Why Won't McDonald's Give UK Customers The Good Stuff?

Who remembers the first time they discovered that you could get booze in McDonald's in certain other countries?

For those lucky few it would have been like a whole new world. Imagine being able to enjoy your chicken nugget meal with a glass of refreshing beer, and all without having to sit eating chicken nuggets outside the local off licence. That, my friends, is called 'the jackpot'.

As it happens, we here in the UK are often left with just the bare minimum of McDonald's treats, and it's high time that ended.

Here in dear old blighty, sure you can get a Chicken Legend meal, or a Grand Mac - while stocks lasted - but the ordinary menu is just that. Ordinary.

What about a little variety, or a bit less basic stuff?

Here's the run-down of what we're missing. Some of it seems great, other bits less so, but it would all be a bit more interesting than a bacon double cheeseburger.

That's not to say they aren't delicious, just that they're not that exciting.

Let's start with the booze. Admittedly, there is a lingering doubt about whether Brits can be trusted to get beer in Maccies, but in most European countries and some Asian ones, this is possible.

How about if I said the words 'Chocolate Salted Caramel Pie' to you?

I mean... goddammit, that sounds good.

If you're lucky enough to live in Malaysia, then you can get one of those. I can't envisage a world in which that wouldn't be a runaway success in the UK. Just do it already.

If that doesn't get you excited and hurriedly scribbling notes of protest to McDonald's UK headquarters, how about a Pineapple Oreo McFlurry? (Colombia).

Or the Bubblegum Squash McFlurry? (Australia/New Zealand).

Looking at the options on the table, does it not seem like the UK and Ireland are getting slightly fobbed off with the minimalist menu on offer? What if I want a McNürnburger, or a Prosperity Burger?

How about an Ebi Filet-O-Shrimp burger?

Yes, these are all real things that actually exist, you just have to travel to other countries to get your mitts on them.

Well, LADbible contacted McDonald's to ask them why they're holding out on us.

The reason seems to be that other countries are used as a testing ground for items that may - or may not - end up on UK menus.

In typically diplomatic fashion, a spokesperson told us: "We're always evolving our menu to introduce new and exciting flavour combinations and products, as well as bringing back longstanding favourites that we know our customers love.

"A benefit of being part of a Global business is around innovation, we watch closely what happens in our other markets to see if there are products we should look to consider in the UK and Ireland."

Well, here's some free market research - give us a beer, that chocolate salted caramel pie, and bring back the McRib.

It's really that simple.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: big mac, Food, UK News, Food And Drink, mcflurry, UK, McDonald's, world

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim