Honest Mum goes behind the scenes at McDonald's

A Tour of McDonald’s & How to Make a Big Mac

Honest Mum

Honest Mum goes behind the scenes at McDonald's

It’s not every day that you get the chance to go behind-the-scenes at McDonald’s but that’s exactly what happened to me last week (because, #bloggerlife)! Heading over to the York city centre branch of my favourite fast food restaurant, I was able to discover more about the store’s digital make-over (which fyi is amazing) and I even tried my hand at a shift, rustling up a Big Mac.

I won’t lie, I felt a teeny bit like Beyoncé when part of the restaurant was closed off for myself and a small crew enabling us to film there (I got to interview franchisee John Atherton) as well and see for myself how the restaurant’s digitisation makes life 180053436 x easier for customers, particularly parents dining with kids in tow.

Check out the video I featured in and directed below.

Now you guys know that I’m always honest (obvs) and that’s what you get here-candid words you can trust so I’ll be real and say whilst I love a Michelin starred fare with the best of them, I also love a Maccy D’s from time to time, as do my kids.

A Big Mac and chocolate milkshake really hits the spot, right?! and whilst my family and I don’t eat it McDonald’s every day (that would just be cray), we do enjoy a meal there every so often as I’m sure you do too.

Whats more, now that you can swap fries for carrots and fruit bags, there really is no need to feel guilty about giving your kids a Happy Meal now and again.

The quality of the ingredients might just surprise you too so read on..

McDonald's food

McDonald’s UK have lowered salt across much of the menu and only use whole cuts of 100% beef from the forequarter and flank to their burgers, with just a pinch of salt and pepper added after cooking.

From farm to restaurant counter, literally nothing else is added to the burgers we all love so much.

McDonald’s is also incredibly proud of the 16,000 plus British and Irish farmers who supply the beef on their UK menu, all of which are approved by a nationally recognised farm assurance scheme, such as Red Tractor too.

They also only ever use chicken breast meat across their entire chicken range and they won’t work with anyone who doesn’t adhere to their own high standards of animal welfare, as well as those required by UK and EU legislation.

The eggs are all free range, and the milk in the tea, coffee, porridge and served with their Happy Meals is organic.

Impressive huh?!

When it comes to interiors, each restaurant has moved with the times offering a light, bright, modern and incredibly slick decor inside.

The York branch has statement walls, tech on each table and oh-so comfy seating.

As I mentioned, McDonald’s UK has put digital tech at the heart of the whole experience when you eat there, from ordering via their new touch screen kiosks to offering wireless charging points for smart phones and providing tablets to customers to use whether they’re a young family playing games (we love Granny Smith) or someone wanting to check their email, they’ve got you covered!

McDonald’s UK have even got an app so you can order from your phone and McDelivery means you don’t even need to leave your house to eat.

Talk about a digital revolution!

I was majorly impressed by their new digital kiosks as customers are now offered a whole new experience when choosing and ordering food. You can browse the entire menu, checking out the nutritional information as well as being able to save time paying with contactless cards. Whilst table service isn’t currently offered in this York city centre branch, it is available elsewhere and really does helps make life easier to order and dine with young families.   

McDonald's kiosk

Additionally, if you want to explore the menu by calorie, the kiosks make it easy for you to do so. 

Now going into the kitchen, I can report that all burgers and wraps are freshly prepared and made to order and everything you choose can be personalised whether you want to lose the bun or make food swaps for your family.

I loved making myself a Big Mac live on Facebook, and again for the vlog you can see here. I became quite the pro by the end of the shoot and had a lot of fun to boot!

So here’s how you make a Big Mac.

The bun has three parts which are toasted…

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Then you choose the correct box…

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Now, lay down the bun, squeeze the Big Mac (secret) sauce over with two pumps…

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac (Big Mac Sauce)

Sprinkle the onions

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Add the lettuce…

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

And the gherkins which I was advised should be kissing so when you bite the burger you get a bite of gherkin too. There’s a science behind the delicious feast that is a Big Mac don’t you know…

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Then it’s cheese time

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

And a tower of burgers…

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

How to make a Big Mac

With the bun on the top.

Yum!

Honest Mum makes a Big Mac

Woohoo, I made a Big Mac and it tasted amazing! *Proud face

Honest Mum goes behind the scenes at McDonald's

After the classic Big Mac, my latest fave at McDonald’s has to be The Signature Collection, a new permanent addition to the menu which honesty blew me away.

There are currently three burgers in the range – Classic, BBQ & Spicy and each consist of the thickest McDonald’s patty worldwide nestled in quality ingredients that will make you taste buds do a little happy dance.

The Signature Collection at McDonald's

Each of the three Signature Collection flavours features a 100% British and Irish beef patty, surrounded by select ingredients including Beechwood smoked bacon, Jalapeño slices, new sauces and cheeses, as well as Batavia lettuce and red onion; all in a Brioche style bun. Epic. 

The Signature Collection at McDonald's

Signature Collection-McDonald's

Signature Collection burger

burger in brioche bun at McDonald's

I might have eaten two!

What a day!

I loved my time at McDonald’s and was simply buzzing when I left. I learnt a lot about the ethos and quality of this global brand and I witnessed a real love and pride for McDonald’s, from all of the staff there.

I won’t forget my day there and was even allowed to take the uniform home with me, as a memento.

I literally dreamt about Big Macs that night.

This is a sponsored campaign but all thoughts are honest, as always.

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A Tour of McDonald's & How to Make a Big Mac

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