications within the four-week period, with the team working day and night around noise and access restrictions. The care and attention to detail at the planning and design stage meant the metalwork fit seamlessly into place, ensuring the install ran smoothly and to timescale.
The renovation has been well received by the customer and diners alike. St David’s Nando’s now feels brighter and more contemporary, providing a fun and functional dining environment. Our carefully crafted steelwork provides a sleek, modern touch, while complementing the restaurant design and unmistakable Nando’s identity.
Looking for expert design and fabrication for your next metalwork project? Whether it’s a unique single-site design or a multi-location rollout to tight timescales, we can help. Talk to our expert team today.