Big Macs back on the menu next week

McDonald’s is to reopen hundreds of restaurants for drive-thru and delivery services next week.

The fast food giant says it is rapidly expanding its store openings across the UK to have more than 1,000 restaurants reopened for drive-through or delivery by next Thursday, June 4.

McDonalds opened a limited number of outlets in a delivery trial earlier this month, then last week the chain reopened 33 drive-thru sites in a pilot scheme for the country.

The company said it also decided to close some lanes where demand had led to long queues which ‘impacted local communities or the safety of our people or customers’.

A spokesman said: "This is only possible following the hard work of the teams in our 44 pilot restaurants.

"Over the last fortnight, our employees, franchisees and suppliers have worked tirelessly to implement new procedures to enable safe working so that we can now help all parts of the UK and Ireland to enjoy the return of the Big Mac. "With fewer employees working in our kitchens and service areas, our teams will still need your patience and support as they continue to adjust to the new ways of working." KFC reopened its Pennywell branch in Sunderland last week for delivery and drive-through, attracting lengthy queues.

The firm reopened more than 500 branches nationwide for drive-through and contactless delivery, although with a limited menu.

A spokesman said the firm had experienced ‘incredibly high demand’.