Two Leeds chefs to compete in UK and Ireland final of elite Nando's cooking competition
These kitchen connoisseurs can certainly stand the heat 🔥
Two Nando’s chefs from Leeds have reached the UK and Ireland final in the restaurant’s annual international cooking competition.
Manny McMahon, who works at Nando’s at White Rose Shopping Centre and Mia Redfearn, who works at Nando’s at Junction 27 Leisure Park, are regional finalists in the Nando’s Grillers’ Challenge 2026.
The competition tests Nando’s team members on their ability to prepare the perfect flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in a high-stakes cook-off which will be held at Nando’s in Trinity Leeds on Tuesday July 7.
It’s a competition which assesses each ‘Griller’s’ technical skill, knowledge, and passion when making the iconic dish from the Mozambican-Portuguese restaurant.
After 500 restaurant heats, 54 quarter-final heats and seven semi-finals, Manny and Mia are two of just 14 Nando’s employees to reach the UK and Ireland final of the Nando’s Grillers’ Challenge.
The winner of this round, alongside the runners-up, will compete in the international final alongside the best Nando’s grillers from across the world in Australia this October.
Garry Duncan, Operations Director of Nando’s UK and Ireland, said: “(A) huge congratulations to Manny and Mia, as well as the other finalists.
“Making it this far is an incredible achievement, and a real reflection of the dedication, skill and passion our Grillers bring to their restaurant every day.”
Garry continued: “Grillers’ Challenge goes far beyond competition. It shines a spotlight on what makes Nando’s special, our people, our flavour, and our Southern African heritage.
“It’s also a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible talent across our restaurants, inspiring individuals to push themselves further and grow on a global stage.”