Bringing the heart of the African bush to Northampton

ClientNando’s

Studio team Birmingham, UK

Services Interior Design

At Nando’s Northampton, this unique location began with a powerful architectural cue. The building’s bold overhanging roof and columned façade suggested something more than a retail-park restaurant it hinted at shelter, gathering, and ritual. From this, a clear vision emerged: to transform the space into a contemporary lodge inspired by the African bush, rooted deeply in Nando’s Southern African heritage.

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The central seating area serves as the heart of the ‘lodge’.

Craft and Storytelling

The interior design is driven by craft and storytelling. At its heart sits a sculptural seating zone, gently wrapped by a woven screen by The Urbanative. More than a divider, it creates intimacy and focus while allowing the space to breathe—acting as a modern hearth where guests naturally gravitate. Above, handcrafted pendant lights by Ashanti Design bring warmth and individuality, each piece celebrating the beauty of handmade imperfection.

Movement through the restaurant is deliberate and intuitive. A terrazzo-tiled pathway threads organically through the space, guiding guests with ease. Lush greenery lines the edges, softening boundaries and blurring the line between inside and out. Material choices are earthy and expressive: terracotta-effect plaster inspired by traditional South African clay construction, and reclaimed timber panels hand-painted with authentic patterns that add texture, rhythm, and meaning

A new dining destination in Northampton.

More than a place to eat, Nando’s Northampton is a place to pause and connect. Together, we created an environment that honours cultural roots while offering something unexpected—an immersive, confident expression of brand and place that lingers long after the last taste of peri-peri.

Expertise and a long standing relationship.

As part of our long-standing partnership, Harrison has delivered interior, brand design and project management for more than 330 Nando’s restaurants worldwide each shaped by its setting, yet united by a shared spirit of craft, quality, and unmistakable character.

Key Features

Contemporary woven screens add a sense of enclosure to customers dining in the central area.

The design is layered with rough and earthy materials including terracotta-effect plaster inspired by the clay used in traditional South African construction

The exterior in Northampton with its overhanging roof and row of columns has a ‘lodge-like’ appearance which inspired a design direction for this casa inspired by the huts and safari lodges of Southern Africa.

Movement through the restaurant is deliberate and intuitive.

Interview with Interior Designer Jack Elsom

Q: Jack, what was the inspiration behind this latest Nando’s interior?

Jack Elsom: Differentiation is key for every Nando’s site, so we always start by responding to the unique character of the building. This particular project had a symmetrical, lodge-like structure, which immediately brought to mind the safari lodges of Southern Africa. That idea became our creative anchor.

Q: How did you translate that concept into the space?

Jack: We leaned into Southern African architectural references—terracotta-effect plaster recalls traditional clay finishes, and the central lighting feature is made up of 48 hand-woven palm pendants inspired by Binga baskets. We also incorporated a geometric motif by South African designer Bonolo Chepape for added depth.

Q: What about the furniture?

Jack: Over 75% of the chairs are from South African manufacturer Woodbender, and we collaborated with Southern African creatives on several bespoke pieces. The goal was to create something authentic, grounded, and full of regional soul.