AS it is revealed chicken giant Nando’s is to open a restaurant at Market Place Shopping Centre, here are 9 things you may or may not know about the popular chain.

1. The business was launched in South Africa by founders Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte.

2. The pair bought a restaurant called Chickenland in Johannesburg after being impressed with the food on offer.

3. They named the restaurant after Fernando and his son, Nando.

4. The business initially struggled to get going in the UK before being bought by the Enthoven family in 1992.

5. The first UK restaurant opened shortly after in Ealing, West London.

6. In 1995 current managing director Robby Enthoven took on struggling restaurants in Ealing Common and Earl’s Court and brought in a system of ordering at the till and sitting and waiting for service.

7. Nando’s is particularly famous for its Portuguese PERi-PERi, used to coat its chicken to a variety of spice levels.

8. While primarily known for its chicken, Nando’s also caters for vegetarians with dishes like Halloumi cheese and veggie burgers.

9. Well-known fans of a so-called 'cheeky Nando's' include Prince Harry, singer Ed Sheeran and American rapper Jay-Z.