October 15th 2024.
This weekend, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first UK McDonald's! It's hard to believe that it's been half a century since this iconic fast food chain made its debut in the UK, but it's true. Back in 1965, the first McDonald's restaurant opened its doors in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, serving up their famous Big Mac burger for less than 50 cents. This was their way of competing with the Big Boy Burger from Big Boy Restaurants. Little did they know, the Big Mac would go on to become one of their most beloved and recognizable menu items around the world.
Now, let's fast forward a few years to 1974 when the first UK McDonald's restaurant opened in Woolwich, southeast London. It was the 3000th McDonald's location worldwide and it quickly became a popular spot for curious customers. The restaurant's interior was simple, with wooden seating and ashtrays on every table. This was before the indoor smoking ban was introduced in 2007, so it was a common sight at the time.
The menu at the first UK McDonald's was much simpler compared to today's options. Of course, the Big Mac was on the menu, along with the quarter pounder, quarter pounder with cheese, the McMariner, the United Tastes of America, and the classic apple pie. Prices were also much more affordable back then, with a hamburger costing only 15p and a cheeseburger at 21p. But the most iconic item, the Big Mac, came in at 45p.
As the years went on, McDonald's continued to grow in the UK, with their 200th location opening in Ipswich in 1986. Now, there are over 1,270 McDonald's restaurants across the UK, and they have become a staple in British culture.
But let's take a moment to appreciate how much prices have changed over the years. In 1974, a Big Mac cost 45p, while in 2024, it is projected to cost £4.99. That's quite a difference! And who can forget about the iconic Maccies breakfast, which wasn't introduced until 1982, 10 years after the first McMuffin was served in the US.
It's amazing to see how far McDonald's has come in the UK, from their first location in Woolwich to over 1,270 restaurants nationwide. Do you have any fond memories of visiting the first UK McDonald's? We'd love to hear your stories, so please get in touch by emailing us. Here's to another 50 years of McDonald's in the UK - we're lovin' it!
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