January 3rd 2025.
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As you probably already know, McDonald's is a popular fast food chain with over 1,400 restaurants across the UK. From McNuggets to cheeseburgers and milkshakes, they have something for everyone. But did you know that there's actually one McDonald's restaurant that serves exclusive items not available to the general public? And the best part? All the food there is completely free for customers!
But before you start planning your visit, there's a catch. This special McDonald's location is not open to just anyone. You need special access to get inside, so only a select few have had the chance to dine there. Thomas O'Neill, the head of menu at McDonald's UK, recently gave us some insight into this "incredible" restaurant, which is located inside the company's headquarters in East Finchley, London.
"I've been with McDonald's for 15 years, and a large portion of that time has been spent at the headquarters building," Thomas explains. "It's a truly inspiring place, with something new happening every day. We even have a university on-site where our crew members can learn and grow. And of course, we also have a restaurant."
This particular McDonald's looks and feels just like any other, but what sets it apart is the fact that all the staff and customers are familiar with each other, as they are all colleagues and friends. "We order our food at a kiosk, but sometimes it takes longer for me to place my order because I'll be busy chatting with everyone," Thomas adds with a smile.
Unfortunately, the main office building of McDonald's HQ is off-limits to the general public, so we couldn't get a firsthand look at the restaurant. However, Thomas did reveal some more details about it. As it turns out, the restaurant serves as the staff canteen, where many employees grab breakfast or lunch during the day. And because it's meant for the employees, the food is free! Another perk is that the menu often features items that are not yet available to the public, making it an exciting place to have a meal.
"We like to try out new things on our staff restaurant menu, whether it's a potential new addition to our UK menu or something that has been successful elsewhere," Thomas shares. "It's always a fun and delicious experience to have lunch there."
As if the off-menu items weren't enough, staff members also get to enjoy new menu launches before anyone else. For example, while customers across the UK were still enjoying the Christmas menu, with items like the Big Tasty and Terry's Chocolate Orange pie, those working at the HQ were already getting a taste of the items launching in January 2025.
Speaking of new menu items, McDonald's recently unveiled their latest offerings, which include three never-before-sold items and some returning favorites. First up, for those who miss the Katsu Curry Chicken Nuggets that were available in the UK in 2021, you're in luck! McDonald's has put a twist on the beloved item and is now offering a Chicken Katsu Wrap for just £1.99 on Wednesdays.
For burger lovers, there's a new BBQ Ranch Stack, and for those who prefer chicken, the McCrispy BBQ Smokehouse is making a comeback. And to top it all off, the popular Mozzarella Dippers are also back on the menu, now served with a tasty tomato salsa dip.
But the most exciting addition has to be the Milky Way McFlurry, which features soft dairy ice cream swirled with milk chocolate stars and malt-flavored pieces, topped with a chocolate sauce. These new items will be available for six weeks starting on January 8, with the McCrispy BBQ Smokehouse sticking around until May 6 and the Mozzarella Dippers until March 25 (available in a 3-piece collection or 9-piece sharebox).
So there you have it, the inside scoop on McDonald's secret restaurant and their upcoming menu items. Which of these off-menu items are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below. And if you have a story to share about your experience at this special McDonald's, we'd love to hear it. Just send us an email!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
