A town centre Nando’s has shut for several weeks.

The branch in Earl Street, Maidstone, is closed while it undergoes a “refurb” ahead of Christmas.

The South African chain specialises in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri-style chicken.

Construction signs have been placed outside the popular restaurant, and shopfront signage has been removed.

An exact reopening date is yet to be revealed.

A spokesperson for the chicken chain said: “Nando’s Maidstone is closed for a refresh for a few weeks.

“We will be back serving our PERi-PERi fans before Christmas.

“In the meantime, Nando’s fans can still get their PERi-PERi fix at Nando’s South Aylesford or Hempstead Valley, which offer eat-in and delivery options”.

The Maidstone venue shut last July for “some DIY”.

However, it later emerged that was to allow for pest-proofing to help solve its “mouse activity” problem.

The branch was ordered to clean up its act after council officers found evidence of “rodent droppings”, as well as food debris and broken crockery on the floor.

Nando’s insisted the hygiene of its restaurants was its “top priority” and was working to regain its five-star rating.

According to the Food Standards Agency’s website, its score of two, which was issued in May 2024, remains.