McDonald’s UK has confirmed that its long-rumoured Secret Menu will launch across the UK from Monday, 5 January 2026, bringing new customer-created burgers, drinks and desserts to McDonald’s restaurants in London and across Britain as part of the McDonald’s new menu rollout, as reported by The WP Times.
The move turns years of informal ordering into an official, limited-time menu at a moment when Britain’s fast-food sector is under pressure from rising costs and weaker winter footfall. January is traditionally the slowest trading month for UK hospitality, with industry data showing sales typically drop by 15–25 per cent compared with December.
For more than a decade, customers in Britain have been creating their own combinations at McDonald’s counters and kiosks — adding fish fillets to cheeseburgers, stacking chicken and beef in one bun, or mixing espresso with milkshakes. These customised orders became widespread through social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram, where millions of views have been generated by so-called “McDonald’s hacks”.
McDonald’s UK & Ireland has now formalised those practices, allowing the company to offer something new without changing its kitchens, ingredients or supply chains. By using existing products to create new menu items, the group avoids the cost and complexity of launching a traditional new range while still driving higher spending per customer.
For large London restaurants — including sites in Leicester Square, Oxford Street and King’s Cross — the Secret Menu is expected to boost transaction values during a period when footfall from commuters and tourists typically falls after Christmas.
What Is on McDonald’s UK Secret Menu in January 2026
The 2026 Secret Menu is built around five mash-ups using existing ingredients, allowing McDonald’s to create “new” products without increasing supply-chain costs.
| Secret Menu item | What it is | UK price* |
|---|---|---|
| Surf N’ Turf | Cheeseburger with a crispy fish filet added | £4.39 |
| Chicken Cheeseburger | Beef patty + crispy chicken patty with cheese | £3.89 |
| Big Mac Sauce Dip | Big Mac sauce served as a dip for fries or nuggets | £0.50–£0.80 |
| Espresso Milkshake | Vanilla milkshake with a separate espresso shot | £3.69 |
| Apple Pie Mini McFlurry | Soft-serve with caramel and warm apple pie | £2.99 |
*Prices are national recommended retail prices and may vary slightly by location in London and across the UK. Every item is priced below the psychological £5 barrier, which is critical in a British fast-food market where many competitors’ “premium burgers” now cost £7–£9.
Why McDonald’s Is Launching This Now
The UK fast-food industry enters 2026 under heavy pressure. Ingredient costs remain elevated, staff wages are rising, and footfall in cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham is more volatile than before the pandemic.
By introducing a Secret Menu, McDonald’s achieves three things at once:
- It creates novelty without launching new supply chains
- It increases repeat visits through the McDonald’s app
- It converts social-media food hacks into official sales
For London branches, this is particularly important. Sites such as Leicester Square, Oxford Street, Liverpool Street and King’s Cross depend on high transaction volumes. Limited-time menu launches reliably push customers to spend more per visit.
What This Means for London Customers
In London, where tens of thousands of commuters, tourists and delivery riders pass through McDonald’s every day, the Secret Menu gives customers a reason to upgrade from a £1.99 cheeseburger to a £3.89–£4.39 mash-up.
Multiplied across hundreds of restaurants in Greater London, that shift alone represents millions of pounds in additional January revenue.
The strategy also fits how Londoners already order. Self-service kiosks, delivery apps and mobile ordering have made customisation normal. Turning fan hacks into official products removes friction and speeds up transactions.
How the Secret Menu Will Be Sold
From Monday, 5 January 2026, Secret Menu items will appear:
- On in-store digital screens
- In the McDonald’s UK app
- On delivery platforms including Uber Eats and Deliveroo
They are strictly limited-time, reinforcing urgency and encouraging customers to try them before they disappear.
Top McDonald’s in London (UK) with Full Menu — Rated 4★ or Above on Google
Here’s a concise, journalist-style guide to the highest-rated McDonald’s locations in London according to Google user reviews. All listed branches offer the standard McDonald’s menu (burgers, fries, McCafé, breakfast and more) and are popular choices among locals and visitors.
1. McDonald’s, 1a Ludgate Hill, London
4.0•Fast food restaurant•Öffnen
Rating: 4.0★ based on ~2959 reviews (Google)
Location: EC4M 7AA, near St Paul’s Cathedral, in the City of London
Overview: This central branch consistently ranks among the best-reviewed McDonald’s in London. Reviewers mention reliable service and good food quality relative to other outlets in the city. It’s particularly popular with office workers at lunch and tourists visiting St Paul’s and nearby attractions.
Why it stands out: One of the few London McDonald’s with a genuine 4-star average on Google — notable for cleanliness, order accuracy and relatively pleasant dining space compared with busier central locations.
Typical visit: quick lunch or coffee on the go, with standard menu availability including Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, McPlant and McCafé drinks.
2. McDonald’s, 48 Leicester Square, London
3.7•Fast food restaurant•Öffnen
Rating: 3.7★ based on ~4095 reviews
Location: WC2H 7LU, Leicester Square, West End
Overview: Situated in one of London’s busiest entertainment districts, this McDonald’s draws heavy foot traffic. Despite slightly lower ratings than the City branch, its central position makes it a go-to for tourists and theatre-goers seeking familiar fast food.
Visitor impressions: Reviews often note crowding and long queues during peak hours, but plenty of menu options and extended opening times.
Best for: late-night snacks, family visits, breakfast before West End shows.
3. McDonald’s, 155 Victoria St, London
3.8•Fast food restaurant•Öffnen
Rating: 3.8★ based on ~6165 reviews
Location: SW1E 5NA, near Victoria Station
Overview: One of the most reviewed McDonald’s in London and one of the highest rated in central areas. Its proximity to Victoria transport hub makes it a hub for commuters and tourists alike.
User sentiment: Consistently cited for efficient service and full menu availability, including breakfast items and McCafé options. Some reviews mention seasonal offers featured on the MyMcDonald’s app.
Why it’s recommended: Offers a balanced experience of speed, reliability and menu variety at a major London interchange.
4. McDonald’s, 291b Oxford St, London
3.7•Fast food restaurant•Öffnen
Rating: 3.7★ based on ~5654 reviews
Location: W1C 2DT, Oxford Street (West End shopping district)
Overview: A high-traffic branch on one of the city’s busiest shopping streets. Reviewers praise the breadth of menu items, especially for breakfast and coffee runs, though note that it can get crowded on weekends.
What to expect: Full McDonald’s menu, McPlant and Classic burgers, McCafé, and extensive opening hours catering to shoppers and locals alike.
5. McDonald’s, 112 High Holborn, London
3.7•Fast food restaurant•Öffnen
Rating: 3.7★ based on ~4034 reviews
Location: WC1V 6JS, Holborn
Overview: A well-reviewed option in the Holborn area, popular with office workers and students. Reviews point to good value and standard McDonald’s offerings, with indoor seating and McCafé coffee available.
Standout points: Reliable choice for lunch breaks or evening snacks; full standard menu with classic burgers, shakes and breakfast items.
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