Nando’s has shut 50 outlets, and paused delivery and collection, across England, Scotland and Wales, but its restaurants in Northern Ireland are not affected. In total, Nando’s has about 400 sites around the UK.

Responding to upset customers on Twitter, Nando’s described the situation as “a bit of a ‘mare’”.

The chain confirmed it’s sending 70 of its team members to help short-staffed suppliers “get things moving” again.

A Nando’s spokesperson said: “The UK food industry has been experiencing disruption across its supply chain in recent weeks due to staff shortages, and a number of our restaurants have been impacted.

“We expect to see this having a positive impact on the affected restaurants very soon, so please bear with us whilst we do everything we can to get our famous peri-peri chicken back where it belongs – on your plates!”

Nando’s has advised customers to check its website before planning a visit to one of its restaurants.

Closed restaurants currently include those in Braintree, Camberley, Coventry, Eltham, Enfield, Shrewsbury and Telford.

This summer has seen food supplies hit by delays at ports, freight and shipping services triggered by Brexit, in addition to workers being forced to self-isolate after being pinged by the NHS Test and Trace app.

Deliveries to supermarkets and retailers have been impacted in recent weeks by a shortage of HGV drivers. Unions have urged the government to get a grip on the crisis.

Last week KFC warned customers that some menu items may not be available due to supply chain disruption.