It is hard to travel around the UK and not find at least one branch of McDonald’s wherever you go.
The iconic US fast-food chain, which was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, has now become a staple in and around Britain’s high streets.
However, while the US were enjoying burgers from the chain for several years, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the first McDonald’s opened in the UK.
Thousands gathered outside the new outlet on opening day and while customers enjoyed the cheap meals, the colour scheme and decor may have been quite drab, even by 1970s standards.
Now there are over 1,400 branches of McDonald’s in the UK – but it all started from one branch in London – which opened 50 years ago today, on 13 November, 1974.
Here, Yahoo News UK looks back at the opening of the first McDonald’s in the UK…
When and where did the UK’s first McDonald’s open?
McDonald’s opened its first UK location in Powis Street, Woolwich, south east London, on 13 November, 1974. It introduced a radically different dining experience for the British public, who queued in their thousands to try the famous burgers.
At the time, the concept of fast food’ was still relatively new, and customers were not used to getting their food quickly – and at a very affordable price.
In an article from The Times in 1974, McDonald’s UK managing director Fred Turner said: “This is more than just a place to eat. We’re offering a new concept in food service. People can come in, get their meal quickly, and enjoy it in a clean and comfortable environment.”
What was on the menu and what were the prices?
When the first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Woolwich, the menu was relatively simple, and a far cry from the range of options available today.
However, the key items that McDonald’s is known for – including Big Macs and Quarter Pounder – were available for hungry Brits who generally considered eating out an expensive treat.
On the menu was:
-
Hamburger: £0.15p
-
Cheeseburger: £0.21p
-
Quarter Pounder: £0.40p
-
Quarter Pounder and cheese: 45p
-
Big Mac: £0.45p
-
McMariner: £0.30p
-
French fries (small): £0.10p
-
French fries (large): £0.12p
-
Milkshake (chocolate, strawberry or vanilla): £0.10p
-
Apple pie: £0.15p
-
Soft drinks and hot drinks: £0.08p to £0.15p
-
The United Tastes of America value meal (milkshake, burger and fries): £0.45p
1 / 19
What was it like inside?
While the interior of the McDonald’s featured the now-familiar Golden Arches, the decor was not something you would find in branches today.
Wooden seats were placed at every table, with ashtrays for smokers in the days before it was banned inside restaurants.
A brown and cream colour scheme was a world away from the modern-day look, while large portraits lined the walls.
These pictures showcased scenes of American life, including images of the original McDonald’s drive-in and cheerful depictions of customers enjoying their meals.
An open-plan kitchen also allowed customers to see their food being prepared.
What was it like to work there?
One worker spoke last year about his experiences of working at the very first branch of McDonald’s in the UK.
The staff member, named only as Ian, told My London that McDonald’s chose Woolwich as its first store “because they wanted the most average place in the UK as a test to see how well it would do”.
He recalled: “It wasn’t quite as hygienic as it is now. There was this backyard where everyone would go out to smoke and it was about four inches deep in slurry of various kinds.
“When people came back in they’d tread it in with their feet. They’d get you to go and clean the toilets and then put you straight to work on the grill.”
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
