McDonald’s reopens 280 more restaurants to walk-in customers

The McMuffin returned to McDonalds this morning as the chain relaunched its breakfast menu in 42 pilot restaurants across Britain.

The fast food giant, which has 1,800 outlets in the UK, will also reopen more than 280 of them in towns and cities for walk-in takeaway service from 11am today.

McMuffins and hash browns returned to its breakfast menu from 5am at 42 locations, and the breakfast menu is expected to be extended UK-wide next month.

Charliee Whittaker from Doncaster and Yvonne Oakes from Halifax become the first customers to enjoy a walk-in McDonald’s meal as it opens its first takeaways in Watford on June 17

A McDonald’s employee shows how they will pass over a takeaway bag to a delivery driver

The reopening of more outlets for takeaway follows a trial of 11 restaurants in Roadchef service stations reopening on June 17 for takeaway and click-and-collect.

This had marked the first time customers were allowed in since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed and all UK McDonalds stores were shut on March 23.

Only a certain number of customers will be allowed in each restaurant at any time – depending on its size and layout – and they will need to follow a one-way system.

There will be hand-sanitising stations and its seating areas, toilets and lifts will remain closed, and McDonald’s staff will also use face coverings and gloves. 

Perspex screens and other social-distancing measures have also been introduced, and the chain continues to offer a limited menu and will cap spending at £25.

These McDonald’s restaurants are reopening for breakfast today, with most for drive-through and delivery only, but Harrow, Tooting and Luton (George Street) are also open for takeaway

This is the new McDonald’s limited breakfast menu for those outlets which have reopened

There will be fewer self-order screens switched on and those in use will be sanitised at least every 30 minutes, and customers can also order via the My McDonald’s app.

Customers are encouraged to visit alone to collect their food where possible. For those visiting with children, play areas and digital play areas will remain closed.

Restaurant seating areas, customer toilets and lifts will remain closed, and recycling points will also remain closed, with customers instead asked to recycle at home.

A spokesman said: ‘As employees and the business adapt to a new way of working, McDonald’s would like to thank customers for their continued support and patience.

‘Customers are reminded to adhere to the guidance from the government and health authorities, especially if queuing outside restaurants before there is space to enter.’

Cars queue at a drive-through McDonald’s in Stourbridge in the West Midlands on June 4

There was chaos in parts of the country earlier this month as the firm reopened 1,000 restaurants with orders via McDelivery or via one of 923 drive-thrus.

Customers were seen queuing for hours to get their hands on a Big Mac, with cars blocking off emergency vehicles in some locations.

Stores reopened with a restricted menu last month, with lower staff numbers and social distancing in kitchens.

The chain started reopening to the public on June 2 when 168 restaurants were opened offering drive-thru services and an extra 22 stores were offering deliveries.

The next day, 497 more drive-throughs opened with 42 of those also offering delivery. On June 4 another 261 outlets were opened, taking the total to about 1,000.

What is included in McDonalds’ new limited daytime menu for Britain? 

Main Menu:

Cheeseburger

Hamburger

Double Cheeseburger

Big Mac

Quarter Pounder with Cheese

McChicken Sandwich

Filet-O-Fish

Chicken McNuggets

Chicken Selects 

The breakfast menu (in a few weeks)

Sides & Desserts:

Fries

Mozzarella Dippers 

McFlurry (Oreo, Maltesers, Smarties)

Fruit Bag

What’s Out? 

No milkshakes or smoothies 

No chicken wraps   

There are no promotional items, such as the Big Tasty Range 

No carrot stick bags, apple pies or muffins