Watford High Street to Botswana is the route for a Nando's cook after success at a nationwide grilling competition.

Kieran Penhallow is a griller at the brand's Watford High Street branch and represented the town at Nando’s Grillers’ Challenge 2024 UK and Ireland final in Birmingham yesterday (July 2).

He faced off against five other finalists over a series of rounds testing the most skilled employees on their technical skill, passion, and knowledge.

Nando's regional director Neil Crowe (left) and Kieran Penhallow (right).Nando's regional director Neil Crowe (left) and Kieran Penhallow (right). (Image: Nando's)

The company have confirmed that Kieran was the runner up on the day, which is enough to secure him a place in the international final in Botswana later this year, where the cook will have the chance to prove he is “the best griller in the world”.

There were heats across 480 restaurants, 30 quarter-final heats, and six semi-finals to get through just to reach the UK and Ireland final.

Bishnu Ghimire from the same Watford location made the UK and Ireland final in last year’s competition, which was ultimately won by Debbie Bate from Nando’s Dudley — before Katie Connolly from Penrith, Australia, won the international stage in Malaysia.