Upgrade Carlisle Nando’s City Centre 2026

Key Points

• Nando’s has submitted plans to revamp and extend its restaurant located at 2-4 Warwick Road in Carlisle city centre.​
• The proposals aim to increase seating capacity by adding extra covers inside the venue.​
• Draughting Solutions was commissioned to update and extend the seating area using existing plans for the Nando’s Carlisle restaurant.​
• The restaurant operates daily from 11:30am to 10pm and does not take online bookings for eat-in.​
• This revamp aligns with Nando’s broader UK expansion strategy, planning 14 new restaurants by February 2026 despite cost pressures.
• Carlisle city centre is undergoing regeneration, including Market Square and Greenmarket transformations funded by £5.5 million from the Future High Streets Fund.​
• Nando’s reported sales of £1.48 billion last year, up 8%, supporting further investments.​
• Chief Executive Rob Papps highlighted ongoing investments in menu innovations, digital improvements, and new sites.​

City Centre (Cambridge Tribune) March 25, 2026 – Nando’s, the popular peri-peri chicken chain, has lodged detailed plans with Cumberland Council to revamp and extend its uk/local/city-centre/">city centre restaurant on Warwick Road, aiming to boost seating capacity and modernise the facility amid a wider UK growth push.

What Are Nando’s Specific Revamp Plans for Carlisle?

Nando’s has proposed an extension and full revamp of its Carlisle outlet at 2-4 Warwick Road, CA1 1QN, in the heart of the city centre. As detailed in planning submissions covered by local media, the chain hopes to add an extra 42 covers inside the restaurant to accommodate more diners. Draughting Solutions, a specialist firm, confirmed they were tasked “to update and extend the seating area for the Nando’s Carlisle Restaurant using an existing set of plans,” highlighting a focus on licensing and architectural enhancements.

The venue, which currently opens from 11:30am to 10pm Monday to Sunday, emphasises walk-ins with the familiar greeting, “Have you been to Nando’s before?” These changes come as Nando’s accelerates its UK footprint, with the Carlisle project fitting into broader regeneration efforts in the area.

Why Is Nando’s Revamping Its Carlisle Restaurant Now?

The timing aligns with Nando’s robust financial performance and national expansion ambitions. Last financial year, sales climbed 8% to £1.48 billion, enabling 12 new openings and plans for 14 more by February 2026, including sites in Bedford, Bishop’s Stortford, Maidenhead, Sheffield, Gyle, Paddington, and Liverpool Edge Lane. Rob Papps, Nando’s group chief executive, stated that “the 2025 financial year saw Nando’s continue to deliver a strong sales performance driven by robust consumer demand for our flame-grilled peri-peri chicken supported by our strong brand and customer proposition.”

Despite warnings of “cost pressures” from higher labour, energy, tax, and wage increases impacting the year ending February 2026, Papps remains optimistic, noting “significant growth potential in all our markets” and commitments to “continuing to invest for the future” via menu innovations, digital upgrades, and new restaurants. In Carlisle, this revamp responds to local demand in a city centre buoyed by public investments.

How Does This Fit Carlisle’s City Centre Regeneration?

Carlisle city centre is experiencing a renaissance, with multiple projects totalling over £80 million in public funding to enhance public realm, active travel, and pedestrian links. Notably, the £5.5 million transformation of Market Square and Greenmarket, funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, covers 5,000 square metres, introducing new paving, street furniture, feature lighting, and natural stone elements to create vibrant, multifunctional spaces for events and increased footfall.

Cumberland Council announced the official reopening on 18 October 2025, aiming to support local businesses and attract visitors. Additional works, initially a £4 million project expanded to 7,500 square metres with extra funding, were set to conclude by September 2025, removing barriers and improving shopper access. The Nando’s revamp complements these efforts, as the city centre already hosts family-oriented chains like Pizza Express and Nando’s within the primary shopping area, with scope for further leisure enhancements.

What Is the Current Status of the Planning Application?

Specific details on the planning reference for Nando’s Carlisle revamp were not detailed in initial reports, but submissions mirror processes handled by Draughting Solutions for licensing plans. Cumberland Council oversees such applications amid wider city developments, like the £28 million Carlisle Station Gateway project awarded to Eric Wright Construction and Story Contracting, due by January 2027. Public consultations, such as those in June 2023 for Devonshire Street and English Street funded by Future High Streets and Town Deal Funds, demonstrate community involvement in shaping the area.

Local media, including News & Star, first highlighted the plans, urging followers to check updates as the application progresses. No decisions were reported as of March 2026, but the proposals emphasise internal expansions to minimise external disruption.​

Who Supports Nando’s Expansion Strategy?

Nando’s leadership, led by Rob Papps, champions growth despite economic uncertainties. Papps remarked, “While the economic outlook for the current financial year ‘remains uncertain,’ we are optimistic about the significant growth potential,” adding measures like energy-efficient grills to cut costs. The chain’s appeal to celebrities like the Prince of Wales, Beyoncé, and Stormzy underscores its brand strength.​

In Carlisle, the project gains indirect backing from council initiatives to “improve the environment and draw in more residents and visitors,” per the Labour-led authority. Businesses like Draughting Solutions actively contribute to execution.

When Will the Revamp Be Completed?

No firm completion date has been announced, as plans are in the submission phase. Given Nando’s pace—opening 12 sites last year and targeting 14 this—works could commence post-approval, potentially wrapping within months. This mirrors city timelines, like station revamps by 2027 and market square reopenings in late 2025.

Where Exactly Is the Nando’s Carlisle Restaurant?

Situated at 2-4 Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1QN, the outlet sits amid eateries and retail, ideal for eat-in, takeaway, or delivery. Contact via 01228 409452; it’s positioned to benefit from city centre footfall boosts.

Impact on Local Economy and Jobs?

The extension promises more jobs and sustained employment at the venue, aligning with Nando’s hiring for expansions. City regeneration targets business support, with Nando’s contributing to leisure vibrancy in a sub-regional hub. Increased covers could heighten trade, drawing peri-peri fans amid high street recoveries post-pandemic.

What Challenges Might the Revamp Face?

Rising costs pose risks, as Nando’s notes impacts from April hikes. Planning hurdles, seen in council appeals like 23/0785, require navigation. Yet, strong sales and funding optimism prevail.