Nando's coming to Tunbridge Wells in 2012

The news has spread like wildfire today that popular Nando's, the celeb-fave peri peri chicken chain, has confirmed it plans to open a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells.

According to a spokeswoman for the fast-food company, rumours that it is looking to open an outlet in the North Farm industrial estate are true.

The news is set to make many locals, in particular the 274 members of a group on the social networking site Facebook, called Nando's Tunbridge Wells (Why not?), very happy.

Nando's spokeswoman Divya Daryanani said: "We are in conversations with the landlord at the moment, but nothing is confirmed currently. It is looking quite likely and if all goes ahead – we would estimate the opening late 2012."

The mid-market chicken chain has become something of a phenomenon with more than 200 restaurants across the UK and all over the world from Australia through to Zimbabwe.

Launched in South Africa in the late 80s, its main selling point is its peri peri sauce. The marinade was first created by Portuguese settlers in Africa using local chillis.

Its first UK restaurant opened in 1992, but it has only recently risen to prominence and developed an adoring following among teenagers and celebrities.

The site is likely to be on Fountains Retail Park, in between Costa and KFC in a spot previously earmarked for Greggs bakers.

What do you think of this new addition to North Farm?