NANDO’S has announced the opening date for its third restaurant in Basildon.

The Portuguese food chain will welcome customers at Mayflower retail park from Wednesday, October 5.

Basildon’s third Nando’s has created 20 jobs for locals - and can seat 125 people at one time.

Stephen Geach, regional managing director, said: “We are thrilled to open the doors to our brand new Nando’s, which will give locals and fans alike the chance to experience our authentic Peri flavours.

“This fantastic location is our third restaurant in Basildon and we’re delighted to be growing in this thriving area.”

There are already two Nando’s restaurants in Basildon, with one in Eastgate and one in Festival Leisure Park.

The latest restaurant is taking the place of Pizza Hut.

Council leader Phil Turner said the opening was a welcome addition.

“I am absolutely delighted.

“Pizza Hut never really got going there.

“It was there for ten years, but it never really got the visitor numbers it needed to.”

He hoped that Nando’s gave jobs to local people, which is what the council was aiming to encourage.

He added: “People like to go for a cheeky Nando’s when they are at the retail site.

“I don’t know if you can reach a saturation of Nando’s restaurants.”

He added the council would soon reveal its plans for East Square, which will include cafes, bars, restaurants and a new cinema.

However, former councillor Pat Rackley said that although she was not against the opening of the restaurant, she did have some concerns.

Mrs Rackley said: “Three is quite a lot of the same restaurants.

“And it’ would be very close to the other ones, although there are two McDonald’s and there will be two KFCs.

“It would have been nice if it was not a chain restaurant.

“It would be good to have something different - maybe an Indian restaurant.

“I know that Nando’s are popular. But I am a bit worried about parking as that is quite a big thing.

“Basildon is becoming a bit of an ‘instant food’ town.

“If you want anything independent or different you have to go outside of the town which is a shame.”