Animal rights activists against factory farming protested outside Walthamstow’s new branch of Nandos.

Members of Waltham Forest Animal Protection Group, who demonstrated at The Scene development as part of a national day of action against the chain on Saturday, claim chicken sold in its restaurants are sourced from suppliers using inhumane practices.

These include claims the animals are kept in crowded conditions with no daylight for just six to seven weeks before being slaughtered.

Many believe the practices cause unnecessary pain and suffering.

WFAP member Rachel Barrat said: “Factory farming is extremely cruel with animals and birds treated like products rather than the living creatures they are.

“It is possible to eat cruelty-free at Nando’s as they do have vegan options which are also much healthier.”

A Nando's spokewoman said: “Chicken welfare is incredibly important to us, all of the chicken we serve is 100 per cent British and reared in accordance with the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Standard. 

"All of our chickens are reared in deep littered, well-ventilated barns with constant access to food and water.

"Hay bales, perches and pecking objects are also used in the majority of our sheds to encourage natural behaviour.”