Nando's have brought out a new spice level, and it's so ridiculously hot that those willing to try ithave to sign a ‘liability waiver’ before tucking in.
The South African Portuguese-inspired restaurant chain is well-known for its PERi-ometer, which lets diners pick from several spice and flavour options to marinade their food in.
As Nando’s enthusiasts will know, Extra Hot is usually at the top of the scale, but now, a new addition has been added for 2023 – the VUSA XX HOT, reports The Manc.
Or rather, we should say the spice level has returned, as the VUSA XX HOT is actually back on the menu after a hiatus following its short stint tingling the tastebuds of customers across the country.
Image: Nando's
The only difference now is, you have to sign a ‘liability waiver’.
VUSA XX HOT gets its name from the Zulu word ‘Vusa’, which means ‘excitement and fire’ in English, and is not only a good indicator of what those brave enough to try it out can expect from the challenge, but also gives an insight into why a ‘liability waiver’ is needed.
We’re putting ‘liability waiver’ in inverted commas here because it is, of course, a little bit tongue-in-cheek on Nando’s part as it basically just gets diners to confirm that they know where the Bottomless Froyo machine is in the restaurant, just in case of cooling-down-related emergencies.
The waiver reads: “I certify I’m fully aware it’s fiery, fierce and has earned its rightful place at the top of the PERi-ometer. I’ll enjoy the legendary taste, hot sweats and bragging rights – because every mouthful’s a madness.
“After consideration, I waive my rights to complain about any spicy side effects, including but not limited to, streaming eyes and panting in front of my mates (or date).
“As a safety precaution, I confirm I know where to find the Bottomless Froyo machine”.
Spicy food not really your bag?
Well, Nando’s is also embracing Veganuary this month, and has launched new spiced chickpea-based range of dishes too – including the Spiced Chickpea Wrap and Pitta to go along with the already-released burger version.
These two new dishes take a spiced chickpea and spinach patty, and mix it with hummus, crunchy pink pickled onions, smoky red pepper chutney, and lettuce, all rolled into a tortilla wrap or fluffy pitta.
VUSA XX HOT and the Spiced Chickpea wrap and pitta are now available to try out for order for a limited time only at all UK and Ireland Nando’s restaurants.
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
New Sheffield pizzeria named one of the world’s best
Daisy Jackson
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th January 2023 
